Dry Eye in Nashville, TN

Wang Vision Institute is one of the top centers in the state for iLux and LipiFlow.  Also, our center performed the first BlephEx in middle Tennessee.

WIth any type of eye surgery, it is very common to have dry eye symptoms afterwards.  Therefore dry eye treatments prior to LASIK, ZEISS SMILE, PRK, ICL and cataract surgery help to prepare the ocular surface for surgery to get the best results possible.  At Wang Vision Institute, we use BlephEx to remove lid debris and bacterial biofilm in-office with microblepharoexfoliation to clean the eyelid margin.  We also use either iLux or Lipiflow to help restore meibomian gland function by removing gland obstruction with thermal pulsation in-office.

Even without surgery, BlephEx, Lipiflow, and iLux can be performed to help those patients who are suffering from chronic dry eye.  All of us will deal with dry, irritated eyes occasionally. However, when it persists for a long time or occurs frequently, it could be a sign that you're experiencing dry eye syndrome. This common eye condition is the result of either an underproduction of tears or irregular tear makeup, which in turn can be caused by medical issues, certain medications, or environmental factors. Tears are crucial to the overall health and visual function of the eyes; therefore, if tears are not forming, it can cause extreme inflammation of the eyes, as well as blurry vision. Dry eye syndrome is most often caused by an underlying illness. Once the underlying condition is diagnosed and dealt with, the dry eye symptoms can be considerably reduced.

Individuals who suffer from dry eye syndrome commonly deal with problems with their vision and red, scratchy, stinging eyes. They can also deal with contact lens intolerance.  A lot of people feel like they have sand in their eyes or feel pain when inserting contact lenses. A number of individuals with dry eye syndrome also report that their eyes feel heavy and sore. Sometimes, they can even develop light sensitivity and notice trouble with night vision. Regardless of how its name sounds, dry eye can, for some patients, trigger an overproduction of tears to attempt to alleviate the condition. Dry eye syndrome is characterized as the recurrent experience of some or all of these issues and typically creates challenges in daily tasks and activities.

The two causes of dry eye syndrome are a lack of tears or irregular tear makeup. The creation process of human tears has three main components, and there are a few types of dry eye syndromes that are diagnosed according to which component is impacted. The lacrimal glands make the actual tears, the meibomian glands are responsible for the oils within the tears, and the goblet cells blend the two together. Dry eye syndrome might develop if any one of these three aspects of tear production malfunctions. Multiple, different factors can alter each of these components, including hormonal changes, aging, underlying conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, and specific prescription drugs.

The most thorough method for diagnosing chronic dry eye is to have a thorough eye exam. Along with your symptoms, our team will go over your medical history to search for any underlying causes for your eye issues. Your comprehensive eye exam might include determining the quantity and quality of your tears, as well as a routine examination of your eyes, eyelids, and corneas using a special light and magnification lenses. If we do find that you have dry eye syndrome, we will create your unique treatment plan based on the degree of your condition.

Wang Vision Institute is one of the top centers in the state for iLux and LipiFlow. Also, our center performed the first BlephEx in middle Tennessee.

Your customized dry eye treatment will be determined by the underlying condition causing your dry eyes. After an in-depth exam and a review of any past conditions, we can assess which treatment is best for your particular needs. Many patients with mild cases of dry eye can lessen their discomfort with prescription or nonprescription artificial tears. These eye drops can supplement your natural tears. If your dry eye syndrome is more complicated, we may suggest LipiFlow or iLux, where glands in the eyelids called the meibomian glands are warmed and massaged gently, promoting improved natural tear production. We can also utilize special plugs that can be placed in your tear ducts (called punctal occlusion) to seal them off and hold the natural tears in the eye. Our office also offers dry eye relief with the amniotic membrane contact lens (AMCL), which was developed by our own Dr. Ming Wang. In addition, we may perform a BlephEx treatment on your lids to clear away any debris or bacteria that could be causing your dry eye.

How do I manage dry eye and wearing contact lenses?

It’s important to know how to manage dry eye if you wear contact lenses every day. Make sure your contacts are clean, and use drops before placing them in your eyes and after taking them out. Keep eye drops on hand so you can use them if your eyes become dry during the day. This is especially true if you spend a lot of time in dry or windy environments.

What are the complications of dry eyes?

Many complications could result from untreated dry eye. People are more prone to infections and may notice a decreased ability to perform tasks like working with computers, reading, and driving. Dry eye can even result in redness and eye inflammation, corneal abrasions, and permanent vision problems. We suggest visiting Wang Vision Institute as soon as you notice symptoms.

Do I need to see an eye doctor about dry eye?

You should visit an eye doctor if you have dry eyes. Home remedies or over-the-counter products can be ineffective and sometimes make your symptoms worse. Wang Vision Institute can create a personalized plan that works for you, whether it’s prescription eye drops or other treatments. We can also diagnose any underlying conditions that may contribute to dry eyes.

Experiencing the symptoms of dry eye syndrome is more than just a serious annoyance, it can also result in reduced vision without treatment. If you have been experiencing severe dry eye symptoms and have tried to get relief from nonprescription medications, set up a dry eye evaluation at our Nashville, TN facility. Our wonderful group of ophthalmologists and eye care professionals at Wang Vision Institute frequently diagnose and treat the different aspects of dry eye syndrome. Dr. Julianne Koch, the director of our Dry Eye Clinic, will be more than happy to work with you and help you regain your comfort and quality of life.