Beyond Eye Drops: 3 Advanced Treatments for Winter Dry Eye

Just about everyone experiences dry eyes at some point. But for some people, this condition is an ongoing issue that creates uncomfortable symptoms. 

At Wicker Park Eye Center in Chicago, Illinois, we pride ourselves on helping those in our care find lasting relief from a variety of common eye health ailments, including dry eyes. When eye drops aren’t getting the job done, these advanced treatments can help. 

Eye drops are the first place to look for relief

Dry eyes can affect anyone at any time. If you’re dealing with stinging, burning, or itchy sensations in your eyes, you might find relief with eye drops. 

There are many formulations to choose from, including prescription eye drops. This treatment can ease symptoms triggered by a day spent in the wind or exposure to a specific irritant, such as smoke or cleaning chemicals.

But if eye drops don’t provide lasting relief, it may be time to consider more advanced treatment options. Decreased tear production or increased tear evaporation often requires a more in-depth approach. 

Punctal plugs can help tears stay in place longer

Your eyes naturally drain your tears. The tiny openings (puncta) that lead to this drainage system are at the top and bottom inside corners of your eyes, on the edge of your eyelids. 

Punctal plugs are tiny inserts that block these openings. Your tears remain on the surface of your eye for a longer period, where they can lubricate your eyes and prevent dry eye symptoms. 

We can insert punctal plugs during a short office visit. Some types remain in place for only a short period, while others last for weeks or months. There are also permanent punctal plugs that won’t dissolve over time, although your specialist can remove them as needed. 

Intense pulsed light (IPL) can treat certain causes of dry eyes

Your meibomian glands produce a special oil that forms the outermost layer of your tear film. Some meibomian glands produce a thick, watery, or waxy substance. In these cases, the layer of your tear film that slows evaporation isn’t as effective as usual. 

That means your tears can evaporate more rapidly than they should, leaving your eyes feeling gritty, irritated, and dry. 

Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy uses brief, controlled pulses of light to create heat in and around the meibomian glands. The heat melts abnormally thick or waxy meibum, allowing the tear film to evaporate at the optimal rate. 

LipiFlow® Thermal Pulsation System is fast and effective

Another treatment that addresses malfunctioning meibomian glands is LipiFlow®, which can help if your meibomian glands produce meibum that’s too thick or waxy to blend with your tears.

Treatment takes less than 15 minutes, and special eye drops numb your eyes throughout your session. Your specialist places the treatment eyepieces over your eyes (they look a bit like swim goggles) and ensures you’re comfortable.

The device sends pulses of heat into your meibomian glands, creating a pulsing sensation. As the heat melts abnormal meibum, the pulsing helps remove any blockages that might interfere with your tear production.

You shouldn’t experience any pain during treatment sessions, and you should begin to see results over the coming weeks, with full results within 6-8 weeks. 

Learn more about your options

Dry eyes can be painful and distract you from your daily tasks. If over-the-counter eye drops aren’t getting the job done, contact Wicker Park Eye Center today. Call our office or request an appointment online.