Dry Eyes

What are dry eyes?

Dry eyes are one of the most common eye problems that afflict the general population today. It is one of more common eye conditions we encounter in our offices in New York and New Jersey. It can affect people of any age from the very young to the very old. However, its effect and magnitude are usually advanced with age. The reduction in the moisture of the eyes causes an uncomfortable feeling often described as a “foreign body sensation”. It can also cause reduction in vision due to interference with light transmission into the eyes.

Treatment:

The most common treatment is the use of artificial tears. Artificial tears provide only a temporary relief, and in order to be truly effective the drops need to be used very often. Therefore, this option may not be very practical for most patients. The reason for this has to do with the functioning of the eyes and with the continuous emptying of the tears into the nasal cavity via a tubing system called the Puncta. When the artificial tears are put into the eyes they moisturize the eyes, but soon the fluid is drained and the eye becomes dry again.

Punctal Plugs:

These are tiny microscopic plugs made from either collagen, silicon or some other biocompatible material that are put into the Puncta to slow down the drainage and increase the moisture in the eyes. Since this leads to an increased level of the natural tears of the eyes and the effect is lasting, Punctal Plugs may be favored by patients over the continuous use of artificial tears. Another benefit is that the increased moisture is now due to the natural tears of the eyes rather than artificial tears. The insertion is done at the office, is painless and takes less than one minute. Side effects include minor irritation and increased tearing. However removal of the plugs is as easy as the insertion.

Does Insurance cover punctal plugs?

Most insurance companies do cover this minor procedure.

Our Commitment:

5th Avenue Eye Center is committed to providing you with the best surgical solutions available anywhere in the world and have offices located in New York and New Jersey. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.

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