Dry Eye Syndrome
Are your eyes constantly red, itchy, burning, and watery? You may have dry eye syndrome.
This condition, caused by a lack of lubricating tears, can be relieved with eye drops or with technologically advanced treatments.
Learn how the board-certified ophthalmologists at Mills Eye + Facial Surgery in Pensacola, FL, can expertly diagnose and treat dry eyes.
Are Dry Eyes Common?
Dry eye syndrome is not a rare condition, so don’t feel like you are suffering alone.
Check out this statistic regarding dry eyes from the American Academy of Ophthalmology:
Think You Might Have Dry Eye Syndrome? Mills Eye + Facial Surgery Can Help
The state-of-the-art dry eye clinic at our high-end Pensacola, FL, eye care practice is dedicated specifically to the diagnosis and treatment of dry eye and the vision issues it can cause.
Board-certified ophthalmologist David Mills , along with our esteemed optometrist Wes Mayes can offer you effective, personalized dry eye relief using prescription eye drops or advanced LipiFlow® heated eyelid massage therapy.
Scratchy, watery, burning eyes can affect your vision and make you feel miserable. Set up a consultation today at our Pensacola, FL, eye care practice using our simple online form or by giving us a call, because no one should live their life in tears.
Call Us: (850) 266-7500
5-Star Google Reviews for Our Dry Eye Treatments "No more redness and no hurting, even by the end of the day!"
Mary Uchiyama
2020
I have very dry eyes that were often red and hurt. I was referred to Dr. Mayes for a treatment called Lipiflow. I am so pleased with the results. No more redness and no hurting, even by the end of the day! Dr. Mayes has been fabulous. All the staff are caring and professional. I would encourage anyone to go to this clinic for any eye problems.
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Debbie Sanders
2018
Thank God for mills eye center! After being told there was no HOPE for my condition( dry eyes) I have found dr. Mayes and Joseph and Len! I dont feel HOPELESS anymore for they are trying things that have never even been Discussed with me after 3 years of chronic dry eye due to an autoimmune disease called SJOGRENS, they are truly fulfilling the HIPPOCRATIC oath!!!
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It’s Just a Little Dryness...
So What Could Happen If I Don’t Get Treatment?
Dry eye syndrome rarely gets better on its own, and if you don’t seek treatment, severe vision issues could develop:
Eye Ulcers
A corneal ulcer is a painful, open sore on the surface of the eye.
Corneal Scarring
Corneal scar tissue can be caused by abrasions.
Infection/Vision Loss
Although it is rare, an infection caused by dryness could lead to impaired vision or blindness.
What Causes Dry Eye Syndrome?
There are several factors that can cause dryness and irritation. These issues can be treated and relieved at our dry eye clinic in Pensacola:
Windy or dry climates, along with extremely hot or cold temperatures, can cause ocular dryness. Heating and air conditioning can also contribute to the condition.
These glands produce tears when we cry and the moisturizing tears that coat our corneas when we blink. Damaged, plugged lacrimal glands can cause dryness.
Some people experience dryness from wearing contact lenses all day, which causes the lenses to move when you blink and irritation due to lack of moisture.
Tear production tends to decrease after the age of 50. Also, women tend to be more susceptible to dry eyes than men.
Certain medications, such as antihistamines or prescriptions used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, can cause dry eye syndrome.
We spend hours in front of computer screens. Sometimes we become so focused that we forget to blink. This can prevent tears and moisture from being spread across the corneas.
This condition occurs when lubrication-producing glands under your eyelids become blocked or damaged. MGD causes corneal moisture to evaporate too quickly.
Do not ignore the uncomfortable symptoms of dry eye when you can find reliable relief at Mills Eye + Facial Surgery clinic in Pensacola.
Before and After Dry Eye Treatments
"Would not hesitate to recommend to others." 5-Star Reviews From Pensacola Patients
Ken Hart
2022
Polite, efficient staff. Dr. Mills very knowledgeable. Overall experience very pleasant. Would not hesitate to recommend to others.
View on GoogleBecky Jones
2022
Everyone in the office including Dr. Mills was courteous and took time to explain future procedures needed.
