Dry Eye

Dry eye is chronic, and progressive. If left untreated or incorrectly treated, symptoms will continue to worsen. It is most commonly the result of meibomian gland dysfunction. The meibomian glands are located in the eyelids, and produce oils that mix with our tears to help keep them in place and the eyes lubricated. These glands may start to become clogged and less functional for a number of reasons, including too much screen use, health issues, and some eye surgeries. This leads to gland deterioration and atrophy. Once the glands lose complete function, there is no way to revitalize them, so repairing the glands before it’s too late is imperative. 

If you’re suffering from dry eye, some of the symptoms may include (but are not limited to):

Stinging and burning.

Blurred vision, especially when reading.

Scratchy or gritty feeling like something is in your eye.

Strings of mucus in or around your eyes.

Red or irritated eyes.

Painful contact lens wear.

Excessive tears.

Dry Eye Clinic

In our full suite of devices and services for dryness, Nova Vision Care’s Dry Eye Clinic offers a three-prong approach to treating red, blurred, scratchy, dry, and uncomfortable eyes. Each of these three non-invasive technologies is effective as a stand-alone treatment, but we’ve found they are most effective when administered in tandem. Any of the technologies may be combined with another for a two-prong approach: however, the package of all three provides the most intense treatment.  

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
IPL in a non-invasive procedure that uses high energy pulses of light to reduce inflammation at the cellular level through exposure to specific wavelengths. Reducing the inflammation in tissue creates healthier structures, and therefore permits healthier function. By reducing the inflammation in the skin around the eyes, the meibomian glands become less irritated allowing clogging to reduce so those glands are restructured and able to more effectively produce the oils necessary to keep your tear film in place. This procedure is particularly helpful in cases involving rosacea.   

Radio Frequency (RF)
RF is a non-invasive procedure that uses controlled, targeted heat that penetrates the internal layers of skin to reduce and “liquify” clogs that form in the meibomian glands, and stimulate the glands to produce new, healthier oils, which is essential for visual stability and eye comfort. The heat from RF aids in collagen production which helps the glands to remain more supple and reduce/delay any potential atrophy.

Low Level Light Therapy (LLLT)
LLLT is a non-invasive procedure that uses both light and heat at a slightly less intense level, yet still clinical, than the other two options. It also includes an infra-red component, which helps strengthen the overall treatment. The LLLT is also an excellent tool in the treatment of styes, and chalazions because it includes an anti-bacterial component in the light frequencies. Stye and chalazion treatment protocol differs from that of dry eye treatment, and may require more than 4 sessions, and they may be more frequent.

 

Once the treatment plan is determined, it generally consists of 4 sessions with each appropriate procedure being performed at each session. These sessions are spaced 2 – 3 weeks apart so the cells have time to respond to the treatments. Following the 4th session, there are up to 2 progress checks that will be scheduled based on the doctor’s recommendation. 

Dry Eye Home Tool Bag

There are a number of things that can be done at home to relieve and manage dry eye symptoms, especially when they are caught early and are mild. These tools must be used daily in order to be effective. Many of these same tools may be used to treat styes. These tools include:

Heated Eye Mask: This should be used to create moist heat. Our masks come with a removable, washable wrap that can be moistened with a spray bottle to provide the moisture necessary to provide the most beneficial results. The mask should be used for a minimum of 20 minutes for each use.

Eye Lid Scrub/Wipes: Lid scrubs are offered in both foam and wipe forms. Using a lid scrub at least once a day helps clear debris and keep the glands open so they can continue to excrete the necessary oils they produce. 

Lubrication Drops/Spray: There are a variety of different kinds of lubrication drops and/or sprays. Our doctors will prescribe the type that will provide the best symptom relief. 

Eye Lid Cleansing Spray: Used once or twice daily as part of a routine, these sprays cleanse the eye lids, and are particularly helpful in fighting blepharitis and/or demodex. 

Supplements: Including certain supplements, particularly those in the omega family and turmeric, in your daily routine often helps to reduce dry eye symptoms. These supplements help in the production of the oils necessary to keep your tears in place. Our doctors will prescribe the supplements that will work best. 

A healthy diet that includes lutein, zeaxanthin, omega 3s, and vitamin A, plus staying well hydrated, are always good habits to help maintain eye health too. 

Additional things to help reduce dry eye include:

Use protective eyewear to block dry air

Humidify indoor air

Avoid ceiling fans

Position the computer screen below eye level

Avoid exposure to smoke

Exercise the eyes at frequent intervals by blinking & closing the eyes