More than 25 million Americans are dealing with dry eye disease and analysts say that number is expected to rise during the coming years. Recently, Dr. Marina Gurvich of Tasman Eye Consultants in Kennesaw was certified to prescribe and administer advanced treatments for dry eye disease and is offering helpful tips to those suffering from the condition.

As a Dry Eye Center of Excellence, Tasman Eye Consultants now offers patients PROKERA, a biologic corneal bandage/medical device used by eye doctors around the world to treat dry eye disease and other ocular surface conditions.  In a recent patient survey, 93% of patients with dry eyes said they felt better after treatment with PROKERA. Similar to a contact lens, PROKERA is made of amniotic tissue, which has natural therapeutic actions that help heal the eye faster with less pain, scarring, and inflammation. PROKERA is the only FDA-cleared therapeutic device that both reduces inflammation and promotes healing.  It is easily inserted and removed in the doctor’s office. Clinical studies have shown PROKERA reduces the signs and symptoms of dry eyes to help soothe pain, heal the eye, and improve vision.

Patients suffering from dry eye disease can experience a range of symptoms including eyes that burn, tear, itch, water or feel gritty, sandy and like there is a foreign body in the eye. Light sensitivity, blurry vision, fluctuating vision, tired or red eyes, and overall eye discomfort and fatigue are other symptoms.  Some of the most common daily tasks affected by dry eyes are watching tv, reading, working on the computer, and driving at night.

Although dry eye disease is not curable, there are a variety of options available to manage the symptoms.

“Many people come to me with classic dry eye symptoms and are unsure of what is happening to their vision. By asking several questions, I am able to start them on a path to treatment,” said Dr. Marina Gurvich, a doctor of optometry specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of dry eye disease. “Do your eyes water?  Do you feel the need to use rewetting drops?  Are your eyes uncomfortable, especially when wearing your contact lenses?  Does your vision fluctuate throughout the day? You may be suffering from dry eye disease.”  

Medical experts classify dry eye disease as a multifactorial, often chronic and progressive, inflammatory disease of the tear film and ocular surface that can lead to eye discomfort, visual disturbance, tear film instability, and potential ocular surface damage, if not treated timely and appropriately.  

The incidence of dry eye disease is associated with multiple risk factors, such as digital device use, smoking, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, previous eye surgery, age, gender, and contact lens wear.  

Middle-aged women are at an increased risk for developing dry eye disease due to hormonal changes.  Additionally, various medications, such as topical and systemic -- the latter, including antihistamines, decongestants, antihypertensives, birth control or hormone replacement therapy, and antidepressants, as well as, systemic conditions, such as Sjogren’s, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease, diabetes, and menopause can also play a role in developing dry eye disease.  

The most important ocular structures involved in patients with dry eyes include the meibomian glands, cornea, conjunctiva, and the tear film.  Of these structures, the tear film, consisting of three different layers, plays an integral role to nourish the cornea with nutrients and oxygen, remove irritants and allergens, lubricate the eye, and aid in the eye’s ability to focus.

“The severity of the patient’s signs and symptoms often dictates the type of therapy that is recommended,” stated Dr. Gurvich. “Some of the different therapeutic approaches include artificial tear drops, lubricating eye ointments, and nutritional supplements, such as omega vitamins.  When patients have more severe dry eye disease, prescription drops, such as topical anti-inflammatory steroid drops, Restasis, or Xiidra are usually started.”  

“Oral antibiotics are sometimes prescribed for improved relief,” Dr. Gurvich continued.  “Several other options include lid hygiene, ocular heat masks, punctal plugs, autologous serum tear drops, amniotic membrane tissue, such as Prokera, and scleral lenses.  Thermal energy technologies, such as LipiFlow, can be helpful to enhance the function of the meibomian glands.  Light energy therapies, such as BroadBand Light or Intense Pulsed Light, are also beneficial to certain patients suffering from dry eye disease to help improve the health of the delicate skin around the eyes.  There is also a new approach with neurostimulation that is available.”  

If you think you are experiencing dry eye disease, it is important to have your eyes examined as soon as possible.  

“Being proactive can help prevent eye infections, ulcers, or corneal scarring,” Dr. Gurvich commented.  “Another benefit is to improve contact lens wear for longer and more comfortable hours.  Also, it is crucial to have a healthy ocular surface prior to any eye surgeries, such as LASIK, PRK, or cataract, to maximize the best surgical outcomes.” 

“Dry eye disease doesn’t have to affect your quality of life,” said Dr. Gurvich. “There are options available to help you – and your eyes -- feel better.”