Fouad Melamed, OD Los Angeles Eye Doctor

Treatment of dry eyes in Los Angles is basically the same, regardless of which Los Angeles Eye Doctor you visit. Treatment will range from things as simple as eye drops, to a slight proceduresto correct the problem. As we discuss these options, though, it is important for you to realize that you need the counsel of a dry eye optometrist, prior to undergoing any treatment for your dry eyes.

Artificial tear drops and ointments.  The first plan of attack would be to use some tear drops for your eyes. This is an over the counter remedy.  This is a safe and effective way to keep the eye lubricated.  If you suffer from chronic dry eyes, then you will be using these a lot. Even when you are not experiencing the symptoms of dry eyes, you will keep those symptoms under control with a product like artificial tears for the eyes.  Ointments can also be used to help keep the eyes moist during periods of rest, when you are not necessarily “up and at it” to be putting tears in your eyes. The type and amount of lubricating drops should be discussed with your eye doctor after an appropriate dry eye work up is performed.

Temporary punctal occlusion.  Another effective treatment involves temporarily closing off the ducts that drain tears from your eyes.  A more permanent solution is possible, but this temporary solution is always used first, to see if plugging the duct can help keep enough moisture in the eyes to solve the dry eyes problem. The temporary plug dissolves in a couple of days. It will involve a couple of visits to your Los Angeles eye doctor.

Permanent punctal occlusion. As we have already mentioned, a permanent plug can be inserted in the tear duct. But this is only done after trying a temporary plug out. Patients typically do well with the plug, and do well over time. On occasion, the plug can come out. On great occasion, the plugs will migrate down the duct as well. These conditions would obviously need to be treated by a Los Angeles Optometrist. The plugs are typically made of silicon, and can be quite comfortable.  This treatment can really help reduce the need for ongoing artificial tear therapy.

Restasis. In 2002, the FDA approved the prescription eye drop Restasis for the treatment of chronic dry eye. It is currently the only prescription eye drop that helps your eyes increase their own tear production with continued use. I have included a link for you to use to get more information on Restasis.  Other medications, like topical steroids, can also be used in some instances.

Surgery. If needed, the ducts that drain tears  can be closed for good. This surgical procedure allows more tears to remain around the eye. This is done with local anesthetic on an outpatient basis. There are no limitations in activity after having this surgery.  Patients typically have a very quick recovery also. This is a kind of last step procedure for chronic dry eyes.

Well, there you have it. We have reviewed the treatment of dry eyes in Los Angeles, and given you some options. If you still have more questions, I invite you to contact me at  Melamed Eye Care. We are always glad to help.

Fouad Melamed O.D.

You may want to know more about what causes dry eyes in Los Angeles. This is a pick up from my last blog on dry eye syndrome. Apart from the natural irritants that come with living in a big city like Los Angeles, you might also experience issues with dry eyes from some of the following conditions as well.

Air conditioning can be a contributing factor to dry eye  syndrome. The constant flow of cooler air is designed to work by removing humidity. This can cause an imbalance in the amount of tears produced.  Heating can also cause the same issue.

For women, the natural aging process can also cause  problems with dry eyes. Menopausal women can experience issues with the production of tears, which is related to the change in hormones in the body.  Taking birth control pills, for some patients, can also cause the natural balance of tear production to be interrupted. Other medications such as anti-anxiety medications also are known to cause lower tear production. Your Los Angeles eye doctor can discuss these issues with you, and provide some possible treatment options.

In the larger population, rheumatoid arthritis is known to cause dry eyes. Less common conditions like collagen vascular disease and Siogren’s syndrome can produce  problems with the body’s natural ability to produce tears. These types of issues require the help of a Los Angeles Optometrist.

The question of what causes dry eyes in Los Angeles can be more complex than one might first think. If you live in the Los Angeles area, and would like the chance to have your dry eye condition evaluated by a Los Angeles eye doctor, you can get a consultation appointment by using the following link Los Angeles Optometrist.

Here’s to the health of your eyes in Los Angeles, or anywhere you go.

Fouad Melamed, O.D.

