What is Dry Eye?
Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a chronic condition that develops when your eyes do not produce and maintain enough tears to keep the eye’s surface lubricated resulting in multiple symptoms that range from person to person. This can be due to a reduction in tear production or increased tear evaporation from a lack of lipid in the tears that stem from oil glands in the eyelids. The effects can range from minor dryness and discomfort to pain, blurred vision and frequent infections.
Causes of Dry Eye
Dry eyes can occur naturally as a result of aging or hormonal changes. Environmental factors can also play a role in drying out the eyes and is common in areas where the climate is dry, dusty and windy. Home air conditioners or heating systems and excessive time spent staring at a computer or television screen can also dry out eyes and exacerbate symptoms due to the lack of blinking while staring at our screens.
Our tear film and blinking mechanics work in harmony to lubricate, protect, and maintain the health of your eyes. This complex tear film consists of a matrix of mucus, water, electrolytes and a thin protective oily layer to prevent evaporation. Dysfunction of any of these components is most often due to inflammation.
Diagnosing Dry Eye
Dry Eye Disease is multifactorial, and effective treatment requires a panel of diagnostic tests to determine the root cause of your dry eyes. Our assessments utilize the latest technology to perform the following:
- Meibography infrared imaging of the eyelids to assess the structure of the meibomian glands.
- Demodex Infestation detection along the eyelid margin.
- Tear Break up Time noninvasive diagnostic test used to assess the stability of the tear film on the surface of the eye
- Corneal Staining is a diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the health of the cornea.
- Validated Survey
A personalized approach is essential in diagnosing dry eye because of its complex nature. The condition can stem from various underlying causes, and its severity and symptoms can differ widely between patients.
Symptoms of Dry Eye
Symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the condition but can include:
How We Can Help
We will create a customized dry eye treatment plan for you to follow. This may include in-office treatments as outlined in the next section, and/or any of the following:
- Medication including antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and/or prescription eye drops
- Amniotic membrane disc therapy.
- Unpreserved hyaluronate eye drops or gels specifically formulated for your type of dry eye
- At-home eyelid hygiene regimen including warm compresses, lid massage, lid wipes and antibacterial sprays.
- High quality triglyceride Omega 3 supplements.
- A change in contact lens material, and/or solution care system
- Clinically proven In-office treatments that target the inflammation associated with dry eye disease.
In Office Treatments
Radio Frequency (RF)
Radio Frequency therapy heats the meibomian glands by penetrating the dermis, which helps soften the meibum. This enables the glands to be expressed, clearing blockages and allowing the oils to flow more freely. Additionally, this treatment stimulates collagen production in the skin (neo-collagenesis), leading to a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles.
Intense pulsed Light (IPL)
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) uses visible spectrum light energy, which is absorbed by the skin’s surface. This process helps to coagulate inflamed blood vessels, effectively breaking the cycle of dry eye. IPL is also highly effective at targeting and eliminating Demodex mites and bacteria in the eyelashes. Beyond its benefits for dry eye, IPL can also help reduce the appearance of brown pigmentation caused by sun damage.
ZEST
Zest (Zocular Eyelid System Treatment) is an effective in-office treatment for dry eye, blepharitis and demodex. The procedure involves applying a natural okra-based gel to the eyelid margin and lashes with a cotton swab and cleaning in a circular motion, working the gel into a lather. After only one treatment, patients will notice significant relief from the symptoms of dry eye and an improvement of the health and appearance of their eyes.