Your Tampa Bay Eye Clinic for Dry Eye
Dry Eye
Tired of dealing with dry, itchy eyes? At The Eye Clinic of Florida, we don’t just treat dry eye – we actually help you feel better without draining your wallet. We’re all about using the latest tech that works, so you can finally get the relief you deserve. No unnecessary, costly fluff – just real results.
Many dry eye patients come to us for expert opinions and results. We also see many patients who have been treated elsewhere who want a second opinion or a simpler, less expensive, or less time-consuming dry eye treatment.
Dr. Mahootchi and The Eye Clinic of Florida have the right kind of experience to help you with and help you avoid dry eye.
Board-Certified Dry Eye Doctor in Zephyrhills, FL
Innovative Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment Options
Dry eye is a very common and frustrating problem. It’s underdiagnosed, misdiagnosed, and sometimes even caused by doctors.
The eye’s natural tears are very complex. Normally made up of water, mucus, and oil layer in a very special balance, they lubricate the eye so the lids glide over them. They also keep small things from irritating the eye, and they help us see better. When something is wrong with tear film, we can have dry eyes.
Dry eye syndrome is actually a number of conditions under one umbrella term. Understanding the disease as a chronic one and being proactive rather than reactive in treatment are the keys to solving this frustrating problem.
Here are the top five things Dr. Mahootchi wants every patient to know about dry eye:
- If you spend a dollar on treatment, you should be a dollar better. Dr. Mahootchi often sees Tampa area patients pay so much for dry eye treatment that they don’t get to choose a better lens implant because of the poverty caused by the business model of the eye surgeon. We can do better! Please give us a call if you are spending more than $200 on pre-surgical dry eye treatment.
- Dry eye is not an allergy. The allergy is not dry eyes.
- There are dry eyes that bother the patient, and there are dry eyes that bother the doctor getting measurements for cataract surgery or LASIK.
- Unfrozen serum eye drops work better, faster, and cheaper than most prescription treatments. It is usually only taken for two months every year or two. Many eye doctors are trained to use combination antibiotic-steroid eye drops every time the disease flares up. This will disappoint the patient and the doctor as the disease keeps coming back.
- Other conditions often misdiagnosed as dry eye, such as meibomian gland disease. Many people with chronic dry eyes actually have blepharitis. Many doctors prescribe treatment for external blepharitis when internal blepharitis is the real problem. Shampoo scrubs of the lashes are a waste of time if the problem is the meibomian glands. We have 25 years of experience performing cosmetic eyelid surgeries , so we’ll never overlook this.
Using the correct lubricant to keep your eyes from getting dry, as opposed to treating only when they feel dry, is crucial for success.
About Unfrozen Serum Eye Drops
Serum drops are made from the patient’s own blood. Two tubes of blood are drawn. The blood cells are separated from the serum with a centrifuge. The human serum has many growth factors and hormones that can help dry eyes. It’s been studied with published results in major respected journals for decades. It’s safe to use because it’s made from your own blood.
Typically, a patient will use the drop twice a day for two months. Unlike other treatments, the effect of serum drops last long after the two months you use them. The typical patient has 9-12 months of relief after using the serum. In our experience, patients who try Serum rarely choose to retry Restasis.
We make the unfrozen version of serum drops. It works much better probably because the proteins we isolate are not damaged by freezing. Many places cannot do this because they are not doctor’s offices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common dry eye causes?
The most common causes of dry eye include decreased tear production, excessive tear evaporation, poor tear quality, aging, hormonal changes, environmental factors (like wind or screen use), certain medications, and underlying health conditions such as autoimmune diseases. Some eyelid disorders can mimic dry eyes. Finally, some people get dry eyes after using multiple eye drops after cataract surgery. This is largely avoidable by using our DropLess cataract surgery technique. Not only do patients get less dry eye, but they also have less chance of infection (100 times less!) and save over $300 over traditional drops. We have been DropLess for over eight years and speak around the country on this topic.
What kinds of dry eye symptoms should I be aware of?
Common dry eye symptoms include redness, irritation, a gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, excessive tearing, and a burning or stinging sensation. If you experience these symptoms frequently, it’s a good idea to consult an eye care professional.
When is dry eye syndrome medication typically necessary?
Dry eye syndrome medication is typically necessary when symptoms such as dryness, irritation, redness, or blurred vision persist despite using over-the-counter treatments like artificial tears. It may also be required if the condition is caused by underlying issues like inflammation, autoimmune diseases, or gland dysfunction, and when more targeted treatments, such as prescription eye drops, anti-inflammatory medications, or other therapies, are needed to manage the condition effectively. Always consult an eye care professional to determine the best course of action.
How can I get started with the top dry eye doctor near me?
It’s easy to get started with Dr. Mahootchi and the team at the Eye Clinic of Florida. Request your first appointment online or give our office a call at (813) 779-3338.