Dry Eye Treatment
Paying for Dry Eye Treatment
When people schedule an appointment at our practice, we want to make sure that their diagnosis and treatment plan is as affordable as possible. Here is what we do to help lower your overall costs and keep care within your budget:
What Can Dry Eye Treatment Relieve?
Chronic dry eyes can be effectively treated with our comprehensive range of treatment options. Patients who undergo care with our eye doctors can achieve relief from:
Dry Eye Treatment Improves Your Health & Appearance
5-Star Google Reviews
chris bland
2021
Dr Gross did my cataract surgery, I highly recommend. I see better that I have for 50 years, him and his staff are excellent.
Read More Google ReviewsJoe Holloway
2020
David and his Team at Deen-Gross Eye Center are the best! If anyone in the area is looking to get Lasik done, I highly recommend them. THANK YOU!
Read More Google ReviewsContact Our Practice
Our ophthalmologists have more than 35 years of combined experience. Dr. David Gross has been in practice for 25 years, and Dr. Jeffrey Nelson has been in practice for 10 years. They can pinpoint the cause of your dry eyes and take your insurance coverage and budget into consideration to develop an effective vision care plan that works for your unique needs.
We serve patients from across Indiana at our state-of-the-art ophthalmology offices in Merrillville and Hobart, IN. Contact us online today to ask a question or request a consultation. You can also reach us by phone:
Why Do I Have Dry Eyes?
The tears are composed of three layers: the water or aqueous layer, which nourishes the eye; the mucous layer, which binds the aqueous layer to the surface of the eye; and the oil layer, which keeps tears from evaporating too quickly. If the balance of these layers is disrupted, it can result in uncomfortable dry eye symptoms. Determining the cause of your dry eyes is critical to finding the most effective approach to care. Generally, there are two causes of dry eyes:
Evaporative Dry Eye
This type of dry eye accounts for the majority of cases. It is caused by a blockage of the meibomian glands, which are tiny oil glands located at the margin of the eyelids near the lashes. If insufficient oil is produced by the meibomian glands, tears evaporate at a much faster rate than normal.
Aqueous Dry Eye
The eyes need a sufficient amount of water and proteins to remain comfortably lubricated. If the lacrimal glands don't produce enough water, the tear film becomes unstable. This results in the surface of the eyes becoming dry, red, and itchy on a daily basis.
Dry Eye Risk Factors
There are many other causes and risk factors for dry eyes, including:
- Advanced age
- Certain medical conditions
- Use of certain medications
- Prior laser eye surgery
- Blepharitis
- Your environment
Dry Eye Treatment
Our eye doctors have experience with multiple medical and surgical options for dry eye. During an exam at one of our offices in Hobart or Merrillville, we can diagnose the condition, determine its cause, and recommend treatment. In many cases, we begin with more conservative and non-invasive options before considering surgery.
Lifestyle Changes
Recommended lifestyle changes may include:
Hot compresses to open up the glands
Antibiotic eyelid scrubs to remove debris and buildup
Antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acid supplements like fish oil, which is high in EPA/DHA/GLA and astaxanthin
Consuming a healthy diet high in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins
Avoiding dry, dusty, or windy conditions
Getting at least eight hours of sleep each night on a regular schedule
Using a humidifier
Quitting smoking
Avoiding prolonged screen time or taking frequent breaks during screen time
Eye Drops for Dry Eyes
Artificial Tears
Artificial tears can be purchased over the counter to lubricate the eyes when the symptoms of dry eye occur. For some patients, a combination of lifestyle changes and artificial tears can treat dry eyes.
Prescription Eye Drops
We may prescribe eye drops if more conservative options don't provide sufficient relief for your dry eyes. Steroidal eye drops and products like RESTASIS®, Xiidra®, or Lotemax can help.
Medical Heat Therapy
For dry eyes caused by meibomian gland dysfunction, a combination of heat and pressure or radiofrequency energy can be delivered along the eyelids to open up blockages. This quick 15-minute treatment can significantly reduce dry eye.
Punctal Plugs
All four eyelids have a tear duct opening (also known as a puncta) that allows tears to drain from the eyes. Punctal plugs are small devices that can be inserted into tear duct openings to increase the tear film that coats the eyes, keeping them moist and comfortable. Dissolvable or semi-permanent punctal plugs can be placed.
Surgery to Close the Tear Ducts
Patients looking for a more permanent solution for dry eyes may wish to undergo surgery to close the tear ducts. Like punctal plugs, this option increases the tear film and keeps the eyes lubricated. This is typically a last resort option.
"I Can See Like I Did When I Was a Kid."
Paul Forsythe
2020
I went in today for a typical check up after cataract surgery a couple of years back with Dr. Gross. At that time, I had high intraocular pressure and was taking glaucoma-type eye drops to lower that pressure. Dr. Gross suggested iStents at that time and I have been free of eye drops and remain at a normal pressure--no longer glaucoma high. That was a win! Today was another win. My right eye was losing a little clarity due to some growth over the lens after the cataract surgery. Dr. Gross did on- the-spot laser surgery today, and I can see like I did when I was a kid. I can focus on a blade of grass driving down the road!
Read More Google ReviewsRebecca Persky
2020
WOW. Where do I even begin?! I'll start off with the most detail.... Ready? FOR THE FIRST TIME IN OVER 20 YEARS, I CAN OPEN MY EYES AND SEE.... PERFECTLY. No more fumbling for my glasses (praying that I didn't roll onto them while I slept or that one of my kids didn't pop a lense out), fishing my overly dry contacts out of my very sensitive & dry eyes, I can wake up & JUST SEE! Was I extremely nervous to trust someone with my eyesight... I cannot recommend this office highly enough. Dr. Gross, Dr. Taffora, & the entire staff & surgical staff at Deen Gross Eye Center were absolutely wonderful! Thank you all!!!!
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