Dry Eye: Causes, Diagnosis, and Advanced Treatments in Newtown
Dry eye is a common and uncomfortable eye condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It makes your eyes feel as dry as a desert and can disrupt your daily life and impact your visual comfort. At Ivy Hills Eyecare in Newtown, we offer advanced diagnostic tools and treatments for dry eye.
Causes of Dry Eye
Numerous factors can trigger dry eye, including environmental conditions such as dry indoor air, windy weather, prolonged screen time, and contact lens wear. Additionally, certain medications, aging, and medical conditions like autoimmune disorders, diabetes, and hormonal changes can exacerbate dry eye symptoms.
What is Dry Eye?
Also known as dry eye syndrome or dry eye disease, this condition is triggered by the eyes not producing enough quality tears to maintain proper lubrication and comfort. Tears are essential for maintaining clear vision, protecting the eye's surface, and nourishing the cornea.
When the balance of tear production and evaporation is disrupted, it leads to symptoms such as:
- Dryness
- Discomfort
- Redness
- Sandy feeling in the eyes
- Watery eyes (when the eyes try to make up for the dryness)
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) and Dry Eye
Meibomian glands, located along the edges of the eyelid, play a key role in producing the oil layer of tears that prevents rapid evaporation. Dysfunction of these glands is known as meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and is the leading cause of dry eye. MGD can result from factors like clogged glands, inflammation, and changes in gland secretion consistency.
Diagnosing Dry Eye with Meibography Machine:
Meibography is a revolutionary diagnostic technique that provides unparalleled insights into the health of the meibomian glands. This non-invasive imaging technology captures detailed images of these glands, allowing our eye doctor to assess their structure and function. By pinpointing MGD early through meibography, tailored treatment plans can be designed for effective management and treatment.
Advanced Treatments for Dry Eye
We offer a variety of dry eye treatments that provide long-lasting relief.
IPL Therapy
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy involves targeted light energy that stimulates blood flow, reduces inflammation, and enhances meibomian gland function. This advanced technique improves tear quality and quantity, providing relief for dry eye patients.
OptiLight by Lumenis
OptiLIght is an innovative treatment option that uses IPL therapy to address MGD and dry eye symptoms. By gently warming the meibomian glands, OptiLIght helps unclog blocked glands, promote healthy secretion, and alleviate discomfort.
iLux®
This cutting-edge device applies light-based heat and pressure to gently stimulate the meibomian glands. This clears blockages, restores normal gland function, and promotes the secretion of healthy tears.
Artificial Tears
Artificial tears are lubricating eye drops that provide immediate relief by adding moisture to the eye's surface. They come in a variety of formulations to address different types of dry eye. However, they don’t address underlying causes like MGD.
Lifestyle & Nutritional Changes
Lifestyle adjustments can play a significant role in managing dry eye symptoms. Staying hydrated, maintaining a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, reducing screen time, using a humidifier, and avoiding smoke and dry environments can contribute to improved eye comfort.
Find Relief Today
You don’t have to live with the uncomfortable symptoms of dry eye disease. With OptiLight by Lumenis, your symptoms can be managed effectively and efficiently, restoring your quality of life.
Our team is always here to help you find relief from dry eyes. Book an appointment today to see how OptiLight by Lumenis can help you!