Dry Eye Treatment
in Baton Rouge & Plaquemine

Visit us for dry eye treatment near you. Finally get the relief you deserve.

Do you find that your eyes are often red and irritated? Are your eyes constantly burning and stinging? You might have dry eye syndrome.

Dry eye syndrome is a widespread condition that can cause discomfort or even severe distress, depending on the case. Identifying the root cause of your dry eye is crucial to finding the right dry eye treatment in Plaquemine or Baton Rouge. At Southern Eye Centers, our skilled eye doctors have the expertise and diagnostic technology to properly diagnose and treat dry eye.

What is dry eye?   

Dry eye disease happens when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the quality of the tears is poor. Tears are essential for maintaining healthy eyes, providing moisture, nourishment, and protection against infection.  

What causes dry eye?    

The most common reason people develop dry eye is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). MGD is an inflammatory disorder of the meibomian glands in your eyelids, which produce lipids that coat your tears to prevent them from evaporating too quickly. When these glands become blocked or clogged with oil, it causes dry eye disease.   

Other causes of dry eye include:  

• Hormonal changes caused by pregnancy, use of oral contraceptives, and menopause   
• Certain medications, such as antihistamines and decongestants   
• Certain diseases and conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, arthritis, diabetes, or thyroid problems  
• Blepharitis   
• Exposure to cold, smoke, and dry climates    
• Activities like driving, reading, using computers, or watching TV cause you to blink less often, and blinking less can also cause dry eye.  

What are the symptoms of dry eye?    

The most obvious symptom of dry eye syndrome is a burning sensation in the eyes. Other symptoms include:  

• Stinging or itching eyes   
• A scratchy or sandy feeling in your eyes    
• Increased sensitivity to light    
• Eye pain or redness    
• Stringy mucus or discharge from your eyes    
• Fluctuating vision     
• Watery eyes when the eyes reflexively produce more tears (but not the right kind of tears) in response to dryness

How is dry eye diagnosed?

During a comprehensive eye exam at Southern Eye Centers, our eye doctor will perform a series of tests to diagnose dry eye disease. Tests may include evaluating your tear quality, volume, evaporation rate, and chemical composition. After the exam, our doctor will develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs with the goal of minimizing discomfort and dryness.  

Antares corneal topographer 

Our experts use the latest technology to diagnose and manage dry eye, including the Antares corneal topographer.

The Antares corneal topographer is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that allows our eye doctors to create a detailed, 3D map of your cornea.  These 3D maps allow us to identify any irregularities or abnormalities that could be signs of dry eye disease.

The process is quick and painless, requiring no anesthesia or downtime. 

Dry eye treatments in Plaquemine & Baton Rouge

Treatment for dry eye depends on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause(s). Dry eye can be temporary or chronic. If your dry eye is chronic, our optometrist can recommend treatments to help you maintain optimal eye health, reduce dryness and discomfort, and prevent vision impairment.   

Common treatments for dry eye include:   

• Prescription eye drops to reduce inflammation   
• Treating oil glands   
• Blinking exercises or proper eyelid hygiene   

If an infection is causing your dry eye symptoms, your eye doctor may also prescribe low-dose antibiotics. In more serious cases where other treatments are ineffective, we may recommend surgery or therapy.

We also offer the following treatments for dry eye in our office:

LidPro

If dry eye symptoms are caused by anterior blepharitis, LidPro is the perfect tool and treatment to alleviate symptoms and treat the root cause of the dry eye. Learn more about LidPro treatment.

OptiLight by Lumenis

At Southern Eye Centers in Baton Rouge, we use OptiLight intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy to manage dry eye disease caused by MGD. Using gentle pulses of light, this treatment targets a leading cause of dry eye, relieving discomfort and reducing inflammation. Learn more about OptiLight IPL therapy.

Visit us for advanced dry eye treatment near you

With proper care from an experienced professional, dry eye disease can be managed effectively so that you can enjoy comfortable vision.

If you suffer from dry eye, our experts can help you determine the underlying cause and find lasting relief. Schedule an appointment today for a dry eye evaluation in Baton Rouge or Plaquemine.