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Dry Eye

What Causes Dry Eyes?

Dry eye disease, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is a chronic and progressive disease affecting more than 100 million people worldwide. Common symptoms of dry eye include dryness, soreness, eye fatigue, grittiness, watering, and sensitivity to light. Over 80% of chronic dry eye disease is caused by Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). Meibomian glands are in your eyelids and secrete meibum, or oils, that create a protective film over your tears. Patients with MGD do not properly produce enough meibum, breaking down the protective tear film and allowing for tears to evaporate. As the affected glands become increasingly inflamed, the normally oily secretions become thick like butter, restricting gland secretion. In many patients, glands affected by MGD can atrophy, leading to gland death. It is important to identify and treat this disease early.

Common Symptoms of Dry Eyes

  • Burning
  • Film over your vision
  • Fluctuation your vision’s clarity
  • General irritation
  • Itchy eyes
  • Sandiness/grittiness in your eyes
  • Sleep/mucus in the mornings
  • Tearing/watering eyes

Treatments for MGD and Dry eye have trended towards office-based procedures that enhance function of the Meibomian glands. The most advanced form of treatment for MGD and inflammatory dry eye is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Radio Frequency (RF). This technology removes unwanted inflammatory blood vessels in the eyelid margins and across the face to improve the symptoms of your dry eye without time consuming home care.


Is IPL and RF right for you? Your eye care professional will perform a series of diagnostic tests to evaluate your gland health and performance of gland secretions. You may be asked to complete a short questionnaire, undergo a simple slit lamp test, and capture images of your glands with specific Meibomian imaging technology.

Dry Eye Treatment Options

 

  • Artificial tears, gel or ointment
  • Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
  • Radio Frequency (RF)
  • Amniotic Tissue Application
  • Punctal plugs
  • Topical prescription medications
  • Vitamins/Supplements

 

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