Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment NYC by Marc Bystock L.Ac.

Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment NYC by Marc Bystock L.Ac.
Call Marc Bystock L.Ac.
"I specialize in treating patients with degenerative eye disorders, and I can help you too. Approximately 75% of my patients will see an improvement in their eyes within five to ten treatments."
-Marc Bystock L.Ac.
Contact Marc Bystock Holistic Acupuncture NYC
Contact Marc Bystock, Leading Holistic Acupuncturist in NYC for a Free Consultation.
CONTACT MARC VERIFY YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE

Treatment for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) Keratitis Sicca, and Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS) by Marc Bystock NYC Acupuncturist in Midtown Manhattan NY

What is Dry Eye Syndrome?

The single most frequent eye complaint brought to physicians is Meibomian gland dysfunction or dry eye syndrome. Over 25% of the patient visits to most ophthalmic clinics are complaints about dry eyes, making it a growing medical problem.

Dry eyes occur when your tears are insufficient to make enough lubrication for your eyes. Having dry eyes may feel like an uncomfortable stinging or burning sensation. Treatments for having dry eyes may be challenging. They include eye drops and lifestyle changes.
  • Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca is dryness and inflammation of the cornea and the conjunctiva.
  • Keratitis Sicca is a dry eye syndrome that describes dryness and inflammation in the cornea.
Your eyes blink every 10-12 seconds. The function of blinking is to pump the lacrimal sac, which brings water and oily fluid to cover the eye. This fluid keeps the eyes clean and moist. It is essential for this cycle to occur because the tear film only lasts about ten seconds before it degrades.
Treatment for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) Keratitis Sicca, and Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS) by Marc Bystock NYC Acupuncturist in Midtown Manhattan NY

Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome

Most cases of dry eyes syndrome are a dysfunction in the Meibomian glands or a blockage in the ducts that connect the mixture of water and oily fluid to the eyes. The oil secretion makes up the top layer of the tear film. When this oily substance is not secreted correctly, the water will evaporate quickly, causing dry eyes.

Another issue is the overuse of the computer and electronic screens. Workers spending too much time on the computer have less Mucin 5AC, an important chemical that cleans and protects the ocular surface.

Dry eye conditions may be related to other health issues in the rest of the body. In many cases, there may be systemic dryness brittle fingernails and dry mucus membranes.
  • Dry eye syndrome is often associated with autoimmune diseases like Sjogren’s syndrome. Autoimmune diseases cause inflammation that can destroy tear production cells causing dry eyes.
  • Dry eyes are prevalent in women and may be related to hormonal dysregulation, especially estrogen and androgens.
  • Peri-menopausal, menopausal, and post-menopausal women all frequently complain of dry eye syndrome.
  • Long term use of contact lenses can help create dry eyes as it lessens the sensitivity of the cornea.
  • Environmental issues like smoke, air pollution, air conditioning, and wind may all be contributors to dry eye syndrome.
  • Antihistamines, decongestants, oral contraceptives, and eye drops (Visine, Murine) can all help to create a dry eye condition.
  • Both women and men over the age of 55 years old may produce forty percent less eye lubrication than when they were 25 years old. Free radical production is part of the reason for this decline.

Common Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome

  • Dryness and irritation
  • Itchy eyes
  • A burning feeling
  • Some cases may have excessive tearing
  • Sore eyes
  • Fatigued eyes
  • Heavy feeling in the eyes
  • Blurry vision
After a careful examination by your doctor, the following diagnostic tests may be performed:
  • Osmolarity test-measures salinity content of the tears
  • Schirmer test-measures tear volume
  • Inflammatory-measures MMP-9 a biomarker associated with dry eyes
Conventional Treatment for Dry Eye Syndrome

Treatment may consist of artificial tear preparations in the form of drops. A procedure called punctual occlusion which reduces tear drainage from the eyes. Treatment may include Blephex, an instrument that scrubs across the eyelid where 50 gland openings are located. MiBoflo is a heated pad with ultrasound that melts lipids that may block tear flow.

My Holistic Acupuncture Treatment for Dry Eye Syndrome

Patients constantly search for acupuncture and natural therapeutics to resolve their dry eye syndrome. Conventional medicine does not always help their condition. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views dry eye syndrome as a yin organ deficiency. If the yin energy becomes too low and the yang energy becomes too high, then dry eye syndrome will result. In western terminology, that means inflammation has increased and affected the eye to feel dry.

With inflammation comes oxidation and a lack of vital nutrients to the ocular tissue. The leading treatment principle in acupuncture medicine is to nourish the blood, move the qi, and increase blood circulation to the eyes. One study concluded that using eye drops alone improved the dry eye subjects by 53.85%. Drops must be used consistently throughout the day to be effective. 

The combination of drops and regular acupuncture treatments increased the outcome to 76.9%. This research demonstrates the need for acupuncture as a necessary clinical intervention for dry eyes. In a 2015 study using tomography with bio microscopy, acupuncture demonstrated that it could improve dry eyes on a significant level. In traditional Chinese medicine, ophthalmology, needles are never inserted into the eyes. Instead, needles may be placed on the hands, feet, forehead, and ears.

I specialize in treating patients with degenerative eye disorders. Approximately 75% of my patients will see an improvement in their eyes within five to ten treatments. Micro-acupuncture is the primary acupuncture system that I use for the eyes. It stimulates the brain and increases blood flow to the optic nerve and retina. The result is a decrease in both inflammation and oxidative stress to the eyes.

The eyes are like the camera to the brain; they use a tremendous amount of energy. Whenever there is an insufficient amount of energy for the eyes and a lack of nutrients to make repairs, there will be dry eyes and degenerative eye disorders.

In addition to acupuncture, vitamin and mineral supplements, herbs, and specialized food plans may be used to help improve the condition of your eyes.

Contact NYC Acupuncturist Marc Bystock L.Ac. for a Free Consultation Regarding Treating Your Dry Eye Syndrome

Your eyes are the most precious sense organ that you possess. If you or anyone you know suffer from dry eye syndrome or any other degenerative eye condition, then I urge you to contact me for a free consultation. 

I’ve helped so many patients who were told by their doctors that their eyes would never get better, and I know I can help you too. Don’t let your vision get any worse!


Share by: