We specialize in Dry Eye Therapy and Dry Eye Treatment in contact lens wearers. Dr. Funk has been a dry eye sufferer for over 10 years. TREATMENT WORKS!!

 

Q. Is Dry Eye Treatment covered under my vision insurance?

 

A. Dry Eye Diagnosis and Treatment requires medical evaluation and/or office visits beyond routine eye care visits. Medical visits and diagnosis of eye disease can not be billed to your optical insurance. They must be billed only to your major medical coverage such as Medicare and Blue Cross Blue Shield.

 

Q. Is Dry Eye Syndrome Common?

 

A. YES! Dry Eye Syndrome is very common and affects 10 million Americans. Seventy-five percent of post-menopausal women have eye irritation of some kind. More than 1 million men over the age of 50 have serious dry eye.

 

Q. Is Dry Eye Syndrome Serious?

 

A. It can be if left untreated.  Dry Eye Syndrome not only causes decreased vision and physical discomfort, but it can lead to other ocular diseases.  Everyday activities, such as using a computer, watching TV, and comfortably wearing contact lenses can be difficult.

 

Factors that Contribute to Dry Eye Syndrome:

 

• Age – 40+ years and female

• Environment – low humidity, fans

• Wearing contact lenses

• Anti-Depressant Medications

• Allergy Medications – Antihistamines

• Decongestants – Ex: Sudafed

• Pain Relievers

• Blood Pressure Medication

• Diuretics

• Hormone Replacement Therapy

• Computer Usage

• Excessive Reading or Watching TV

• Diet

• Lasik – Refractive Surgery

• Autoimmune Diseases

• Arthritis

• Diabetes

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Dry Eye Symptoms Checklist

 

• Foreign Body Sensation – feeling like there is something in the eye

• Dryness of the eye

• Mucous discharge

• Redness

• Sandy or gritty feeling

• Itching

• Burning

• Constant or occasional tearing

• Watery Eyes

• Light sensitivity

• Eye pain or soreness

• Lid Infections

• Styes

• Tired eyes

• Contact lens discomfort

• Contact lens solution sensitivity

• Frequent use of lubricants​

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If you have marked more than 2 or 3 of these symptoms – please schedule a dry eye examination today!

 

Related Conditions

 

• Sinus congestion

• Nasal congestion

• Runny nose

• Post-nasal drip

• Chronic cough

• Bronchitis

• Allergies or hay fever

• Frequent colds

• Middle ear congestion

• Dry throat or mouth

• Headaches

• Asthma

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Treatment

 

Dry Eye Syndrome can be treated by the following modalities or a combination of the following:

 

Lubricants

 

• Anti-inflammatories

• Restasis

• Ointments

• Oral Medications

 

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Punctal Plugs

 

Punctal plugs are a non-invasive means of increasing the comfort of your eyes. It only takes a few minutes for the doctor to complete this procedure. This procedure requires a topical anesthetic only. It works well for non-inflammatory dry eye, as well as, dry eye secondary to computer use and allergy sufferers.

 

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

 

This is a common cause of dry eye syndrome! Meibomian glands are the oil-producing glands located in both the upper and lower eyelids. They normally slowly release oil into the tear film. This oil helps

to stop the water in the tears from evaporating, thus helping to prevent dry eyes. Sometimes the oil becomes slightly thicker than normal which can lead to blockage of the narrow duct which takes the oil from the gland to the tear film.

 

This is the most prevalent condition in the Midwest, as well as, one of the most under diagnosed and untreated. We commonly treat this condition in our office.