Dry eye disease is often thought of as a condition that primarily affects older adults, but it can also impact younger individuals, including teens and those in their twenties and thirties. At Green Eye Care, we understand how frustrating dry eye symptoms can be, especially when they interfere with school, work, or daily activities. Our personalized approach to care ensures that each patient receives targeted treatment based on their specific needs and lifestyle.

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye occurs when your eyes either do not produce enough tears or when the quality of tears is poor, causing them to evaporate too quickly. This can result in symptoms such as burning, itching, redness, blurry vision, and a feeling of something gritty in the eyes. For younger patients, dry eye is often caused by digital device use, contact lens wear, environmental factors, or underlying medical conditions.
 

Our Personalized Approach to Treatment

At Green Eye Care, we take a comprehensive and individualized approach to dry eye treatment. After a thorough evaluation of tear quality, ocular surface health, and gland function, we design a care plan that may include one or more advanced therapies.
 

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy

IPL is a gentle and non-invasive treatment that uses pulses of light to reduce inflammation and improve the function of the meibomian glands. These glands are responsible for producing the oily layer of your tears, which helps prevent evaporation. IPL is particularly helpful for younger patients with meibomian gland dysfunction or chronic inflammation contributing to dry eye.
 

Scleral Lenses

For contact lens wearers experiencing dry eye symptoms, scleral lenses can offer significant relief. These specialized lenses vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera, creating a fluid reservoir that keeps the eye moist and protected throughout the day. They can also provide improved vision and comfort compared to standard contact lenses.
 

Punctal Plugs

Punctal plugs are tiny biocompatible devices inserted into the tear ducts to slow tear drainage and help retain natural moisture on the eye’s surface. This simple, in-office procedure can be a great option for younger individuals with moderate dry eye who want to improve hydration without ongoing maintenance.
 

Amniotic Membranes

For more severe cases of dry eye, especially when there is damage to the surface of the eye, we may recommend amniotic membrane therapy. These membranes contain natural anti-inflammatory and healing properties, promoting tissue regeneration and soothing the ocular surface. This treatment is safe and effective for younger individuals with persistent or advanced symptoms.
 

Supportive Therapies and Lifestyle Guidance

In addition to in-office treatments, our team offers lifestyle recommendations such as screen time management, proper contact lens hygiene, nutritional guidance, and the use of preservative-free artificial tears. These daily habits play an important role in maintaining long-term ocular health and comfort.
 

Ready to Find Relief from Dry Eye?

Dry eye can impact patients of all ages, and at Green Eye Care, we are committed to helping younger individuals find lasting relief through advanced and personalized treatment solutions. Whether you are a student, young professional, or active contact lens wearer, we offer innovative options tailored to your lifestyle and needs.
 

Schedule your dry eye evaluation with Green Eye Care to find the right treatment for your needs.  Call 347-757-5475 or visit our website at www.greeneyeharlem.com/book-online to book an appointment today.