Ocular Surface Diseases
Ocular surface diseases affect the cornea—the transparent front layer of the eye. These conditions can range from common problems like dry eye syndrome and allergies to more complex issues such as meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), blepharitis, rosacea, scarring from glaucoma medications, chemical or thermal burns, and autoimmune conditions like mucous membrane pemphigoid and Sjögren’s disease.
Symptoms
Ocular surface disease symptoms vary, but may include:
- Blurry vision
- Discomfort or eye pain
- Redness and itching
- In severe cases, blindness from corneal scarring
Because symptoms are often subtle and can be misinterpreted, these diseases are frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated. As people live longer, ocular surface disorders are becoming increasingly common.
Expertise at Bascom Palmer
Proper diagnosis and treatment require highly specialized care. At Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, our board-certified corneal and ocular surface specialists combine advanced technology, research, and experience to deliver personalized treatment and long-term solutions.
Diagnostic Tests
High-Resolution Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) – Provides microscopic imaging of the ocular surface to detect changes invisible to standard exams.
Biological Diagnostics – Innovative analysis of tear fluid and tissue (biochemical, genetic, molecular, immunologic) to improve disease classification, track progression, and create customized therapies.
Treatments
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include:
- Nutritional supplementation: Intramuscular or oral vitamin therapy to correct deficiencies.
- Medication adjustment: Discontinuing or replacing drugs linked to toxic optic neuropathy (under medical supervision).
- Lifestyle changes: Stopping alcohol consumption and smoking to prevent further nerve damage.
Non-Surgical
- Heat Therapy & Lid Massage – First-line “physical therapy” for MGD-related dry eye.
- LipiView® & LipiFlow® Thermal Pulsation – Advanced imaging and treatment for MGD; uses heat and pressure to clear blocked glands so they can produce healthy oils for tear stability. The 12-minute procedure is safe, quick, and comfortable.
- Scleral Lenses – Custom contact lenses that vault over the cornea, creating a fluid-filled chamber that protects the ocular surface and improves vision. Beneficial for dry eye, keratoconus, and other conditions.
Surgical
- Stem Cell & Cornea Transplantation – Restores the ocular surface when scarring impairs vision.
- Artificial Corneas (Boston Keratoprosthesis) – Used in advanced cases of corneal blindness. Bascom Palmer is also the only U.S. center performing MOOKP (“eye-tooth” surgery), which uses a patient’s tooth to support an artificial cornea and restore sight in otherwise untreatable cases.
- PROSE Device – A custom-designed prosthetic that protects and heals the ocular surface while correcting refractive errors.
- Stem Cell-Based Therapy – Bascom Palmer pioneered the first autologous limbal stem cell transplant in the U.S. Today, in collaboration with the University of Miami Stem Cell Program, we are expanding stem cell therapies to regenerate damaged tissue and restore vision.
- Innovative Surgical Research – Ongoing studies include salivary gland transplantation to improve tear production and new methods to enhance artificial cornea longevity.
Research & Clinical Studies
With one of the world’s largest ocular surface patient databases, Bascom Palmer leads global clinical research efforts. Our physicians are actively testing new compounds, devices, and therapies to bring the latest innovations from the lab directly to patient care.
Why Choose Bascom Palmer Eye Institute?
#1 in the Nation
- Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the country’s top eye care center.
Trusted Specialists
- Our 1,800-member team includes internationally recognized corneal and ocular surface experts.
Research-Driven Medicine
- As a university-based center, we bridge cutting-edge laboratory discoveries with real-world patient care, giving you access to treatments not widely available elsewhere.
FAQ
What falls under ocular surface diseases, and why do they disrupt daily comfort?
Ocular surface diseases encompass dry eye syndrome, blepharitis (lid margin inflammation), and limbal stem cell deficiency—irritated frontlines where tears, lids, and cornea meet, causing gritty burn, blur, or infections like the eye’s ecosystem out of whack. Affecting 16 million, they’re chronic itch-mongers, flaring with winds or screens, but layered care restores that fresh-morning-eye feel.
What triggers ocular surface problems in everyday life?
Aging thins tears, meds (antihistamines) evaporate them, autoimmune (Sjogren) assaults glands; contacts or LASIK exacerbate. Think desert eyes in AC offices—women post-menopause hit hardest, but anyone can tweak habits to hydrate.
How are ocular surface diseases diagnosed in detail?
Tear breakup time (BUT) times stability, Schirmer strips quantify flow, meibography images clogged glands; vital staining flags corneal dead zones. It’s a surface sleuthing, painless, revealing if evaporative (oily deficit) or aqueous (water scant).
What comprehensive treatments soothe ocular surface issues?
IPL (intense pulsed light) unclogs glands, punctal plugs trap tears, cyclosporine drops tame inflammation—autologous serum mimics natural lube. For severe, PROSE scleral lenses vault protection; 80% symptom slash with combo, no surgery often.
How can lifestyle tweaks prevent ocular surface flare-ups?
Blink drills during scrolls, omega-3 fish twice weekly lubricate, humidifiers battle dry airs—quit contacts overnight. Annual checks customize; patients rave: “”From sandpaper to silk,”” comfort reclaimed.
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