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If you suffer from dry eyes on a regular basis, you may be in search of a long-term treatment solution. Punctal occlusion is one option that can increase tear production and lubricate eyes, which relieves itching and redness. The eye doctors at Midwest Eye Center: A Division of TriState Centers for Sight offer the following information to patients in the Greater Cincinnati area so they can find a suitable solution to dry eye symptoms.

Causes of Dry Eye

Many factors cause dry eyes. Medications, health conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, and the natural aging process all impact tear production. Spending too much time in front of a computer or on a smartphone can also cause symptoms. Accordingly, dry eye is becoming more prevalent as digital trends increase. 

Common Symptoms

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Inflammation caused by lack of moisture can cause itchiness. You may also feel like something is stuck in your eyes even when there isn’t. Redness, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, and inflammation are also indications of dry eye. If you experience one or more of the above symptoms, consult with an eye doctor to learn more about treatment options.

How Punctal Occlusion Works

To understand how this treatment works it helps to understand the anatomy of the eye. The puncta, which are located within the inner eyelids, are the ducts where tears drain after they’re produced. When these ducts are blocked tears that would normally drain away are left on the surface of the eye. This helps increase lubrication.

Punctal occlusion uses plugs to block the ducts. Dissolvable materials are usually placed on a temporary basis at first to see how effective the therapy is. If symptoms of dry eye subside, an eye doctor will recommend placing permanent plugs made of silicone. Plugs can be removed if you experience any issues, such as eye watering.

If you have questions about punctal occlusion for dry eye, Midwest Eye Center: A Division of TriState Centers for Sight. These eye doctors offer treatments for common eye conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. They can also perform laser eye surgery to improve eyesight without the need for glasses or contacts. Visit them online to see the complete listing of treatments available from this Crestview Hills, KY eye clinic. You can also call (859) 525-6215 to schedule an appointment from a skilled eye doctor.

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