Dry Eye Treatment Specialist

What is dry eye?

Dry eye is a condition that causes chronic eye irritation. Some common symptoms of dry eye are:

• Eye dryness
• Itchy eyes
• Eye hotness or burning
• Teary eyes
• Tired-feeling eyes
• Gritty-feeling eyes (foreign body sensation)
• Difficulty opening your eyes

Dry eye happens if you don’t produce enough tears, if you have abnormal tear film, or if your tear film dries too fast. Your tear film keeps your eyes well lubricated. It enables comfortable blinking, so it’s not surprising that a lack of healthy tear film can disrupt eye function and make you uncomfortable. 

What causes dry eye?

There are many possible factors involved in dry eye. Women are twice as likely to have dry eyes as men, most likely due to hormone fluctuations. Dry eye also becomes increasingly more common from around age 40 until age 80. These two risk factors make women in their 40s and older the most at risk for dry eye. 

Dry eye is increasing in people of all ages today, possibly due to the frequent use of electronic devices, including laptops, smartphones, and tablets. 

Certain medications, like antihistamines and anti-hypertensive drugs, may also cause or contribute to dry eye.

Some other factors that may play a role in the development of dry eye, include rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid dysfunction, refractive surgery, and blepharoplasty. If you need to have eye surgery, Dr. Kamen can help you take precautionary steps to avoid dry eye as you recover.

What is the most effective dry eye treatment?

Artificial tears — over-the-counter eye drops that lubricate your eyes — are sometimes helpful as a short-term solution. However, eye drops evaporate within only a few minutes, so they’re not practical for anyone struggling with chronic dry eye symptoms. 

At Beverly Hills Eye Center, Dr. Kamen prescribes the single most effective way to treat dry eye: punctal plugs. With punctal plugs, Dr. Kamen inserts tiny collagen or silicone plugs into your tear ducts. These plugs prevent moisture loss and help maintain a healthy tear film. Ultimately, punctal plugs can painlessly relieve your dry eye symptoms without surgery. 

It takes just about a minute to insert punctal plugs in the office. Punctal plugs are a reversible treatment, and all types of eye insurance cover them. 

If you have persistent symptoms of dry eye, it’s time to seek treatment at Beverly Hills Eye Center. Call the office or book an appointment using the online scheduler now.