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Sjogren's Syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disorder that mainly affects the exocrine glands, such as the tear and saliva glands, leading to symptoms like dry eyes and dry mouth. As a local optometrist, Dr. Ikeda’s focus lies in providing the best possible Sjogren's Syndrome treatment, specifically addressing the ocular manifestations of this condition. Dry eye symptoms are a common concern among patients with Sjogren's Syndrome, and it's crucial to identify the right Sjogren's Syndrome treatment options to alleviate discomfort and maintain optimal eye health.
In this article, we will discuss various treatment options available for managing dry eyes in patients with Sjogren's Syndrome, focusing on those that can be provided by our eye doctor.
One of the most common and simple Sjogren's Syndrome treatments for dry eye symptoms is the use of artificial tears. These over-the-counter eye drops provide temporary relief by lubricating the ocular surface and can be used as needed throughout the day. There are various formulations available, and our eye care professional can recommend the most suitable option based on your specific needs and preferences. Artificial tears are generally considered to be a temporary solution.
A relatively new product on the market for dry eye sufferers, Tyrvaya, utilizes a unique medicated nasal spray that stimulates the trigeminal nerve to produce tears. This is a superior outcome to wetting the eyes with drops, as this approach does not impact the stability of the tear film or expose the eye to preservatives or allergens.
For patients with moderate to severe dry eye symptoms, punctal plugs can be an effective Sjogren's Syndrome treatment option. These small, biocompatible devices are inserted into the tear ducts to block tear drainage, allowing the tears to remain on the eye's surface for a longer period. This procedure can be performed by our optometrist, and the plugs can be temporary or permanent, depending on the patient's needs and response to the treatment.
In some cases, prescription eye drops may be recommended as a Sjogren's Syndrome treatment to address dry eye symptoms. These may include medications like cyclosporine (Restasis) or lifitegrast (Xiidra), which work by reducing inflammation and improving tear production. Our optometrist will closely monitor your response to these medications and adjust the treatment plan accordingly.
Patients with severe dry eye symptoms or those who are frequently exposed to harsh environments may benefit from moisture chamber glasses as part of their Sjogren's Syndrome treatment. These specially designed eyewear create a humid environment around the eyes, helping to retain moisture and reduce tear evaporation. Our eye doctor can help you find the right moisture chamber glasses based on your needs and lifestyle.
Maintaining good eyelid hygiene is crucial in managing dry eye symptoms related to Sjogren's Syndrome treatment. This may include gently cleaning the eyelids with a warm, damp cloth or using over-the-counter lid scrubs.
For someone with Sjorgens, it is critical that the tears do not evaporate quickly. To ensure this the meibomian glands need to produce the top protective oil or lipid layer. By heating and expressing those glands the eyes are able to protect the tears from evaporation. Heating is best done in the office with accompanying at-home maintenance by applying warm compresses to the eyes to stimulate the release of oils from the meibomian glands, improving the quality of the tear film.
The groundbreaking clinical guidelines set out by the Dry Eye Workshop, Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society 2, indicated the use of custom contact lenses called scleral lenses for the advanced treatment of dry eye. These contacts have a vaulted design, leaving room for a barrier of saline between the eye and the lens. Furthermore the contact sits on the less sensitive white of the eye.
Amniotic membranes are an advanced treatment that places a special bandage contact on the eye. These are made with bio preserved tissue that is placed on the eye to protect, nourish and rejuvenate the corneal cells.
Some studies have shown that oral supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids may help improve dry eye symptoms in patients with Sjogren's Syndrome as part of their treatment plan. Consult with our optometrist before starting any nutritional supplements, as they can provide guidance on the appropriate dosage and potential interactions with other medications.
If you or a loved one is experiencing dry eye symptoms related to Sjogren's Syndrome, we encourage you to schedule an appointment at our optometry practice for a customized Sjogren's Syndrome treatment plan. We are committed to providing the highest quality eye care and will work closely with you to develop a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Please call us at (562) 925-6591 to schedule a comprehensive eye exam.
Patients with dry eye visit our clinic from all over California, and we are proud to be a leading provider of dry eye services for patients from Bellflower, Long Beach, Lakewood, and Los Angeles.
I haven't actually used the optometrist side, so my review is limited to the vision therapy offered. This office was recommended by my occupational therapist for the treatment of my double vision following a stroke.
Love this location. I had a brain injury accident from day one one. All the team make you feel you still important and hope in the horizon after when the medical system fell you miserably. Dr. Ikeda very professional and very understanding about your issue. Two tombs up.
My husband and I were immediately impressed with Dr Ikeda. I was hit by a car while cycling which caused broken bones and three brain injuries. The brain injuries caused double vision. Dr. Ikeda examined my eyes and got me started on vision therapy with his occupational therapist who specializes in vision therapy. She (Chris) is absolutely great. I am impressed with the array of tools used to help recover my binocular vision. I am doing things I never thought were possible (balance boards etc). Chris pushes me and keeps me motivated. I really enjoy my sessions with her. The office staff is always friendly and they have a wonderful appointment reminder tool that makes it easy to keep my calendar up to date. I am happy the rehab center at Little Co. of Mary recommended them!!
The Vision Therapy is handled in a separate office through a different door from the shared waiting room. Chris, the vision therapist, has a wide and varied assortment of tools, equipment and resources to best evaluate and treat most vision issues. After just a few visits, my double vision became easier to control, using exercises developed during the therapy process. It was time well-spent.
I have been coming here since I can remember. I love it here. The staff is so amazing and nice. They explain everything they gonna do and never make you feel rushed. Dr. Ikeda has always been my doctor and I would never want another one. He is the doctor for my whole family and is always asking how everyone is doing. I am also so crazy about picking out my frames and have to try so many and each person who helps me take the time and lets me try them all on. I would never want to go anywhere else! I definitely would recommend this office to anyone looking for a great eye doctor.
This is not for the eye exam but for the frames selection portion. I brought my prescription from Kaiser here with my VSP insurance. The reception staff was very polite and professional. Manny helped me to pick out frames and explain my coverage. Very helpful and patient not like the individual at the other place I rated here on Yelp. I was running late and he still helped me and was not bothered at all. I am so glad I came here ..........very pleased.
Very professional staff and pleasant.
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