The Fix for Your Dry Eyes
Dry eyes can be unbearable. Between the burning or scratchy sensation to redness and sensitivity, there are several signs and symptoms that can send you running for eye drops for relief. But sometimes artificial tears, tear conservation and other methods don’t provide the relief you’re seeking. That’s when Papale Eye Center turns to True Tear® technology to help.
Healthy eyes produce tears that lubricate the eye, keeping the surface smooth and clear. Tears are made up of three layers – an oily layer that keeps tears from drying too quickly; a watery layer that washes away outside particles; and a mucus layer that keeps the eye’s surface moist and helps the tears stick to the eye. When the eyes are unable to produce enough tears for clear vision, or when the consistency of the tears isn’t right, this is what’s known as dry eye. True Tear® is a new technology that causes your eyes to produce natural tears using tiny pulses of energy.
This technology is called neurostimulation and consists of a small handheld device that has tips that stimulate a nerve in the nasal cavity with tiny pulses of energy that send out nerve signals to the brain. The brain sends nerve signals to the tear glands surrounding the eyes to increase tear production. Those tear glands react to the signals and temporarily produce natural tears that cover the eyes normally.
Age is the most common cause of dry eyes. Hormonal changes, especially in post-menopausal women, can cause eyes to produce fewer tears. Other causes include computer eye strain, being around smoke or in wind, using contacts for a long time, blepharitis (swollen, red eyelids), taking certain medications, diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, even having LASIK surgery.
Ideal candidates are at least 22 years old and have dry eyes from inadequate tear production. Those who have cardiac pacemakers, implanted defibrillator or other electronic devices in the head or neck, or have chronic or recurrent nosebleeds or another bleeding disorder, are not good candidates for True Tear®.
Our ophthalmologists at Papale Eye Center can diagnose dry eye syndrome with an eye exam or tear test. To learn more about True Tear® and other ways to treat and even reduce your symptoms of dry eyes, call our office today at (413) 782-0030.