1-Day Acuvue TruEye is the world’s FIRST daily disposable contact lens that comes in a new breathable silicone hydrogel material – an cutting edge  material saturated with a super smooth wetting agent which does not slow release onto the eye, delivering 98% oxygen flux to the cornea. A Los Angeles eye doctor will be able to provide you with better eye care, thanks to the new product.

Acuvue’s new TruEye contact lenses are truly remarkable as patients will regain incredible white eyes and comfort at the end of the day because the super wet and super smooth surface has the lowest friction coefficient of any daily disposable lens on the market today – even exceeding Acuvue Oasys and 1-Day Moist. This is great news for contact lens wearers experiencing pink eyes after a long day.

What are the Features and Benefits of 1-Day Acuvue TruEye Contacts ?

• Acuvue TruEye lenses are made from Narafilcon A, a new silicone hydrogel material that allows for 98% oxygen flux to the cornea, resulting in fewer red and dry eyes – even at the end of a long day.
• Featuring Hydraclear technology combining an exceptional wetting agent with oxygen transmitting silicone hydrogel polymers. The result is an outstanding smooth and moist lens.
• 1-Day Acuvue TruEye contacts have the highest level of UVA and UVB blocking of any daily disposable contact lens with a minimum of 96% UVA and a minimum of 99% UVB blocking.
• A 1-2-3 inside-out indicator and the visibility tint support easier handling.

Who should wear 1-Day Acuvue TruEye?

• People with higher prescriptions who need more breathable lenses
• Patients wanting more comfort with their contact lenses.

Get fitted today with your local Los Angeles optometrist who carries it, Melamed Eye Care!

I live in the Los Angeles area, and I treat a lot of patients for dry eyes. Dry eye syndrome in Los Angeles is a very common problem. Put basically, it is a condition whereby the surface of the eye does not have enough moisture.  People who suffer from dry eye syndrome in Los Angeles can have problems ranging from minor, but constant, irritation to chronic inflammation of the anterior (front) tissues of the eyes. Having a good Los Angeles eye doctor can help you with the problem.

The medical term for dry eyes is keratitis sicca. It refers to the fact that some people develop a tendancy to produce less, or no, tears for moisture. Keratoconjuctivitis sicca refers to a dry eye condition that ends up affecting the cornea and conjunctiva. 

So, what are the symptoms of dry eyes? You may have a problem with dry eyes if you have persistent dryness in your eyes, and/or a persistent scratching and burning sensation. Often, people will have tried liquid tears to no complete effect.  Another symptom of dry eyes can be a nagging and persistent feeling of having a foreign body in the eye.

Dry eye syndrome in Los Angeles can be affected by our climate, our issues with the environment, and our issues with pollutants in the air. We live in a big city, and there are inherent issues like pollution, allergens, etc., that we live with. Whatever the case, dry eyes need to be treated by a competent Los Angeles eye doctor.

Are you suffering from World Cup blurry vision?  No,  I don’t mean the kind you get from watching too much World Cup Soccer, if that’s possible. What I am talking about is blurry vision that comes from your eyes losing that perfect 20/20 vison over time.

As we get older, suffer from certain diseases like diabetes, etc., we can slowly lose our 20/20 vision. Even our genetics can  play a role. The problem is, we may not notice right away, until we find ourselves starring at a blurry television screen, or perhaps notice we are getting more headaches than normal. The process can be slow.

Even when we are watching sporting events in the outdoors, we can suffer from blurry vision. The numbers on the uniforms get harder to read. We can’t keep up with the action. All of these things are signs that it is time to get your eyes checked.

Blurry vision may be corrected with  simple  solutions like glasses or contact lenses.  Getting your eyes checked by a qualified Optometrist can fix this problem quickly. But they can’t help if you don’t go in to have your eyes checked, at least once a year.

On a different note, your blurry vision could be a sign of something much worse.  There could be problems with your eyes  that require more in depth medical care.  Again, the problem cannot be corrected by staying at home and starring at the television.

World Cup blurry vision is bad. Missing your chidren’s soccer game, due to poor vision is even worse. Life is too short not to enjoy the best vision possible. Go see an eye doctor. If you live in the the Los Angeles, California area, and need an LA eye doctor, I would be pleased to help you with your blurry vision problem.  For more information, you can call 323-655-6582, or check out our website to make an appointment at Melamedeyecare.

Fouad Melamed, O.D.