Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common problems treated by eye physicians. Over ten million Americans suffer from dry eyes. It is usually caused by a problem with the quality of the tear film that lubricates the eyes.Tears are comprised of three layers. The mucus layer coats the cornea, the eye’s clear outer window, forming a foundation so the tear film can adhere to the eye. The middle aqueous layer provides moisture and supplies oxygen and other important nutrients to the cornea. This layer is made of 98 percent water along with small amounts of salt, proteins and other compounds. The outer lipid layer is an oily film that seals the tear film on the eye and helps to prevent evaporation.
Tears are formed in several glands around the eye. The water layer is produced in the lacrimal gland, located under the upper eyelid. Several smaller glands in the lids make the oil and mucus layers. With each blink, the eyelids spread the tears over the eye. Excess tears flow into two tiny drainage ducts in the corner of the eye by the nose. These ducts lead to tiny canals that connect to the nasal passage. The connection between the tear ducts and the nasal passage is the reason that crying causes a runny nose.
In addition to lubricating the eye, tears are also produced as a reflex response to outside stimulus such as an injury or emotion. However, reflex tears do little to soothe a dry eye, which is why someone with watery eyes may still complain of irritation.
Dry eye syndrome has many causes. One of the most common reasons for dryness is simply the normal aging process. As we grow older, our bodies produce less oil – 60% less at age 65 then at age 18. This is more pronounced in women, who tend to have drier skin then men. The oil deficiency also affects the tear film. Without as much oil to seal the watery layer, the tear film evaporates much faster, leaving dry areas on the cornea.
Many other factors, such as hot, dry or windy climates, high altitudes, air-conditioning and cigarette smoke also cause dry eyes. Many people also find their eyes become irritated when reading or working on a computer. Stopping periodically to rest and blink keeps the eyes more comfortable.
Contact lens wearers may also suffer from dryness because the contacts absorb the tear film, causing proteins to form on the surface of the lens. Certain medications, thyroid conditions, vitamin A deficiency, and diseases such as Parkinson’s and Sjogren’s can also cause dryness. Women frequently experience problems with dry eyes as they enter menopause because of hormonal changes.
Itching
Burning
Irritation
Redness
Blurred vision that improves with blinking
Excessive tearing
Increased discomfort after periods of reading, watching TV, or working on a computer
See Better After Cataract Surgery!
Both cataract and pre-cataract patients older than 40 years of age who are dependent on bifocals or reading glasses are likely candidates, and patients who have these lenses implanted prior to developing cataracts will never need cataract surgery in the future. If you are seeking the TECNIS®, Crystalens®, ReZoom® or ReSTOR® IOL lens options in Pennsylvania Dr. Bucci can help you decide if this option is right for you!
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Find out if you can be a LASIK candidate. Take our LASIK self-evaluation test and you will be evaluated and contacted by one of our LASIK coordinators to discuss your candidacy. If you meet the requirements of our test we will suggest an in person pre-operative eye exam. This eye exam is a complete eye health eye exam and will most likely be one of the most thorough eye exams of your life. We obviously take your vision very seriously at Bucci Laser Vision.
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iLASIK - individualized Advanced CustomVue Bladeless LASIK
If you are seeking the safest LASIK in Pennsylvania please feel free to call us about the NEW Bladeless LASIK eye surgery. For more information regarding the Intralase ALL-LASER LASIK please feel free to review our website. We are happy to bring our patients the safest option available for LASIK eye surgery.
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LASIK Financing in Pennsylvania We aim to break down any cost issues that our patients may have if they are considering LASIK eye surgery. Our LASIK center goes way beyond what other centers do to help our patients overcome this affordability issue. If cost is something that has been holding you back from vision correction you should really contact us as soon as possible to set up a consultation.
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Find out What’s NEW at Bucci Laser Vision! We have regular updates on technology and patient safety as it pertains to our patients and overall eye health.
Learn MoreWhat Are Cataracts?
A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear crystalline lens of the eye. The lens is normally extremely clear, and allows light to pass through and be focused onto the retina. When the lens is not clear, and light is impeded from passing through it, a cataract is said to be present in the lens. The term “cataract” comes from the Latin word for waterfall (cataracta) as very advanced cataracts may look white, like foamy water, and be visible to an observer with the naked eye.
Learn MoreCataract Surgery
Modern microsurgical techniques for removing cataracts have evolved and improved dramatically over the past 20 years. During this procedure, the eye's natural lens is removed because it became cloudy as a result of the natural aging process. In the early days, cataract surgery was performed only when a person could no longer see. The cloudy lens was removed in one piece through a large incision that required many stitches. Patients stayed in the hospital for days and after surgery had to wear thick, distorting cataract glasses or deal with cumbersome contact lenses to see well enough to function.
Learn MoreMultifocal / Accommodative
Exciting advances in lens implant technology now allows patients to choose multifocal lens implants to correct their vision. Monofocal lens implants provide excellent vision at one point, usually distance. Multifocal lens implants provide a range of clearer vision at near, intermediate and distance, thereby allowing the performance of most daily activities with little or no dependence on traditional or progressive bifocals. Dr. Bucci will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of multifocal lenses during your free consultation.
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Bucci Laser Vision invites you to watch our Multifocal IOL videos about the Multifocal lenses used by Dr. Bucci. If you are interested in premium lens implants in the Pennsylvaia area, please watch our videos to learn how Multifocal Intraocular Lens Implants can help you see better than ever before after cataract surgery!
Learn MoreAstigmatism Correction (Toric IOL)
Patients suffering from astigmatism and cataracts can benefit from a Toric IOL lens implant. The Toric IOL can be implanted during cataract surgery to cure the astigmatism and reduce your need for glasses or contact lenses after cataract surgery!
If you are suffering from astigmatism and cataracts in Pennsylvania contact Bucci Vision to learn more about Toric IOL’s and how they can help correct your vision
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Do you have questions about the LASIK procedure? Would you like to learn more about Dr. Bucci and the services offered at Bucci Vision in Pennsylvania? If so, please visit our Common Questions page to have your questions answered!
If you have more questions please do not hesitate to contact our office at 1-877-DR.BUCCI to schedule an appointment!
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