MEDICAL SERVICES

Dry eye is part of a group of conditions called Ocular Surface Disease (OSD).  It is a condition in which a person does not have enough quality tears to lubricate and nourish the eye. People with dry eyes either do not produce enough tears or their tears are of a poor quality.

It is estimated that nearly half of Americans experience dry eye symptoms on a regular basis. People with dry eyes may experience irritated, gritty, scratchy or burning eyes; a feeling of something in their eyes; excess watering; and blurred vision. Advanced dry eyes may damage the front surface of the eye and impair vision.

Because dry eye is so prevalent and can lead to anything from mild discomfort to irreparable ocular damage, the eyecare professionals at Sigma recognize the importance of diagnosing dry eye, managing the related symptoms, and treating the underlying cause.  Treatment options may include anything from artificial tears to an at-home heat therapy regimen to punctal occlusion to the use of autologous serum.

For the diagnosis and treatment of severe cases of dry eye related to meibomiam gland deficiency (MGD), Sigma is proud to be one of the only offices in Iowa with the LipiView and LipiFlow Thermal Pulsation System.  This state-of-the-art technology allows our doctor to view the condition of the meibomian glands and, when necessary, apply heat and peristaltic motion to the eyelid to remove gland obstructions and stagnant gland content.

Ocular dermatology is a group of dermatologic issues that affect the ocular adnexia (the area surrounding the eye itself).  This would include conditions such as allergies, irritations, lid infections, shingles, skin tags, lumps and bumps, and much more.

The eyecare professionals at Sigma Eyehealth Centers are equipped to treat these conditions using medications, chemical cautery, and cryotherapy treatments for effective management of most ocular dermatologic problems.

The eyecare professionals at Sigma Eyehealth Centers routinely provide after-hours emergency eyecare.  We encourage you to contact us if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Severe eye pain
• Sudden loss of vision
• Flashes and floaters of recent origin
• Sudden double vision
• Trauma to the eyes, including foreign bodies or chemicals splashed in eyes