Poor lacrimal gland function further reduces the production of our “emergency eye wash tears.” Damage to our goblet cells that reside in our lids and near the iris can reduce the output of our mucous tears, which help to nourish and protect our precious sight. Understanding the complex makeup of our tears is essential in devising a proper treatment approach to solving OSD. At InVision Eye Health, we have state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment technology to assess and manage every OSD/dry eye level.
Dry Eye Syndrome
Advanced dry eyes may damage the front surface of the eye, impair your vision, and limit your ability to succeed with eye surgery such as Lasik or lens replacement.
Dry Eye Syndrome (DES), also known as Ocular Surface Disease (OSD), is the most common eye disorder, affecting about 20% of the population. It is caused when one or all of the components of the tear film are not in balance. Clogged oil glands (meibomian glands) along both upper and lower lid margins contribute to 86% of ocular surface disease progression (OSD) and dry eye.
Normal
Moderate Loss
Severe Loss
What are the symptoms?
Advanced dry eyes may damage the front surface of the eye, impair your vision, and limit your ability to succeed with eye surgery such as Lasik or lens replacement. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, we have effective treatment solutions for OSD.
- Redness
- Irritation
- Scratchiness
- Burning
- Watery eyes
- Fluctuating Vision
What are the risk factors?
Dry eyes can develop for many reasons, including:
Age (a majority of people 40 and higher experience symptoms of dry eyes)
Gender (women are more likely to develop dry eyes due to hormonal changes caused by pregnancy, the use of contraceptives, and menopause)
Medications (i.e., antihistamines, decongestants, blood pressure medications,
and antidepressants can reduce tear production)
Medical conditions (i.e., rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid problems are more likely to have symptoms of dry eyes)
Environmental conditions (i.e., screen time, exposure to smoke, wind, and dry climates can increase tear evaporation, and failure to blink regularly can also contribute to drying of the eyes)
Demodex Blepharitis results from microscopic mites or bacteria living in our eyelashes.
Long-term use of contact lenses
Refractive eye surgeries, such as LASIK, can increase symptoms of eye dryness.
How is it Treated
The ocular surface is carefully examined with high magnification and specific diagnostic equipment to determine which areas of the tear film are in distress. Our doctors will then formulate an initial treatment plan which may include:
- Omega 3 supplementations to support healthy function of meibomian glands.
- Lid margin hygiene to encourage better oil gland production
- Possible prescription eye drop medication
TempSure™ Envi
TempSure™ Envi procedures to revitalize the oil glands along the lid margin.
Autologous serum eye drops Amniotic membrane technology Scleral lenses
Autologous serum eye drops Amniotic membrane technology Scleral lenses Or a combination of some of these strategies
Lumenis Optima IPL
Was Initially found to be beneficial for treating facial rosacea for the past 20 years; it has been more recently used in the dry eye field. Multiple studies show its effectiveness at reducing fine ocular rosacea along the upper and lower lid margins. Minimizing these pro-inflammatory vessels in the eyelids reduces the expression of toxic mediators that cause further destruction of the oil glands in the eyelids. Utilizing this technology improves tone and collagen in our skin and has become a game changer in treating ocular surface disease, ocular rosacea, and dry eye.
LipiFlow®
LipiFlow® is a revolutionary treatment now available to patients suffering from dry eye. With just a single treatment, Lipiflow® can provide relief for up to one year. LipiFlow® delivers controlled heat to the inner layer of the eyelid and exerts gentle pressure to release lipids or oils from blocked meibomian glands. It treats both upper and lower eyelids at the same time without causing damage to other delicate tissues and structures within the eye. The treatment takes only 12 minutes and is pain-free. By unblocking the glands with this revolutionary thermal pulsation technology, the body can resume its natural oil production and keep its eyes lubricated.