View on GoogleTreatment Starts With an Eye Exam
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If you're struggling with dry eyes, our doctors recommend you reach out to our Pensacola office for an eye exam. During that time, we can get to the bottom of what's causing your dry eyes and make a treatment plan accordingly.
Dry Eye Diagnosis and Treatment
Our relaxing and modern dry eye clinic features the newest, most advanced diagnostic and treatment tools to reduce dry eye issues. Think of it as a spa for your eyes. At Mills Eye + Facial Surgery, we proudly offer the FDA-approved LipiView® and LipiFlow systems to help our dry eye patients feel better and see clearer:
LipiView
LipiView is a high-tech computer program that uses a digital camera to detect signs of disease or damage in the glands under your eyelids. It also analyzes the tear film that covers your corneas. This painless, five-minute process simply involves looking into the camera and blinking normally. If you are diagnosed with dry eyes, we can use the data to create a personalized treatment plan.
LipiFlow
LipiFlow is a 20-minute MGD treatment that uses soothing heat and gentle massaging action to open blocked oil glands under your eyelids. A mechanized eyepiece placed over your closed eyes performs the massage, which many of our patients find comforting and relaxing. Once the glands are unblocked, natural tear production can resume, providing your eyes with the lubricating moisture they need to function properly. The effects of this treatment can last for years, you no longer have to buy expensive eye drops, and wearing contact lenses becomes more comfortable.
Does LipiFlow Really Work?
Is LipiFlow Covered by Insurance?
We will happily check your insurance plan for you but generally, LipiFlow is not covered by insurance. Contact Mills Eye + Facial Surgery for exact pricing and financing options that can make out-of-pocket costs easier to manage. We believe everyone should be entitled to quality eye care and improved comfort regardless of budgetary limitations.
Artificial Tears and Restasis What's the Difference?
Suppose you've always used artificial tears to temporarily treat your dry eyes and are looking for a better solution. In that case, prescription Restasis eye drops can offer several benefits that non-prescription artificial tears cannot:
Treats the Root Cause
Artificial tears can help relieve your dry eye symptoms in the moment, but they don't treat the root cause of your dry eyes. Restasis reduces eye inflammation and increases the ability of the eyes to produce natural tears over time.
Long-Lasting Relief
Since Restasis eye drops treat the root cause of dry eyes, they can provide long-lasting relief for patients. Restasis drops should be taken twice a day at the most.
Saves You Money
Artificial tears lack the ability to provide lasting relief, and can cause patients to rely on constant use. Meanwhile, Restasis does not require constant use and may be covered by your insurance, while artificial tears are not.
Don’t Live with Itchy, Burning Eyes
Contact Mills Eye + Facial Surgery in Pensacola, FL, today to meet with one of our skilled ophthalmologists or our esteemed optometrist. We can show you how your dry eye symptoms can be relieved and possibly eliminated. Request a consultation to start the process of finding permanent dry eye relief:
(850) 266-7500
Oasis Dry Eye Products
Prescription eye drops and medical treatments are recommended for patients with chronic dry eyes. However, if you find your eyes are only dry occasionally, perhaps from lack of sleep, change in seasons, or other temporary issues, our Pensacola ophthalmologist or optometrist may recommend Oasis dry eye products:
Routine eye care is essential. Dry eyes can get irritated from makeup and everyday pollutants that our lids and lashes encounter. Oasis makes cleaning pads and sprays that help gently remove makeup and debris from the day while hydrating the gentle skin around the eye.
Oasis Rest & Relief product is a soft cloth eye compression mask that can be used hot or cold to mitigate dry eye symptoms. While this compress isn't as effective long-term as LipiFlow, it is recommended to relieve dry eye symptoms temporarily.
Our doctors recommend Oasis Tears for many reasons, including the fact that they are preservative-free. These artificial tear drops come in single-use vials, and multiple types of Oasis eye drops are available. Dr. Mills can help you determine which eye drop is right for you.
We Love to Hear from Our Happy Patients
"Excellent in every way." Jerry Hooker
