Dry eyes and tear duct disorders

The following doctor on our team specialises in the treatment of dry eyes:
Dr. De Wilde at Eyecenter Merelbeke.

What are dry eyes?

Dry eyes are caused by insufficient tear production or rapid tear evaporation. This may cause your eyes to burn or sting, secrete mucus or even become red. Vision may occasionally be blurred as a result and you might suffer from light sensitivity. If you suffer from tearing eyes, this is usually due to excessive tear production as a reflex in response to irritation or dryness. Dry eyes can have an enormous effect on your daily life. After years of wearing contact lenses, all these patients end up with dry eyes. Fortunately, there are many painless treatments that will quickly make you comfortable again.

Symptoms of dry eyes

Red eyes
Pain
Tearing eyes
Tired, burning eyes
Blurred vision

Less sharp vision

Itching or a gritty sensation in your eyes
Light sensitivity
Difficulty wearing contact lenses
Irritation by wind, smoke, etc.

Treatment of dry eyes

It is important to understand that there is no quick, ready-made solution. Only with a thorough and long-term treatment can we achieve good results. There is a good chance that various methods will be used simultaneously during your treatment.

Eyecenter Merelbeke is a “recognised dry-eye clinic” and we have all the equipment necessary for the treatment of dry eyes. Our ophthalmologists will propose the most suitable therapies.

Artificial tears

Drops or ‘artificial tears’ can increase the quantity of tears. Artificial tears are a supplement to your own tears and are often prescribed in combination with another treatment.

Punctum plugs

If insufficient tears are produced or if the tears are of inadequate quality, the tear drainage channel in the lower eyelid is closed up with a ‘plug’, so that the tears remain in the eye and offer better lubrication. The ‘punctal plug’ looks like a sort of small champagne cork and is not visible in the eye.

Heated mask and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

IPL is a sophisticated form of light therapy. The warm light works deep on the oily meibomian gland, increasing the fluidity of the secretion and improving circulation. This has an anti-inflammatory function on the glands and eyelids. Research indicates that treatment with intense light is successful in 90% of patients. IPL treatments are carried out at Eyecenter Merelbeke.

Given the high demand, online appointments are not possible. If you would like more information or to make an appointment, please contact the secretariat of the Eyecenter Merelbeke on 09/ 336 55 66.

Food supplements

A healthy tear film ensures that your eyes don’t dry out and you can see sharply at all times. The lower layer, a thin layer of oil, is produced by the meibomian glands and protects the tears against evaporation. If these glands produce too little oil, your tears can easily dry up and you can experience blurred vision, or tired or tearing eyes. An Omega 3 food supplement (fish oil) can help. It increases the quantity of oil and improves the quality of the oil produced by the meibomian glands.

Treatment of dry eyes

We like to take the time to decide with you how best to treat your dry eyes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes dry eyes?

Dry eyes occur when insufficient tear fluid is produced, when the tear quality is inadequate, or when the tear film evaporates too quickly. Common causes include age, hormonal changes (such as menopause or pregnancy), air conditioning, sitting in front of a screen for long periods, certain medicines and wearing contact lenses. Blocked meibomian glands in the eyelid margin can also cause dry eyes.

What are the symptoms of dry eyes and can they cause blurred vision?

Indeed, fluctuating blurred vision is a typical symptom of dry eyes. Other complaints include a burning or stinging sensation, red eyes, light sensitivity, tired eyes, itching, a gritty feeling or difficulty wearing contact lenses. At Eyecenter oogartsen we have advanced diagnostic equipment to determine which type of dry eyes you have.

What causes watery eyes and can they be caused by dry eyes?

Watery eyes are often a manifestation of dry eyes, however paradoxical that may sound. When the meibomian glands do not produce enough oil, your tears dry out too quickly. The eye responds by producing extra tears, causing your eyes to overflow. With age, the function of the tear glands declines, making this complaint more common. Draughts, computer use and contact lenses can also play a role.

What can you do about dry eyes and which treatments exist?

There are several painless treatments for dry eyes, but do not expect an instant solution. Eyecenter oogartsen offers, among other things, artificial tears, LipiFlow (massage and warming of blocked meibomian glands), IPL light therapy (success rate of 90%), Tixel, MiBo Thermoflo and punctal plugs. We often combine several methods to achieve the best result.

Do eye drops help with dry eyes and which are the best?

Artificial tears are the most commonly prescribed eye drops for this complaint. They do not cure dry eyes, but supplement your own tear fluid. There is a wide range available, each tailored to specific complaints. The ophthalmologists at Eyecenter oogartsen prescribe the artificial tears that best suit your type of dry eyes. In addition, we often advise Omega 3 supplements as support.