Dry Eye Syndrome

As a fellowship-trained cornea specialist, Dr. Barnhorst is on the leading edge of dry eye treatment. While doing his cornea fellowship training at the Eye and Ear Institute at the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Barnhorst worked with Dr. Gary Foulkes, one of the country’s leading dry eye experts.

Dry Eye Syndrome is one of the leading causes of chronic ocular irritation and redness. It is also a frequent cause of contact lens intolerance in patients who have worn contact lens in the past. It is frequently misdiagnosed or undertreated and can lead to chronic irritation, excessive tearing, or even corneal infection. It can be a very complex disease process that is not as simple as just using artificial tear drops or rewetting drops. Many patients have visited several doctors or tried multiple treatments without relief.

As a dry eye specialist, Dr. Barnhorst prides himself on spending a lot of time with his dry eye patients and examining carefully each patient’s particular ocular surface to determine the nature of their dry eye problem and how to treat it most effectively. Treatment for dry eyes can range from artificial tears, to supplements such as fish oil or flax seed, to medications such as Restasis® or even moisture chamber goggles. Closing the tear drainage ducts by placement of puntal plugs made of either collagen or synthetic materials can also be very helpful in certain situations.

Whatever the cause of your dry eye problem, Dr. Barnhorst will work with you to get you the relief you’ve been looking for.