Dry EYE SERVICES AND TREATMENTS
How Do I Find Out If My Symptoms Are Due to Dry Eye?
As part of your annual comprehensive eye examination or an office visit with any one of our optometrists, your provider will use their expertise to evaluate if you would benefit for a more in-depth dry eye specific visit . This will be scheduled at our east location on Highline Avenue. From there the doctor will make custom recommendations based on your individual needs.
What is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)/Evaporative Dry Eye?
Dry Eye is a condition where our eyes don’t produce enough quality tears to lubricate and nourish the eye. Dry eye is a chronic, sometimes debilitating disease that affects between 30-50% of the population. Dry eye has 3 primary components: inflammation, dysfunctional tear production and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). About 85% of dry eye is primarily due to MGD. MGD is when the oil glands in our eyelids become inflamed and become blocked/clogged, which prevents the glands from secreting oil into our tears. Our tears then evaporate too quickly, resulting in dry eye symptoms.
Common symptoms of Dry Eye:
Scratchy or gritty sensation
Chronic redness
Excessive tearing/watering
Vision fluctuation/blurry vision
Problems wearing contact lenses comfortably
Tired, strained eyes
Sensitivity to light
If MGD is left untreated and the gland obstructions don’t get treated, this can lead to permanent damage to the glands and severe dry eye symptoms.
What is the InMode Envision treatment for MGD?
Thankfully we now have an in-office procedure that directly treats MGD and the inflammation causing MGD! The InMode Envision device utilizes both Radiofrequency (RF) and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) to heat the meibomian glands, clearing out obstructions, and stop the inflammatory cycle. It also helps eliminate bacteria buildup and demodex (mites) on the eyelids and therefore can be used to treat chronic styes/chalazions.
When radiofrequency energy is applied to the eyelids, it heats any waxy/oily substances that are blocking the meibomian glands. This helps unclog the meibomian glands and restore normal function. RF energy also stimulates collagen production, minimizing fine lines and wrinkles. RF is perfectly safe for all skin types.
IPL is a broadband light treatment that stops the vicious cycle of inflammation. IPL energy is absorbed by pigment and blood cells in our skin, which then convert the energy into heat. This heat destroys unwanted superficial blood vessels found in rosacea, which stops them from producing inflammatory markers. It also heats the meibomian glands and promotes collagen production to restore the meibomian glands. Another benefit of IPL is that it can reduce the appearance of unwanted pigmented spots/freckles, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. IPL does have some contraindications so your doctor will help to determine if you are a candidate.
For best results, it is recommended that RF and IPL be combined. It is recommended to have 4 sessions, each spaced about 1 month apart.
***Please note that if you are not a current Eye-Site patient or have not had an annual, comprehensive eye heath exam in over a year, we may wish to complete that service first to determine if a dry eye workup is appropriate for you. Records from a previous provider may also be used in determining suitability.***
As part of your annual comprehensive eye examination or an office visit with any one of our optometrists, your provider will use their expertise to evaluate if you would benefit for a more in-depth dry eye specific visit . This will be scheduled at our east location on Highline Avenue. From there the doctor will make custom recommendations based on your individual needs.
What is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)/Evaporative Dry Eye?
Dry Eye is a condition where our eyes don’t produce enough quality tears to lubricate and nourish the eye. Dry eye is a chronic, sometimes debilitating disease that affects between 30-50% of the population. Dry eye has 3 primary components: inflammation, dysfunctional tear production and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). About 85% of dry eye is primarily due to MGD. MGD is when the oil glands in our eyelids become inflamed and become blocked/clogged, which prevents the glands from secreting oil into our tears. Our tears then evaporate too quickly, resulting in dry eye symptoms.
Common symptoms of Dry Eye:
Scratchy or gritty sensation
Chronic redness
Excessive tearing/watering
Vision fluctuation/blurry vision
Problems wearing contact lenses comfortably
Tired, strained eyes
Sensitivity to light
If MGD is left untreated and the gland obstructions don’t get treated, this can lead to permanent damage to the glands and severe dry eye symptoms.
What is the InMode Envision treatment for MGD?
Thankfully we now have an in-office procedure that directly treats MGD and the inflammation causing MGD! The InMode Envision device utilizes both Radiofrequency (RF) and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) to heat the meibomian glands, clearing out obstructions, and stop the inflammatory cycle. It also helps eliminate bacteria buildup and demodex (mites) on the eyelids and therefore can be used to treat chronic styes/chalazions.
When radiofrequency energy is applied to the eyelids, it heats any waxy/oily substances that are blocking the meibomian glands. This helps unclog the meibomian glands and restore normal function. RF energy also stimulates collagen production, minimizing fine lines and wrinkles. RF is perfectly safe for all skin types.
IPL is a broadband light treatment that stops the vicious cycle of inflammation. IPL energy is absorbed by pigment and blood cells in our skin, which then convert the energy into heat. This heat destroys unwanted superficial blood vessels found in rosacea, which stops them from producing inflammatory markers. It also heats the meibomian glands and promotes collagen production to restore the meibomian glands. Another benefit of IPL is that it can reduce the appearance of unwanted pigmented spots/freckles, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. IPL does have some contraindications so your doctor will help to determine if you are a candidate.
For best results, it is recommended that RF and IPL be combined. It is recommended to have 4 sessions, each spaced about 1 month apart.
***Please note that if you are not a current Eye-Site patient or have not had an annual, comprehensive eye heath exam in over a year, we may wish to complete that service first to determine if a dry eye workup is appropriate for you. Records from a previous provider may also be used in determining suitability.***
RF Treatment
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IPL Treatment
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Pre and post treatment instructions, what to expect during treatment, risks, and contraindication information can be found by clicking the button above.
