Are you struggling with dry, irritated eyes that interfere with your daily life? You may have dry eye syndrome, a common but treatable condition. At Eye Centers of Racine & Kenosha, our experienced eye doctors use advanced diagnostics and personalized treatment plans to help patients find lasting relief from dry eye.
Schedule a Dry Eye EvaluationDry eye, or dry eye syndrome, is a chronic condition that occurs when your eyes either do not produce enough tears or produce tears of insufficient quality to keep the surface of your eyes properly lubricated. A healthy tear film consists of three essential layers: an outer oil layer, a middle water layer, and an inner mucus layer.
When any of these layers are compromised, the tear film becomes unstable and unable to adequately protect the surface of your eyes. This can lead to irritation, discomfort, and in more serious cases, damage to the ocular surface. It is also possible to experience no symptoms when the eyes are dry and experiencing damage to the ocular surface. This makes it even more important to have an annual exam with your eye doctor so that you can be evaluated for the presence of dryness on the surface of your eyes.
The most common cause of dry eye is Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), a condition in which the oil-producing glands in your eyelids become blocked and are unable to secrete oil into the tear film.
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Dry eye syndrome can cause a wide range of uncomfortable symptoms, including:
Symptoms often worsen later in the day or in dry, windy, or low-humidity environments. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms regularly, scheduling a comprehensive dry eye evaluation at Eye Centers of Racine & Kenosha is an important first step toward finding relief.
Dry eye can affect anyone, but certain factors can increase your risk or worsen your condition, including:
Our eye doctors take a comprehensive, individualized approach to dry eye treatment. Depending on the severity and underlying cause of your condition, we may recommend one or more of the following treatments.
Artificial tears are often the initial treatment for dry eyes and are available over the counter at most pharmacies. They help to supplement the natural tears that your eyes produce, and rather than using them only when symptoms flare up, your eye doctor will typically recommend a regular application schedule of four to six times per day to maintain consistent lubrication.
It may take several weeks before you notice a significant improvement. If you experience irritation from standard eye drops, your doctor may suggest preservative-free artificial tears. For more severe dry eye, thicker gels or ointments may be recommended to help retain moisture more effectively. It’s important to note that while artificial tears can provide some relief, they mainly serve as a temporary solution and don't address the underlying condition.
Inflammation is often the root cause of dry eye, and at Eye Centers of Racine & Kenosha, we offer a wide range of prescription anti-inflammatory medications to treat the condition at its source. Depending on your individual needs, your eye doctor may recommend medications like Xiidra, Vevye, Tryptyr, Restasis, or Cequa.
These prescription therapies are designed to treat your specific diagnosis and can provide long-term management of chronic dry eye. Some patients benefit from a combination of anti-inflammatory medications and other treatments to achieve optimal results.
Amniotic membrane products help soothe dry eye by harnessing the natural healing properties of amniotic membrane tissue. Amniotic membrane, part of the placenta that protects babies during pregnancy, contains powerful anti-inflammatory and regenerative compounds that support healing at the ocular surface. Eye Centers of Racine & Kenosha offers a range of amniotic membrane products, including:
BioTissue CAM360 AmnioGraft is particularly effective for patients with early-stage dry eye disease and reduced corneal sensitivity. The treatment reduces inflammation, minimizes scarring, and supports your body's natural healing processes. Clinical research has also shown that amniotic membrane therapy promotes nerve regeneration, which can be particularly beneficial for patients with dry eye.
For patients whose dry eye has progressed to the point of causing damage to the corneal surface, Biovance 3L Ocular offers a specialized solution. When the tear film breaks down over time, it can wear away the thin layer of cells covering the cornea, creating a wound that struggles to heal on its own. Left untreated, these wounds can lead to infection or vision loss.
Prokera is an amniotic membrane product used to protect, repair, and heal damaged eye surfaces, and is often recommended for more advanced cases of dry eye. It is structurally similar to a large contact lens and delivers the anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties of amniotic tissue directly to the cornea.
Consistent maintenance is a key part of managing dry eye long-term. The Bruder Moist Heat Eye Compress is the number one doctor-recommended warm compress for dry eye and is a clinically proven, natural way to address chronic dry eye, Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), and blepharitis.
The compress uses patented MediBeads technology, which absorbs moisture from the air and releases it as clean, soothing moist heat when microwaved. Simply microwave for 20 to 25 seconds and apply for 8 to 10 minutes. The heat helps loosen blocked Meibomian gland secretions, allowing natural oils to flow back onto the eye, stabilizing the tear film and slowing tear evaporation. The compress is self-hydrating, anti-bacterial, non-allergenic, and washable for repeated use.
LACRIFILL® Canalicular Gel is an FDA-approved treatment designed to keep your natural tears on the surface of your eyes longer, reducing your reliance on artificial tears throughout the day.
Your eyelids have small drainage openings called puncta that carry tears away from the eye. LACRIFILL works by gently filling these drainage canals with a soft gel, slowing the rate at which tears drain, keeping your eyes better lubricated. The procedure is simple and fast; your eye doctor uses a small pre-filled syringe to place the gel into the tear duct in less than five minutes, with no surgery and no downtime. Most patients report feeling relief almost immediately, and the gel can provide up to six months of comfort. It can also be removed by your eye doctor if needed.
Punctal plugs are a simple, effective solution for patients with dry eye due to insufficient tear production. These tiny devices are placed in the small drainage openings at the corners of your eyelids, slowing or preventing tears from draining away too quickly and helping maintain natural moisture on the surface of your eyes.
Your eye doctor can place punctal plugs during a quick, painless in-office procedure that takes just a few minutes. Most patients experience immediate improvement in eye comfort. Depending on your needs, your eye doctor may recommend temporary plugs that dissolve naturally within days, semi-permanent options that last several months, or permanent silicone plugs. If needed, permanent silicone plugs can be safely and quickly removed at any time by your doctor.
Living with dry eye symptoms doesn't have to be your reality. The experienced team at Eye Centers of Racine & Kenosha is here to help you identify the root cause of your dry eye and recommend a personalized treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and needs.
Whether your symptoms are mild or you've been struggling with chronic dry eye for years, we have the tools and expertise to help you find lasting relief. Schedule your comprehensive dry eye evaluation today.
13200 Globe Drive,
Suite 216
Mt Pleasant, WI 53177
