Dry Eye Treatment in Los Angeles

Dry eye is a term used to describe a group of different diseases and conditions that result from inadequate wetting and lubrication of the eye. Dry eye syndrome is the most common of all eye disorders, affecting approximately 20% of the population. Currently, there is no cure for dry eye, although there are many treatments available.

Symptoms

There are a number of symptoms associated with dry eye. Some of the most common ones include:

A stinging, burning sensation in your eyes
A sense of a foreign substance in your eyes
Stingy mucus in or around the eyes
Increased eye irritation from smoke or wind
Eye fatigue after short periods of reading
Sensitivity to light
Difficulty wearing contact lenses
Blurred vision, often worsening at the end of the day

Causes

Dry eye can be caused by a number of different underlying factors. Some of the leading causes of dry eye include:

Aging. About 75% of individuals over 65 suffer from dry eye
Contact lens wear. Dry eye is the leading cause of contact lens intolerance.
Hormonal changes in women. Pregnancy, oral contraceptives and menopause can all cause dry eye.
Laser vision correction procedure. This surgery often temporarily induces dry eye.
Environmental factors. Environmental factors like windy or desert climates, air conditioning, smoke and air pollution can all cause dry eye syndrome.
Meibomian gland dysfunction. Patients with this dysfunction typically present with symptoms of burning, irritation, dryness and trouble wearing their contacts. The diagnosis is made by inspection of the glands and their secretions.
Work environment. Dusty and windy work environments can be harmful to patients and may increase their chances of developing dry eye.
Medications. Many medications are associated with an increased incidence of dry eye. They include pain relievers, antihistamines, tranquilizers, oral contraceptives, beta blockers, diuretics and antidepressants.
Screen time. Sitting in front of the computer or tablet for hours on end may cause you to blink less, resulting in dry eyes.
Certain diseases. A number of diseases are linked to chronic dry eye. They include Sjogren’s Syndrome, Grave’s disease and diabetes, among others.
Vitamin A deficiency. This uncommon vitamin deficiency exists with chronic failure to eat sufficient amounts of vitamin A or beta-carotene. Night blindness and dry eye are the first symptoms, and they can eventually progress to total and irreversible blindness.

3 Steps to Freedom from Dry Eye

Schedule appointment with one of our dry eye specialists at Benjamin Eye Institute
Complete the new patient medical history questionnaire
Familiarize yourself with terms, conditions, causes and symptoms

Dry eye treatment options

Restasis®

Restasis is a prescription eye drop that treats dry eye syndrome by increasing your natural ability to produce tears. The product works by reducing chronic inflammation that affects the lacrimal glands (the glands responsible for producing tears.) In this way, it improves both the quality and quantity of the tears your body is able to produce. At the Benjamin Eye Institute, we consider Restasis to be the gold standard for treating serious cases of dry eye.

(OTC) Over-the-counter eye drops

Over-the-counter eye drops are a very common dry eye treatment. Although these drops are readily available and capable of soothing the eyes and providing temporary relief, they don’t actually treat the underlying dry eye problem. As such, Dr. Benjamin and his team instead recommend prescription drops designed specifically to improve dry eye syndrome.

Autologous Serum Eye Drops

Made from your own blood serum, these drops produce a tear substitute that is formulated specifically for your eyes and contains the crucial growth factors and nutrients that are normally found in healthy tears.

BlephEx

This painless, in-office eye treatment helps to provide long-lasting relief from blepharitis and dry eye. During this procedure, years of built-up bacteria and debris are safely removed from along the edge of your lashes, exfoliating your eyelids, and immediately improving uncomfortable symptoms. There is no downtime from this treatment and best results are seen in combination with LipiFlow.

Prokera

Prokera is a biologic corneal bandage that is cleared by the FDA to treat a number of eye diseases, including dry eye. It is designed to restore a smooth corneal epithelium and reduce inflammation so that your eyes can produce tears normally.

Pterygium treatment

In some cases, dry eye is caused by a condition known as “surfer’s eye,” or pterygium, which occurs when pink tissue grows on the conjunctiva. When the growth causes severe discomfort or interferes with your ability to see normally, an outpatient procedure may be recommended. When performed at the Benjamin Eye Institute, the surgery will be performed without sutures and using amnio grafts to ensure an optimal cosmetic outcome and a reduced risk of a recurrence.

LipiFlow®

If it is determined that blocked glands are causing your dry eye syndrome, the LipiFlow Thermal Pulsation System may offer an ideal solution. The treatment works by directing warmth to your blocked glands, opening them up so your body can resume producing tear film oil. This in-office procedure takes approximately 12 minutes and is highly effective. In a clinical study, 79 percent of patients experienced an overall improvement in their dry eye symptoms after a single treatment with LipiFlow. Depending on the severity of your dry eye symptoms, you may require additional treatments moving forward to maintain these results.

Punctal Plugs

If you’ve used drops or ointments in the past and haven’t gotten relief from your dry eye condition, Dr. Benjamin may want to occlude (block) your puncta. Puncta are the drainage ducts that your old tears, or extra tears, can escape through while your glands are making new ones. In each of your eyes, there is one punctum in the top eyelid and another on the bottom eyelid, at the corner of the eye that is towards your nose. About 80% of the tears drain from the lower, 20% from the upper puncta. Punctal plugs do exactly what they sound like: they stop the drains, just like the plug in your kitchen sink. Punctal plugs are made of very soft flexible silicone, similar to the material used in contact lenses.

