Dry Eye

Itchy eyes, chronic dryness, or watery eyes can all be signs of dry eye syndrome. Without treatment, dry eyes can cause discomfort and even interfere with vision. Fortunately, the optometry team at Advanced Eyecare can diagnose and treat dry eye syndrome and other eye-related ailments. 

What Causes Dry Eye?

Dry eye syndrome occurs when the eyes don’t produce enough to stay moist. All eyes have a tear film that normally produces enough tears to keep the entire eye lubricated. However, when the tear film is not functioning as it should, it can cause the eyes to become dry and irritated. 

People are more likely to develop dry age as they grow older, but this condition can affect people of any age. Other factors, including hormones, dry or windy weather, and exposure to smoke, may also play a role. It’s also common for people to experience these symptoms following refractive surgery.

In some cases, dry eye may be a symptom of another eye condition, such as blepharitis or meibomian gland dysfunction. If you’re dealing with symptoms of dry eye, you should have your eyes examined as soon as possible. 

Common Signs of Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome can cause a range of symptoms. Some people may experience a combination of symptoms, while others may only have one symptom. These symptoms may appear and disappear, but it’s common for symptoms to worsen over time. Common symptoms include:

  • Itchy and irritated eyes
  • Redness
  • Feelings of grittiness or a foreign object in the eye
  • Burning eyes
  • Watery eyes
  • Eye mucus
  • Blurry vision
  • Increased sensitivity to light
  • Difficulty wearing contact lenses

How Our Optometry Clinic Can Treat Dry Eye

When patients come to us with dry eye symptoms, we conduct a comprehensive examination to determine the quantity and quality of their tears. We may also perform an external eye examination to assess other issues that could contribute to their symptoms. Based on the results, we’ll suggest treatments to address the underlying cause and alleviate symptoms.

Treatment can vary based on several factors, including the intensity of symptoms and the issues causing the dryness. We frequently recommend using eye drops to supplement the eye’s natural tear production. For more severe conditions, we may suggest other treatments, including intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, radio frequency (RF) treatment, or a silicone plug that can keep the eye from losing its natural tears. 

Treatment for Dry Eye Syndrome

IPL and RF treatments are radically changing how dry eye disease is managed – reducing symptoms and potential costs of long-term medication use. IPL and RF treatments also reverse the signs of aging by stimulating collagen production, smoothing wrinkles and reducing dark spots around the eyes and face.

Lumecca Intense Pulse Light treatment (IPL)

IPL uses photothermolysis, which provides a photofacial through the delivery of a comfortable light treatment. IPL requires no general anesthesia, incisions, or downtime. The goal of treatment is to stop the cycle of inflammation, thereby reducing symptoms of chronic dry eye disease. IPL treats ocular rosacea, Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, and inflammatory dry eye disease. It has also been shown to improve blepharitis (eyelid inflammation) caused by demodex and bacteria around the eyelids. The process can be expanded to treat the entire face, if desired.

Forma Radiofrequency treatment (RF)

Radio-Frequency energy is used to generate heat which is applied to the skin around the eyes. The treatment is precise enough to target tissue 2mm deep, minimizing effects on other tissue. This heat stimulates collagen formation, bringing white blood cells and stem cells to the tissue around your eyes while reducing inflammation. RF aids in opening up clogged meibomian glands, allowing for improved tear production and secretion. Your doctor will perform meibomian gland expression at the end of the treatment to open clogged oil glands.

How many treatment sessions are needed?

A treatment cycle of 4 sessions spaced every 2-3 weeks is typical. Treatment modality, intensity, and frequency can be tailored to your specific condition and skin type. Treating an acute hordeolum (stye) or chronic chalazion may require as little as 1-2 treatments.

Dry Eye Syndrome Post-Procedure Care

There is no recovery period or downtime associated with these procedures. Mild redness and swelling may occur in the first few hours and resolves quickly. Makeup and/or moisturizers can be applied immediately. Sun block is recommended between treatment sessions. Staff will provide detailed pre and post-op instructions.

Get Dry Eye Treatment

If you’re struggling with symptoms of dry eye, don’t wait to get the relief you need.

Make an appointment at Advanced Eyecare today at 702-737-3937. We’ll identify the cause of your symptoms and work with you to find a treatment that will give you relief.

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