Dry Eye Treatment
What is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry Eye is caused by a lack of lubricating proteins in tears or inflammation. The result is uncomfortable eyes and sometimes blurry vision. It can also lead to uncomfortable contact lens use.
What causes Dry Eye?
It can result from environmental factors, aging, and poor nutrition. Some medications and health conditions such as thyroid and immunological disease, can also bring on dry eye symptoms.
What are the symptoms?
Dry Eye is indicated by excessive tearing, and painful, itchy eyes. Light sensitivity, blurry vision, and a foreign-body sensation can also be signs of Dry Eye.
How is it diagnosed?
Tests can be performed on your tears to determine if they lack the proteins needed to properly lubricate the eye. Treatment options can also be explored to see how your eyes respond.
How can Dry Eye be treated?
- Medications- Over-the-Counter and prescription eye drops or ointments may ease the symptoms of Dry Eye.
- Punctal Occlusion- Plugs inserted into the tear ducts can stop the flow of tears allowing them to better nourish the eyes. This procedure is safe and painless and can be reversed if necessary.
- Supplements and diet- vitamin supplements and a diet rich in Omega -3 can lessen the effects of Dry Eye.
- In-office treatments like Lipiflow, BlephEx and Lumenis IPL.
Dry Eye Treatment Options
Lipiflow®
The leading cause of Dry Eye Syndrome is lack of oils on the top of the tear film due to gland malfunction or blockage. When LipiFlow® treatment is properly applied, the glands can resume normal oil production or what is known as lipids. The new technology uses a drug-free, single use sterile device to gently stimulate the glands and bring relief to dry, itchy eyes.
BlephEx®
BlephEx® is a new, in-office procedure that allows the doctor to take an active role in cleaning your eyelid margins. BlephEx® removes excess bacteria, biofilm and bacterial toxins, the main causes of eyelid symptoms.
BlephEx® cleans eyelids to maintain eyelid hygiene. With regular treatments, the eyelids stay clean and symptom-free.
The BlephEx® treatment only takes a few minutes to perform.
Intense Pulsed Light
IPL derives from dermatology where it has been used for several decades to treat a variety of skin conditions including rosacea and skin lesions as well as for skin rejuvenation. Evidence suggests that IPL stimulates fibroblast activity in the skin. These cells produce new collagen which is thought to be responsible for skin tightening and rejuvenation. More recently, IPL has been shown to be extremely effective in managing meibomian gland dysfunction, dry eye, and ocular forms of rosacea. We utilize a state-of-the-art Lumenis Optima® M22 which is the only FDA approved IPL for treating DED. Treatment is accomplished in 4 sessions scheduled 2-4 weeks apart. IPL is applied to the skin surrounding the eyes which are protected by special shields. Sessions last about 10 minutes. Observable effects include decreased inflammation, improved meibomian gland function, improved tear stability and patient comfort. Results are usually seen by the second or third treatment and have been extremely impressive for the majority of patients. Retreatments or “touch-ups” may be performed in six months to a year if necessary. For some patients, the greatest benefits occur when IPL is combined with Lipiflow and Blephex.
Gentle Tea Tree Oil Cleanser by Eye Eco
Formulated to be non-irritating to the eyes, the tea tree concentrations cleanse, hydrate and soothe.
Relief from Blepharitis
Blepharitis is a fairly common disease marked by the inflammation of the eyelids. Several conditions, including blockage of the oil glands in the eye, bacterial infection, or allergies can lead to the onset of Blepharitis. The condition can be very uncomfortable and it is important to treat it early to prevent chronic issues.
The Bruder Moist Heat Eye Compress was specifically engineered to naturally moisturize dry, irritated eyes caused by Blepharitis, Styes, or Dry Eye Disease.