Omega 3 Fish Oil and Vitamin A

Gaining popularity among medical doctors and their patients are vitamins and omega 3 fish oil pills for the treatment of dry eye. Many patients are able to find relief from their dry eye syndrome by supplementing their diet with foods that are rich in omega 3 fatty acids, such as walnuts, cod liver oil, primrose oil and cold-water fish. Additionally, Dr. Benjamin and his team stress the importance of getting enough vitamin A through your diet, as it helps to maintain proper eye moisture. This crucial vitamin can be found in dark green and yellow vegetables, and eggs.

Lumenis OptiLight IPL

After completing your comprehensive dry eye exam, if MGD (Meibomian Gland Dysfunction) is determined to be the cause of your dry eye disease, IPL treatments may be recommended. OptiLight with Lumenis patented Optimal Pulse Technology uses precise, intense broad-spectrum light to reduce inflammation – one of the key underlining factors in dry eye disease due to MGD.

Dry eye and allergies

The body reacts to certain allergens that it feels are harmful. For example, while dust may not affect you, it may trigger an allergic response in someone else. This response may be in the form of itchy, red or watery eyes. Sometimes stronger reactions to allergies – such as swollen, red eyelids – can occur.

Most eyes react to common airborne allergens, such as dust, smog, pet dander or pollen to name a few. Sometimes makeup or antibiotic eye drops may cause an allergic reaction. It is important to note that dry eyes can exacerbate allergies. The eye normally increases its production of tears in order to wash away irritants. Ironically enough, excessive tearing is a major symptom of dry eye. If there are not enough tears to wash away the allergens, the eye will experience even more irritation. Lubricating drops are often recommended to add extra moisture. However, if moisture drops are not sufficient, Dr. Benjamin may suggest punctal occlusion increase the amount of tears that remain in the eye.

To alleviate dry eye symptoms associated with allergies, it’s best to avoid triggers. Failing that, eye drops such as Optivar or Patanol can help alleviate itching and redness. Prescription dry eye therapy, such as Restasis, can also improve the condition. Antihistamines, such as Claritin or Benadryl are effective over-the-counter options. However, overuse of decongestants can create dependence so they should be used sparingly.

Why choose the Benjamin Eye Institute for your dry eye treatment?

Dr. Arthur Benjamin and Dr. Pamela Golchet are considered to be leading authorities on dry eyes. They have several years of experience and training in treating dry eyes patients and helping them overcome this discomforting condition. Additionally, they are skilled in a wide range of ophthalmologic procedures, including glaucoma treatments, laser cataract surgery, traditional cataract surgery and LASIK.

Schedule your consultation today

Don’t suffer needlessly with chronically dry eyes.

Schedule a consultation today at the Benjamin Eye Institute, and let either Dr. Benjamin or Dr. Golchet evaluate your condition and deliver the safe, quick and effective dry eye treatment you need.

Hear From Our Patients

Benjamin Eye Institute

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Doe G.
Los Angeles, CA

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6 reviews

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1/18/2019

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Wow! I just had surgery by Dr. Benjamin yesterday. Today I have 20-20, in that eye. Painless & perfect. I had no Idea, what I had been missing.
Wonderful eye institute. Delightful & very efficient & up to date staff. Especially Myka. Treat yourself to good eye sight by the charming Dr. Benjamin. You will be in good hands.
Doe
Matt P.
West Hollywood, CA

214 friends

31 reviews

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12/6/2019

I have had dry eyes for a quite sometime and had seen several physicians and got eye drops etc but not until I have seen Dr. Benjamin I found how serious problem that it was. I had the most thorough and individual attention by Dr. Benjamin. He explained to me my problem and treatment options available. Dr. Benjamin and His staff are very caring and they spend as much time with you as needed and one feels taken care of. I was given state of the art treatment for my dry eyes and my eyes went from feeling tired , red , scratchy and itchy to brilliantly glowing clear. Office is very serene and staff is attentive, pleasant and smiling. Dr. Benjamin is very down to earth and explains thoroughly that one understands what alis them. I will definitely keep coming back for all my eye issues.
Renee T.
Los Angeles, CA

33 friends

44 reviews

29 photos

4/25/2019

I wish I had come to Dr. Benjamin years ago!!!

I have been hopping around between 3 eye doctors in the last few years complaining of severe eye pain, redness - so bad I haven't been able to wear contacts for a year. Every other doctor made a diagnosis in 2 minutes, prescribed a few things and sent me on my way. Nothing helped and the doctors kept saying my eyes looked fine despite my symptoms. Finally I saw Dr. Benjamin, and he listened to my concerns from top to bottom and did tests the other doctors never did! He made a brand new diagnosis which finally makes sense and fits my symptoms. He spent almost an hour with me which is unbelievable. I am so impressed with this place, even the front desk and other staff were so friendly. I'm so relieved and am looking forward to making a recovery with Dr. Benjamin and eventually getting LASIK.