Dry Eye Center

We customize each treatment at our Dry Eye Center in Jeffersonville, Indiana, to address the specific nature of disorders that can affect various parts of the eye’s surface. The advanced technology available at Dr. Black’s Eye Associates enables our eye doctors to accurately diagnose the underlying causes of a patient’s dry, irritated, or painful eyes.

In fact, our facility is one of the only dry eye centers in the Louisville and Southern Indiana area equipped with a full range of diagnostic tools for ocular surface disease — which is one of the most common reasons for people to visit an eye doctor.

Initial Assessment

When you visit one of our many locations in the Kentuckiana region, we first have you complete a questionnaire called a SPEED test. This typically takes only a couple of minutes and gives your eye doctor a baseline assessment to gauge the impact dry eye is having on your quality of life. After evaluating your eye’s surface with a special microscope, the doctor may recommend some additional tests before creating a specific treatment plan.

What Causes Dry Eyes?

A variety of environmental and physical conditions can cause dry eyes, including aging, allergies, and tear abnormalities. Several autoimmune diseases such as Sjögren’s disease, thyroid disease, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis can lead to dry eyes. Additional causes include:

• Heating and air-conditioning
• Wind
• Smoke
• Dry weather
• Medication such as diuretics
• Eyelid problems
• Eyelid injuries
• Long periods of looking at a computer or reading

Our providers can assess the amount and quality of your tears to recommend an appropriate treatment.

Dry Eye Treatment Options

Dry eye is a phrase that encompasses a number of unique diseases that each require a specific plan that can include one or more types of treatment. Our customized dry eye treatments are among the reasons so many men and women choose our Jeffersonville center.

LipiFlow®

Dry eye is the most common condition associated with ocular surface disease, and we use LipiFlow to gently open the blocked glands that are responsible for producing oil. Dry eye can occur when there isn’t sufficient oil in the tear film, which causes excessive tear evaporation.

LipiFlow is an FDA-cleared device that applies heat and gentle pressure to the blocked meibomian glands, which produce oil. This opens and clears the glands so that they may continue producing the oil needed for a healthy tear film.

Nutritionals

Oral supplements formulated to deliver a blend of key nutrients support a healthy tear film and may soothe the surface of the eye.

Artificial Tears

We may incorporate lubricating eye drops or gel into your treatment plan to moisten the eyes.

Medications

Prescription eye drops such as RESTASIS® may be used to control corneal inflammation. Antibiotics and steroids help fight bacteria and soothe inflammation that may be causing ocular surface issues.

Punctal Plugs

These tiny, biocompatible devices are inserted into the tear ducts to slow drainage and increase the eye’s tear film and surface moisture.

Amniotic Membranes

This is a small, soft, tissue placed on the surface of the eye to help heal ulcers, severe dry eye, and other persistent ocular surface conditions.

Broadband Light (BBL) for Ocular Rosacea

Broadband Light (BBL) is used to treat moderate to severe ocular rosacea. This light therapy is used to shut down the blood vessels and reduce the bacteria on the face and eyelids that cause inflammation and block glands, causing dry eye.

During a BBL treatment, special metal shields are applied to the eyes to protect them from the light energy.

This treatment requires special training to perform. At Dr. Black’s Eye Associates, we are proud to have 2 doctors who offer this treatment of ocular rosacea, Dr. Curtis Jordan and Dr. Jessica Pugh.

For best results, we recommend 3 sessions spaced 1 month apart.

Can Dry Eye Go Away on Its Own?

Dry eye is often an ongoing problem that’s unlikely to go away on its own, depending on the cause. If you experience dry eyes, it’s a good idea to consult an eye doctor to assess the situation.

Can Dry Eye Cause Vision Problems?

Severely dry eyes can damage the cornea or lead to inflammation if left untreated. This damage can lead to vision impairment or loss.

Our experienced eye doctors can create a treatment plan for you after thoroughly examining your eyes. Request a consultation using the online form, or call our office at (812) 284-0660 to schedule an appointment.

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