NEW TREATMENT FOR DRY EYE

In Southern California, it is estimated that about 20% of the population are considered to have severe dry eye, which is higher than the 8% national average. However, we think that number may be higher! In analyzing our patient’s dry eyes with our screening tool at each exam, the vast majority of our patients have perviously or currently are experiencing some sort of dryness that affects their day to day. Since so many of us are experiencing dryness these days, we wanted to spotlight some symptoms of dryness and introduce our newest in-office treatment options available for our dry eye sufferers.

SeverE DRY eye

For up to 75% of dry eye sufferers in America, symptoms are more severe. We all have glands in our upper and lower eyelids that continually secrete oil onto our eyes to create a comfortable surface for optimal vision. When we don’t blink as often, for instance on screens, these glands get clogged and can deteriorate over time. We are excited to now be able to help the nearly 86% of our dry eye patients who suffer from Meibomian Gland Dysfunction with a series of minimally invasive in-office treatments! In as little as four treatment sessions, patients can have the following benefits:

• regenerate meibomian glands

• longer lasting dry eye relief

• significant reduction in tear drop dependency

• clearer, more comfortable vision

• mild tightening of skin and reduction in wrinkles around eyes

Forma- I: Radiofrequency

Radiofrequency (or RF) therapy is our newest in-office, non-invasive and safe, procedure that uses gentle thermal heat to target the underlying cause of meibomian gland dysfunction and unclogs oil glands in the eyelid to improve tear quality. This allows our doctors to gently express and clear those glands. RF also promotes a process called neocollagenesis, or the growth and repair of collagen rebuilding and repairing the meibomian glands, but also results in smoother, tighter, and more youthful-looking skin at the treatment area. By stimulating gland activity and replenishing the oils of the eyelids to our eyes, this treatment can help alleviate discomfort, blurred vision, irritation as well as improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and bags under the eyes. Take a look at the animation video below to see exactly how this procedure works!

Lumecca- I: Intense Pulsed Light

For those that qualify, intense pulsed light (or IPL) treatment can deliver light energy reducing inflammation of the eyelids, rosacea, eyelash mites, and improving collagen synthesis. This indirectly helps dry eye symptoms and associated discomfort. Our doctors can utilize this treatment in conjunction with Radiofrequency for improved results and longstanding relief from dry eyes.

We hope this helped to break down our newest treatments to help with dry eyes! In case you have more questions, feel free to visit our dry eye page for more answers to those questions or book your free dry eye consultation on our online scheduling page. We look forward to helping you understand your dryness and determine the best treatment options for you!