DRY EYE CLINIC | optometrist

ABOUT DRY EYES

WHAT IS DRY EYE?

According to the American Optometric Association, "Dry Eye is a condition where a person does not have enough quality tears to properly lubricate and nourish the eye. Tears are necessary for maintaining the health of the front surface of eye and for providing clear vision."

Dry Eye is chronic, and cannot be cured. But it can be managed with at home and in office treatment plans. There are many different causes of dry eye. Ocular Surface Disease and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction are conditions related to Dry Eye.

Early detection and management helps keep the glands that provide the oils of the tears working properly to maintain tear quality. Glands that become atrophied cannot be regenerated. Atrophy of the glands causes a loss of homeostasis of the tears and this becomes problematic.

Common symptoms include redness, excessive tearing, extreme itching with allergies, fluctuating vision that improves with blinking, itching eyelids when you wake up, burning, sensitivity to light, and scratchy feeling (like something is in your eye).

You may also notice your eyelids are red and swollen at the eyelid margins. You may be experiencing a gradual loss of your eyelashes. You may also be unable to tolerate contact lenses in your eyes anymore. You may be using whitening drops to look better and wonder about the long term effects.

We offer a thorough analysis of the type of Dry Eye you are suffering from. We can then tailor your treatment. Treatments will vary depending on the severity and type of dry eye.

What is Radio Frequency?

Radio Frequency (RF) is one of the methods we use to help Dry Eyes. RF has been used in the aesthetic industry to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles of the face. We use this technology around the eyes to send energy to the eyelid glands to warm them up. We then express the glands so that old congested oils are gone and the body can then make new healthy oils. (Old congested unhealthy oils cannot come out on their own)

The procedure is painless and very relaxing to the patient - like a hot stone massage for the eyes. This procedure also helps the eyelids become tighter to allow the glands to do their job more effectively. Some wrinkles will be less noticeable around the eyes as a side effect of the procedure.

Your treatment plan may also involve sessions with an IPL, depending on the root cause of your Dry Eyes. Many sessions are usually needed to get the full effect of the procedure.

What is Intense Pulse Light?

Intense Pulse Light (IPL) is one of the methods we use to help Dry Eye. IPL has been used in the aesthetic industry to help with all type of skin problems. We use this technology just under the lower eyelids to send energy to the eyelids to warm up the glands. The light energy will also shrink up unhealthy, inflamed blood vessels at the eyelid margin. These unwanted blood vessels are associated with swelling, and subsequent closing of the glands, leading to their atrophy and permanent loss.

This procedure is slightly painful as the light pulse feels like a rubber band on the skin. The results are healthier eyelid margins, less swelling, and redness, allowing the glands to do their job more effectively. The appearance of the eyes and eyelids will be improved.

Your treatment plan may also involve sessions with RF, depending on the root cause of your Dry Eyes. Many sessions are usually needed to get the full effect of the procedure.