At Eye & Vision, we take a multi-pronged approach to the treatment of Dry Eyes, Blepharitis,

or related disorders of the surface of the eye.

Our treatment procedures address tear quality, production, distribution, drainage and maintenance.

Treatment of Dry Eyes

We see each patient frequently in order to establish an effective therapeutic relationship, monitoring progress, and adjusting treatment as needed. There is no cure for dry eyes. However, with comprehensive treatment, most patients experience significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life.

Many eye care professionals are not aware of the optimal dry eye treatments. That is why Dr Gonzalez is a nationally recognize speaker on the subject. When it comes to treatment of dry eyes, instillation of tears alone is very often not effective and dilutes the little precious proteins left in the tear surface.

Our initial therapy starts based on an evaluation of your eyes. From our experience, we place more emphasis on the inflammatory component of dry eye and ofetn prescribe a topical steroid such as Lotemax that can be combined with a lacrigenic (medication that causes you to produce tears) such as Restasis (both are prescription medication). We often use Azasite as therapy for any meibomian gland disfunction.

It is important to understand that all artificial tears are NOT equal and often not beneficial in therapy. Equally not are all brands of punctal plugs. Often you may need to incorporate additional types of treatments and/or lifestyle modifications.

Other levels of treatment in dry eye treatment are usually all about shifting the focus to the meibomian glands (gland that produce tears). A course of oral antibiotics such as doxycycline may help, if there is inflammatory meibomian gland dysfunction going on, 

Other conditions such as blepharitis might require lid hygiene and warm compress treatment and it may be very important. to add Omega 3 supplementation (flax seed and/or fish oil). For this we also prescribe medications such as Hydrate, a prescription strength Omega oil from Ocusoft. 

For proper treatment we evaluate and manage:

Tear quality can be improved by lifestyle and nutritional adjustments. Our dry eye doctor provides you the information you need to ensure your success with the appropriate lifestyle and nutritional changes. We take the time to explain how your environment and eating habits effect the health of your eyes. eye moisture

Tear production
can be improved by prescription eye drops. Once again, our dry eye doctor works with you to ensure your prescription provides the right solution for your eyes. Blepharitis, or inflammation of the eyelid margins, can be improved with prescribed lid hygiene. We don't just tell you, we show you how.

Tear drainage
can be blocked temporarily or long-term by collagen or silicone punctal plugs.


Trust our dry eye doctor to explain the treatment and
discuss whether this is the right treatment for you.



Dr. Gonzalez performs all punctal plug placements.

Adapted from :Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Dry Eye Syndrome Scot E. Moss, MA; Ronald Klein, MD; Barbara E. K. Klein,
MD
Arch Ophthalmol. 2000;118:1264-1268.