According to the 2007 Dry Eye Workshop, dry eye is a multifactorial disease of the tears and ocular surface that results in symptoms of discomfort, visual disturbance, and tear film instability with potential damage to the ocular surface. It is accompanied by increased osmolarity of the tear film and inflammation of the ocular surface. This definition from TFOS from: www.tearfilm.org
There is no cure for dry eyes. Instead, we have ways to make you more comfortable through the use of artificial tears, temporary or permanent dissolving or non-dissolving punctal plugs to stop the drainage of your tears.
We start with a temporary non-dissolving punctal plugsa to see how your body reacts before moving on to permanent plugs.
We can also prescribe eyedrops specifically designed to help your body produce normal tears like Restasis or Xiidra or ones that control inflammation.
If you have any question about dry eye or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us today at (703) 425-2000.