Can Dry Eye Syndrome be treated?
First of all, there is no cure for Dry Eye Syndrome. However, it can be treated and managed very effectively. Artificial tears and lubricating ointments can temporarily supplement the tear film and soothe the symptoms of dry eye. These tear supplements must be used consistently and liberally on a daily basis to be effective. A long term solution called punctal occlusion provides more efficient relief of dry eye symptoms and may eliminate the need for tear supplements all together. Punctal occlusion is a simple in-office painless procedure that involves placing a tiny piece of silicone in the puncta (the small drainage holes located in your lower lid). The silicone plugs sit in the puncta blocking the drainage of tears allowing the natural infection-fighting tears to bathe and soothe the eye. You can t see or feel the plugs. These plugs can be removed by the doctor at any time. To find out if punctal occlusion therapy can help you, schedule an appointment with one of the doctors. An in-
