Millions Suffer From Dry Eyes
More than 16 million Americans live with dry eye syndrome, a chronic condition causing irritation and discomfort. This condition occurs due to a lack of sufficient lubrication and moisture in the eye.
Dry eye syndrome may only be a slight nuisance for some people, but others may experience significant inflammation and other symptoms.
If you have dry eyes, we can help. Many of our Center For Sight doctors have specialty training in severe dry eye and ocular surface disease.
The Center For Sight doctors are here to assist you with your dry eye needs. Dr. De Rojas, Dr. Soscia, and Dr. Mathews have specialty training in treating severe dry eye and ocular surface diseases. Please request your appointment or contact us to book a consultation.
What Is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?
The meibomian glands line the margins of your eyelids, where they release an oily fluid that enhances your tear film and slows the evaporation of your tears. This oily fluid is essential for helping your tears keep the cornea lubricated for clear vision.
When these glands become blocked or plugged, it is known as meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). This condition causes your tears to evaporate more quickly due to the tear film lacking the oil needed to function at its best. Besides faster evaporation, greater friction occurs between the cornea and eyelids, leading to dry eye symptoms.
MGD is a common cause of dry eyes, and restoring these glands to their optimal state can help improve your quality of life.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Treatment
At Center For Sight, we offer the latest eye care treatments and technology to ensure you’re seeing your best. We have several treatment options available for adult patients with MGD, also known as evaporative dry eye.
iLux Treatment
iLux treatment helps warm and compress your eyelids, gently releasing blocked or plugged oil in the meibomian glands. After assessing the appropriate treatment zone, your doctor will place the iLux device and begin your procedure. The warm compression pads help painlessly express oil in under 15 minutes.
LipiFlow
LipiFlow is a thermal pulsation system that improves meibomian gland function through gentle massage and heat. After receiving numbing eye drops and placing the device, LipiFlow applies therapeutic heat and pressure to remove gland obstructions.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Eye Drops (PRP)
Platelet-rich plasma drops (PRP) are used for severe dry
eye, ocular surface and corneal diseases. They require
special formulation with your own blood components.
Platelet drops are helpful for severe dry eye because
they contain several healing growth factors that are
helpful in tissue recovery.
Intense Pulse Light Therapy (IPL)
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-intensity light pulses to target specific structures in the skin. While traditionally used in dermatology to treat skin conditions like rosacea and acne, IPL has gained popularity in ophthalmology for its effectiveness in managing dry eye disease and other ocular conditions.
Benefits of IPL Therapy
Improved Tear Film Stability:
By enhancing meibomian gland function, IPL helps create a more stable tear film, reducing dry eye symptoms.
Reduced Inflamation
The treatment targets inflammation, which is a key factor in dry eye disease.
Minimally Invasive IPL
IPL is a non-invasive procedure with minimal discomfort and downtime.
Treat multiple conditions:
- Rosacea-Associated Ocular Inflammation: IPL can reduce ocular inflammation caused by rosacea, providing relief from symptoms like redness and irritation.
- Blepharitis: IPL may help manage chronic inflammation of the eyelids, improving overall eye health.
How IPL Works for Dry Eye
During IPL treatment, a device emits precise pulses of light to the area around the eyes, targeting the blood vessels and inflammation contributing to dry eye symptoms. The heat generated by the light pulses helps to:
- Reduce inflammation by closing abnormal blood vessels that release inflammatory mediators.
- Stimulate the meibomian glands, improving the secretion of oils needed for a stable tear film.
- Break down hardened oils within the glands, promoting better tear flow.
IPL therapy is typically performed in an outpatient setting and involves the following steps:
Preparation: The patient’s eyes are protected with eye shields or goggles, and a cooling gel is applied to the treatment area.
Application of Light Pulses: The provider will use a handheld device to deliver controlled pulses of light to the skin around the eyes.
Post-Treatment Care: After the procedure, the patient may experience mild redness or warmth, which usually resolves within a few hours. A series of IPL sessions may be recommended for optimal results, typically spaced several weeks apart.
IPL therapy has emerged as a valuable treatment option for dry eye disease and related conditions. Its non-invasive nature, coupled with its ability to address the underlying causes of dry eye, makes it a popular choice among ophthalmologists and patients alike. If you’re experiencing dry eye symptoms or other ocular issues, consult with your ophthalmologist to determine if IPL therapy is a suitable treatment option for you.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Eye Drops
What are platelet-rich plasma drops?
Platelet-rich plasma drops (PRP) are used for severe dry eye, ocular surface and corneal diseases. They require special formulation with your own blood components. Platelet drops are helpful for severe dry eye because they contain several healing growth factors that are helpful in tissue recovery.
Who will benefit from PRP drops?
Your physician will determine if PRP drops may be helpful for you. Patients with severe dry eye, ocular surface and corneal diseases will benefit.
How much blood is drawn?
Around 20 milliliters of blood is drawn. Since you are not giving much blood, you should feel fine afterwards.
How do I prepare for my blood draw?
You do not need to fast in preparation for the draw. Please drink plenty of water starting 24 hours before your blood draw. Good hydration is helpful. Avoid
any NSAID (Aspirin, Motrin, Aleve) on the day of your appointment.
Are the drops covered by insurance?
No, the drops are not covered by insurance. The drops provided should last you 2-3 months. Ask your provider about pricing.
How do I use the drops?
Instructions may vary by patient. The common regimen is one drop in the affected eye 4x/day until told to stop.
How are the drops stored?
One bottle of drops should be kept cold in the refrigerator at a time, while the remainder of bottles should be kept in the freezer until needed. A bottle can
be kept in the fridge for a maximum of 5-7 days and should be discarded after that time frame. Drops can be frozen for three months.
Because these drops are made from biological material and are preservative free, they could support bacterial growth. It is recommended that you carry drops in a cooler with ice or frozen gel packs if you are going to be out for more than an hour or are planning on being in hot temperatures.
Additional Dry Eye Treatments
Besides MGD-focused treatments, Center For Sight offers a variety of dry eye syndrome treatments, including:
We Can Help Relieve Your Dry Eye Symptoms
Dry eyes can significantly impact your quality of life, but our team has a variety of treatments to meet your needs. With help from one of our specialized doctors, we can relieve your dry eye symptoms. Book an appointment at Center For Sight to see how dry eye therapy can benefit you.
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