Surgical Options for Chronic Dry Eye Relief

Chronic dry eye can cause significant discomfort and affect your quality of life. Explore our surgical options designed to provide lasting relief and improve the health of your eyes. Our eye doctors are dedicated to helping you find the right treatment tailored to your needs.

Table of Contents

Introduction
When Are Surgical Options Considered?
Punctal Plugs and Punctal Occlusion Procedures
Thermal Cautery for Permanent Tear Duct Closure
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
Surgical Options for Chronic Dry Eye Relief
Surgical Options for Chronic Dry Eye Relief
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Introduction

Surgical options for managing chronic dry eye are considered when conventional treatments like lubricating drops and lifestyle improvements no longer provide sufficient relief. These procedures are designed to enhance tear retention and improve the health of the ocular surface in a careful and targeted manner. Our eye doctors work closely with you to determine the best surgical solution based on your unique symptoms and overall eye health.

When Are Surgical Options Considered?

Before we discuss the various surgical treatments, it is important to understand when surgery might become part of your care plan. Typically, if persistent dry eye symptoms continue despite trying several noninvasive therapies such as prescription drops, warm compresses, and other standard approaches, your doctor might suggest surgical intervention. Sometimes, structural issues with the tear drainage system or the eyelids themselves make it necessary to consider a procedure that helps preserve moisture on the eye’s surface.

Chronic dry eye that does not respond to standard treatments
Persistent discomfort, burning, and irritation despite regular use of artificial tears
Anatomical issues such as misalignment of the eyelids or overactive drainage of natural tears
Severe cases associated with ocular surface damage or inflammation

Punctal Plugs and Punctal Occlusion Procedures

One of the most common surgical solutions for dry eye is the insertion of punctal plugs. These tiny devices are placed into the small openings known as puncta, which normally allow tears to drain from your eyes. By reducing the tear drainage, these plugs help to retain moisture on the ocular surface and provide longer lasting relief.

There are two main types of punctal plugs:

Temporary, biodegradable plugs: These are made of materials that gradually dissolve over time. They serve as a trial to assess whether reducing tear drainage improves your symptoms before considering a more permanent solution.
Semi-permanent plugs: Made from silicone or acrylic materials, these plugs can remain in place for months or even years. They can be removed if necessary, making this option both flexible and effective.

The procedure usually involves only local anesthesia, and patients can resume their everyday activities right after the insertion. Though some might experience a fleeting pressure or mild irritation, most patients adjust quickly with little to no downtime.

Call our office today to discuss how surgical options can help you achieve relief from chronic dry eye symptoms. Your comfort and eye health are our top priorities.

Thermal Cautery for Permanent Tear Duct Closure

When punctal plugs either do not stay in place or fail to provide adequate relief, thermal cautery might be recommended. This minimally invasive technique uses controlled heat to permanently close the tear drainage channels. By sealing the openings, thermal cautery helps keep your natural tears on the eye’s surface longer.

Here’s how thermal cautery typically works:

Local anesthesia is applied so you remain comfortable during the procedure.
A heated instrument is used to carefully shrink and close the puncta.
The entire operation is performed in a doctor’s office and usually takes just a few minutes.

Although this procedure is designed to be permanent, it offers a long-term solution for those whose dry eye symptoms have not been managed by less invasive methods. A few patients may experience temporary excessive tearing before their eyes adjust to the new tear retention setup.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy is another innovative approach, especially useful when dry eye is linked to meibomian gland dysfunction. These glands produce the oily layer of the tear film, and their malfunction can often lead to tears evaporating too quickly.

During IPL therapy:

A protective gel is applied to the skin around your eyes along with goggles to safeguard your vision.
Short flashes of infrared light are directed onto the eyelids to reduce inflammation and improve gland function.
Typically, a series of sessions (often around four) is scheduled over a period of weeks or months to achieve optimal results.

This procedure is performed in a noninvasive manner and is usually well tolerated. Some patients experience mild redness or swelling immediately after treatment, but these effects typically resolve quickly.

Surgical Options for Chronic Dry Eye Relief

Call our office today to discuss how surgical options can help you achieve relief from chronic dry eye symptoms. Your comfort and eye health are our top priorities.