Dry eyes and tear duct disorders
The following doctor on our team specialises in the treatment of dry eyes:
Dr. De Wilde at Eyecenter Merelbeke.
What are dry eyes?
Symptoms of dry eyes
- Red eyes
- Pain
- Tearing eyes
- Tired, burning eyes
- Blurred vision
- Less sharp vision
- Itching or a gritty sensation in your eyes
- Light sensitivity
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
- Irritation by wind, smoke, etc.
Treatment of dry eyes
It is important to understand that there is no quick, ready-made solution. Only with a thorough and long-term treatment can we achieve good results. There is a good chance that various methods will be used simultaneously during your treatment.
Eyecenter Merelbeke is a “recognised dry-eye clinic” and we have all the equipment necessary for the treatment of dry eyes. Our ophthalmologists will propose the most suitable therapies.
- Artificial tears
Drops or ‘artificial tears’ can increase the quantity of tears. Artificial tears are a supplement to your own tears and are often prescribed in combination with another treatment.
- Punctum plugs
If insufficient tears are produced or if the tears are of inadequate quality, the tear drainage channel in the lower eyelid is closed up with a ‘plug’, so that the tears remain in the eye and offer better lubrication. The ‘punctal plug’ looks like a sort of small champagne cork and is not visible in the eye.
- Heated mask and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
IPL is a sophisticated form of light therapy. The warm light works deep on the oily meibomian gland, increasing the fluidity of the secretion and improving circulation. This has an anti-inflammatory function on the glands and eyelids. Research indicates that treatment with intense light is successful in 90% of patients. IPL treatments are carried out at Eyecenter Merelbeke.
Given the high demand, online appointments are not possible. If you would like more information or to make an appointment, please contact the secretariat of the Eyecenter Merelbeke on 09/ 336 55 66.
- Food supplements
A healthy tear film ensures that your eyes don’t dry out and you can see sharply at all times. The lower layer, a thin layer of oil, is produced by the meibomian glands and protects the tears against evaporation. If these glands produce too little oil, your tears can easily dry up and you can experience blurred vision, or tired or tearing eyes. An Omega 3 food supplement (fish oil) can help. It increases the quantity of oil and improves the quality of the oil produced by the meibomian glands.
