Best Dry Eyes Doctors in Bangalore

Dry eyes occur when the eyes do not produce sufficient tears or when tears evaporate too quickly. This ailment can be caused by various factors, such as environmental conditions, medications, or certain medical procedures that disturb the balance of the tear film. This imbalance can result in mild to severe discomfort and may lead to inflammation or damage to the eye's surface if not treated promptly.

In Bangalore, residents often spend prolonged hours in air-conditioned environments, increasing their susceptibility to dry eyes. At Apollo Hospitals, eye specialist doctors and the best eye doctors can effectively manage and treat dry eye syndrome.

Types/Stages of Dry Eyes

Dry eye disease presents itself in various forms and stages, which Dry eye specialists understand and address with tailored treatment plans:

• Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye: This type arises due to insufficient production of the watery component of tears by the lacrimal glands, leading to inadequate tear volume.

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• Evaporative Dry Eye: This is a common form occurring due to dysfunction, which disrupts the production of the oily layer that slows tear evaporation.

• Mixed Dry Eye: This condition combines both aqueous deficiency and evaporative dry eye.

• Sjögren’s Syndrome Dry Eye: This type is predominantly seen in patients with Sjögren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disease affecting tear glands.

Symptoms of Dry Eyes

The symptoms of dry eyes might seem trivial but can severely hamper daily activities if left untreated, with the most common indications including:

• Burning or stinging sensation in the eyes

• A gritty feeling, as though there is something in the eyes

• Redness in the eyes

• Sensitivity to light

• Watery eyes or stringy mucus around the eyes

• Blurred vision or eye fatigue

• A sensation of heavy or tired eyes

Tests to Diagnose Dry Eyes

At Apollo Hospitals in Bangalore, doctors specialising in dry eye treatment use a comprehensive set of tests to diagnose and manage the condition:

• Schirmer's Test: This measures tear production by placing a strip of filter paper under the lower eyelid, indicating tear levels.

• TearLab Osmolarity: This test evaluates tear balance by assessing osmolarity, often elevated in dry eye disease.

• Phenol Red Thread Test: This measures tear production using a dye-treated thread.

• Tear Breakup Time (TBUT): This assesses tear film stability post-blinking.

• LipiScan: This advanced imaging test helps diagnose meibomian gland dysfunction.

• Ocular Surface Staining: Uses dyes like fluorescein or lissamine green to highlight damage on the cornea and conjunctiva, indicating dry spots and inflammation.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Dry Eyes at Apollo Hospitals in Bangalore

Apollo Hospitals, home to some of the best specialists who treat dry eye in Bangalore, offers a multitude of treatment options tailored to each patient's specific needs:

• Artificial tears and lubricating eye drops: These provide immediate relief for mild to moderate cases by providing moisture and lubrication to the eyes.

• Prescription eye drops: In more severe cases, drugs like cyclosporine or lifitegrast may be prescribed to increase tear production and reduce inflammation in the eyes.

• Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics and steroid eye drops are used to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms.

• Lifestyle modifications: Simple changes like avoiding smoke, wearing sunglasses, limiting screen time and staying well-hydrated can help manage symptoms.

• Nutritional supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids and flaxseed oil supplements may help improve the quality of tears and reduce eye inflammation.

• Punctal plugs: These tiny silicone plugs inserted into tear ducts reduce tear drainage, retaining tears longer on the eye's surface, increasing moisture, and relieving dryness.