Burning and stinging.
Gritty feeling when there is nothing in your eye.
Dryness
Itching
Sensitivity to bright light.
Mucous secretions in the eye.
Can Dry Eye Syndrome be cured?
There is no cure although you can relieve the symptoms and reduce your chances of complications.
How is Dry Eye Syndrome treated?
Artificial tears—these provide temporary relief but while soothing the eyes initially, they can increase the possibility of infection by washing away the natural infection-fighting tear film of the eye.
Punctal occlusion-in cases of persistent Dry Eye Syndrome , semi-permanent or permanent closure of the tear duct, or punctal occlusion, may be the best solution. This long-term solution allows patients to use their own natural tears to treat their condition.
What is a punctum plug?
This acts like a stopper in a sink! When the tear duct (punctal opening) is closed tears stay on the eye much longer. A small, soft silicone plug is non-surgically inserted into the natural punctum opening. The procedure is performed in a few minutes in the doctors office.
Dr Millicent M. Grim
Specialist Ophthalmologist / LASIK Specialist
MBChB (Pretoria), DTM & H (WITS), MMed (Ophth) (Pretoria)
AAO, ASCRS, ISRS (US), GMC (UK)
