Treatments
Dry eye treatments
Treatment starts with the tests. Most people begin with care at home, and your doctor adds prescribed or in-office care only if your results point to it.
Treatments can help people feel better. Results vary, and no option suits everyone.
- Sudden vision loss, flashes of light, a curtain over your vision, a chemical splash or an eye injury needs care now. Call our office right away or go to an emergency room. If you can't reach us, call 911.
Options, side by side
Dry eye treatments and what the FDA says about each
Each option has a different job. Results vary, and your doctor explains the risks and the evidence before you decide.
| Option | FDA status in the US | What it is | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prescription anti-inflammatory drops | FDA status in the USFDA-approvedApproved by the FDA for dry eye. | What it isEye drops used every day that calm inflammation on the surface of the eye. | Good to knowMay take weeks to show an effect. Can sting at first. |
| Punctal plugs | FDA status in the USFDA-clearedCleared by the FDA as a device for dry eye. | What it isTiny plugs placed in the tear drains to keep your own tears on the eye longer. | Good to knowA short visit. They can be removed if they do not suit you. |
| Thermal pulsation of the eyelids | FDA status in the USFDA-clearedCleared by the FDA as a device for dry eye. | What it isGentle warmth and pressure on the lids to clear blocked oil glands. | Good to knowDone in the office. The lids can feel tender afterward. |
| Intense pulsed light | FDA status in the USFDA-clearedCleared by the FDA as a device for dry eye. | What it isPulses of light around the eyes for dry eye caused by oil gland dysfunction. | Good to knowDone in a short series of visits. Eyes are shielded. Not for every skin type. |
| Oil gland expression and lash line cleaning | FDA status in the USNo FDA status to report. | What it isYour doctor presses the lids and cleans the lash line by hand. | Good to knowYour doctor explains how much evidence supports it. |
In the office
What a treatment visit is like
- 01
Before
Your doctor explains the option, its risks and what the FDA has said about it, and you decide with time to ask questions.
- 02
During
Treatments in the office take about 10 to 20 minutes. Your eyes are checked first, and we stop if you ask us to.
- 03
After
You leave with written care instructions and a follow-up visit to see how your eyes are doing.
Billing
How these treatments are billed
Prescribed drops and plugs
Often billed to medical insurance, depending on your plan.
How fees workTreatments in the office
Often not covered by a plan. We give you a written estimate before you decide.
Questions
About treatment
Will one treatment be enough?
Dry eye often needs steady care, with a mix of home care and office care. Your doctor rechecks your eyes and adjusts the plan.
Are the treatments in the office painful?
Most people feel warmth or light pressure. Tell your doctor if anything is uncomfortable and we stop.
Can I choose only home care?
Yes. Many people start there, and your doctor tells you what the tests suggest.
Book a dry eye evaluation
Treatment starts with the tests. Pick a time or call us.