Dry Eye Treatment in Long Grove and Northfield, Illinois
Dry eye occurs when you don't produce enough tears or if you produce poor-quality tears. Our eye care professionals can help.
What is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry Eye Syndrome, referred to as DES, is a chronic eye condition that occurs when the eyes produce an insufficient amount of tears or when the tears lack the essential balance of elements to lubricate the eye’s surface. A well-lubricated eye blocks foreign bodies or substances from irritating the eye’s surface.
Todd Cohan, O.D. treats patients from all over Long Grove and Northfield, helping them achieve long-lasting relief from dry eye syndrome.
What Causes Dry Eye?
Dry eye can result from several factors, including genetics, the environment, the natural aging process, and prescription medications, to name a few. Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), a blockage of the tiny oil-secreting glands that line the upper and lower eyelids, often causes dry eye syndrome. Other conditions that may cause DES include blepharitis, diabetes, Sjogren’s syndrome, thyroid disease, and certain autoimmune disorders.
Hormonal changes are another common cause of dry eye. Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking oral contraceptives, or experiencing menopause experience the uncomfortable symptoms that accompany dry eye syndrome. Women over the age of 50 have double the risk of developing DES than men of the same age.
Where you live also plays a role. Dry, windy climates that strip the eyes of their natural moisture and indoor heating systems can cause tears to evaporate prematurely.
Common Dry Eye Symptoms
Patients with DES experience a number of symptoms that can disrupt their daily activities or cause chronic pain. The most common signs of DES include the following:
- Blurriness
- Burning
- Dryness
- Feeling as if something is in your eye
- Irritation
- Itchy eyes
- Pain
- Red eyes
- Stinging
- Watery eyes
Dry Eye Technology That We Use at Forsight Vision Care
Advancements in medical technology and scientific breakthroughs have made treatment for dry eye easier, offering quicker results and longer-lasting benefits. Some of the latest technologies for DES treatment include InflammaDry, LipiFlow, and TearLab.
Forsight Vision Care has some of the most cutting-edge technologies to quickly and effectively test for Dry Eye Syndrome. Let Todd Cohan, O.D. and the talented, experienced staff help get you started on the path to real long-term relief from dry eye.
Rinsada®: A New Approach to Dry Eye Relief
Rinsada® is an innovative in-office treatment designed to provide long-lasting relief for chronic dry eye sufferers. This high-pressure irrigation system deeply cleanses the eye, removing biofilms and inflammation that traditional rinses often leave behind.
By gently clearing the palpebral conjunctiva and fornix, Rinsada® supports a healthier tear film for improved ocular comfort. In clinical studies, patients experienced a 72% reduction in MMP-9, a key inflammation marker, with results lasting up to 12 weeks.
Ideal for those with persistent dry eye symptoms, allergies, or contact lens discomfort, Rinsada® is a safe, non-invasive treatment with no reported safety concerns. Experience clearer, more comfortable vision with this advanced dry eye management solution.
Dry Eye Treatments in Long Grove & Northfield
DES is typically treated with medicated eye drops, anti-inflammatory drops, or a heated compress. Occasionally, the eye doctor may recommend punctal plugs.
These are tiny devices that when inserted into the eye’s tear duct, block any drainage. This can alleviate DES symptoms by preventing moisture from draining out of the eye, ensuring that it stays inside the tear duct area. This increases the moisture level and provides longer-term relief.
Punctal plugs are not permanent and can be easily removed or replaced, making them a simple, affordable solution to alleviate symptoms.
Dr. Cohan is the owner of Midwest Dry Eye Center, dedicated to serving the local community, and also serves as the Medical Director for Hoot Dry Eyes, a leading national provider of dry eye care.