The Latest Advances in Dry Eye Treatment Options

If you’ve ever struggled with dry, irritated eyes, you know how disruptive it can be to your daily life. Whether it’s persistent discomfort, a gritty sensation, or blurred vision, dry eye disease can make even simple tasks—like reading or working on a screen—feel frustrating. Fortunately, advancements in dry eye treatment have come a long way, offering real solutions that go beyond artificial tears.

Punctal Plugs: Keeping Moisture Where You Need It

One of the most effective ways to treat dry eye is by helping your eyes retain the tears they naturally produce. That’s where punctal plugs come in. These tiny biocompatible devices are inserted into the tear ducts to slow tear drainage, keeping your eyes hydrated for longer. Think of it as a way to “turn down the drain” on your eye’s moisture, allowing for better lubrication and comfort.

For patients with moderate to severe dry eye, punctal plugs can be a game changer. The procedure is quick, painless, and doesn’t require any downtime. If you've been relying on artificial tears multiple times a day, punctal plugs may help reduce that dependency and provide more consistent relief.

Scleral Lenses: A Shield for Sensitive Eyes

For those with severe dry eye, scleral lenses offer a unique and highly effective solution. Unlike traditional contact lenses, these specialized lenses vault over the cornea and rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera), creating a fluid-filled reservoir that continuously bathes the eye’s surface. This helps protect the cornea, reduce inflammation, and provide long-lasting comfort.

Scleral lenses are particularly beneficial for patients with Sjogren’s syndrome, severe meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), or corneal damage from chronic dryness. They not only improve vision but also act as a physical barrier, shielding the eyes from environmental irritants like wind and dust. If traditional dry eye treatments haven’t worked for you, scleral lenses might be worth considering.

IPL Therapy: Treating the Root Cause of Dry Eye

One of the most innovative advancements in dry eye treatment is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy. IPL has been found to be highly effective in treating dry eye caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)—a leading contributor to evaporative dry eye.

IPL works by delivering controlled pulses of light to the skin around the eyes, reducing inflammation and stimulating the meibomian glands to produce healthier oils. This, in turn, improves the stability of the tear film, reducing dryness and irritation. Many patients notice a significant improvement after just a few treatments, with benefits lasting for months. If you’ve struggled with red, inflamed eyelids or chronic eye discomfort, IPL may be the missing piece in your dry eye treatment plan.

Achieve Dry Eye Relief at Clarity Eye Care

Dry eye is not a one-size-fits-all condition, and the right treatment depends on the underlying cause of your symptoms. At Clarity Eye Care, we take the time to evaluate your specific needs and tailor a treatment plan that works for you.

If dry eye is affecting your quality of life, schedule a consultation with Clarity Eye Care to explore the latest treatment options and find the best solution for your eyes. Contact our office in Ridgewood, New York, by calling (718) 456-1130 to book an appointment today.