What is Dry Eye Disease?
Dry Eye DiseaseDry eyes happen when your eyes don’t make enough tears—or the right kind of tears—to keep them properly lubricated, protected, and nourished. This can lead to inflammation, causing symptoms like:
Did you know? Dry Eye Disease can cause your glasses or contact lens prescription to change by 10–25%!
- Pain or irritation
- Redness
- Blurry or fluctuating vision
- A constant “foggy” feeling
Did you know? Dry Eye Disease can cause your glasses or contact lens prescription to change by 10–25%!
Know the signs!
Many factors can all lead to Dry Eye Disease. Age, medications, hormone levels, diabetes, environment, computer use, contact lens wear, and other diseases such as Sjogren’s Syndrome, thyroid disease, or graves disease. As we age, our bodies generally produce less tears making it harder for us to keep a healthy tear film over and around our eyes.
Sign and Symptoms of Blepharitis
- Red Irritated Eyes
- Loss or Brittle Lashes
- Poor Contact Lens Wear
- Gritty Mattered Lashes
- Dry Eye Disease
- Rubbing Eyes, Itchy Lids
- Rosacea
What Are My Options? Learn below...
While there is no known cure for dry eye disease we have many different options available to help with the comfort and health of your eyes. Our team works on a more holistic approach first before prescribing medications or other treatments. Below are links to information about some of our treatment options. Call us today or schedule online for a consult with Dr. Tahir.
- Blepharitis (bleph -lid and itis- inflammation) is a chronic eyelid disease causing overgrowth of normal bacteria living on the base of the lids and lashes. Oil, sweat, dirt, debris, eye infection, dry eyes, and plugged tear glands can all lead to having inflamed irritated lids. There are generally 3 types: bacterial based (most commonly caused by staph bacteria), seborrheic (caused by oily, greasy, dandruff-like particles), and meibomianitis (inflammation of the glands which produce the oil and mucus part in a healthy tear film).
Sleeving of lashes is a direct sign of Demodex mites. Significant build up of Staph bacteria as well as broken and misdirected lashes can be seen. Patient was put on lid maintenance as well as other lid hygiene products and is doing great.What are Demodex Mites?
What is the Demodex Mite?
Microscopic - Up to 1300 live per lid!Did you know: Demodex has been linked to:
- Rosacea in humans
- Mange in cats and dogs
- Causes breakdown of the lid line
- Loss of eyelashes
- Destruction of the glands which produce good tearsA tiny microscopic mite which lives on the lashes and lid margins and dines on biofilm (dead skin cells, mucus, oil, etc.) and staph bacteria . It causes many conditions of constant irritation, redness, and itchy eyelids.
While there are good medications indicated for Dry Eye Disease, nothing can beat natural healing if possible. Healing begins with clean healthy lids, proper tear film, and routine maintenance. Our office recommends BlephEx as a first line agent for all Dry Eye Patients. BlephEx helps to quickly and effectively remove dirt, debris, bacteria, and bioflim along the lid margin and lashes.Lid Hygine
After washing your hands and face with warm to hot water (or better yet while in the shower), place 1-2
pumps of foam on a clean wash cloth.- With eyes closed, scrub each lid using side-to-side motion for 15 seconds.
- Be careful not to rub your eye directly as you may scratch the surface.
- Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
- Repeat 2x daily for the first week then 1x daily or as directed by Dr. Tahir.
- Call or text the office if you experience any complications.
After lid cleaning and patting dry, use 1 pump of spray on each eye lid.- Keep eyes closed when using spray.
- With your finger gently rub in the spray onto the eye lid margins and let dry.
- Use 2x per day.
Note: Full effect 28-Day– afterwards potency decreases
Punctal Plugs: The “Little Plug” That Makes a Big Difference
If your eyes constantly feel dry, scratchy, or irritated, punctal plugs may be the simplest fix you’ve never heard of. These tiny devices help your eyes hold onto the moisture they already make—so you feel comfortable again.
The Simple Sink Analogy- Think of your eye like a sink.
- Your tears are the water.
- The puncta are the drains.
More moisture. Less irritation. Happier eyes.
Fast Relief, Zero Fuss- Quick 5-minute in-office procedure
- Mild anesthetic, minimal to no discomfort
- No downtime—walk out feeling the difference
- Plugs naturally dissolve (usually around 6 months)
Why Patients Love Them- Keeps natural tears on the eye longer
- Reduces dryness, redness, burning, and fluctuating vision
- Low maintenance and long-lasting
- A great alternative to constant eye drops
Years of Experience
Dr. Tahir has been successfully using punctal plugs for over two decades and recommends them as a natural, gentle, and effective dry eye solution.
Insurance Friendly
Punctal plugs are covered by most major medical insurance plans.How Do Scleral Lenses Help?
Scleral lenses are special, larger contact lenses that gently sit on the white part of your eye instead of the cornea. They hold a layer of soothing moisture between the lens and your eye, keeping it hydrated and comfortable all day. For people with dry eyes, these lenses can bring relief, clearer vision, and long-lasting comfort that regular contacts just can’t provide.
Prokera Bandage Lens
A biologic amniotic tissue corneal bandage is a special, natural membrane placed on the surface of your eye to help it heal. Think of it as a “healing bandage” for the cornea. It reduces inflammation, soothes pain, and speeds up recovery for conditions like persistent dry eye, corneal injuries, or after surgery. This gentle treatment helps protect your eye while promoting faster, healthier healing.