Understanding: Dry Eye Syndrome

Dr. Natasha Liaw O.D.

Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

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Types of Management

Depending on your eye health needs, below is a list of dry eye management programs we can assist you with.

  • Artificial Tears
  • Warm Compresses
  • Advanced Treatment IPL + RF
 

Understanding Dry Eye Disease and Treatment

Dry eye disease is a common condition that occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or the right quality of tears to keep the eyes lubricated. This can result in discomfort, irritation, and even damage to the surface of the eye. Dry eye symptoms can include itching, burning, redness, a gritty or sandy feeling, blurry vision, and excessive tearing.

Several factors can contribute to dry eye disease, including aging, environmental conditions, medical conditions like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, medications (such as antihistamines or blood pressure drugs), and extended use of contact lenses.

InMode’s innovative RF and IPL treatments offer effective solutions for managing dry eye symptoms, particularly when traditional treatments like eye drops or over-the-counter solutions aren’t enough. These treatments work by addressing the root causes of dry eye, such as inflammation of the meibomian glands, which produce the oil layer of the tears. By improving gland function and reducing inflammation, RF and IPL can help restore proper tear production and reduce symptoms.

Do the math.

Dry eye syndrome is becoming increasingly prevalent, yet it is often misunderstood. Early identification of this common condition is crucial for addressing lifestyle disturbances effectively.

21%

Based on a survey of Ontario patients, more than 21% of Canadians age 18 years or older experience dry eye syndrome with the highest prevalence among those age 55-64 years.

Cited Survey

52%

Researchers analyzed 535 adults with symptomatic moderate-to-sever dry eye disease where 52% employed experienced an average of 24.5% productivity decrease.

Cited Study

3B

A survey of 2171 respondents with dry eye disease indicated the average annual cost of managing a patient with dry eye is $783 from the payers’ perspective. “The overall burden to the US healthcare system exceeded $3.8 billion.”

Cited Study
 

Mild Dry Eye Symptoms and Treatment Options

For mild dry eye symptoms, several treatments can help improve tear quality and protect the eye’s surface. Some of these include:

  • Humidify Your Environment: Using a humidifier increases moisture in the air, helping to alleviate dryness.
  • Avoid Direct Airflow: Prevent direct airflow into your eyes, especially while in a car or at home, to avoid drying them out.
  • Take Breaks from Screens: Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
  • Use Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter artificial tears can lubricate the eyes and provide relief. These can be used 1-4 times a day depending on severity.
  • Warm Compresses: Applying warm compresses can stimulate Meibomian gland function, improving tear quality. Combine this with eyelid scrubs for optimal results.
  • Medication: If symptoms persist, your eye care professional may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications, antibiotics, or prescription lubricants.

Advanced Treatment Options at Wink

For those suffering from more severe dry eye disease, particularly related to MGD, advanced therapies like Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Radiofrequency (RF) treatments can offer longer-lasting relief.

Questions

Dry Eye Treatment with RF and IPL by InMode

Radiofrequency (RF) and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) are non-invasive therapies that have been shown to effectively treat dry eye disease by targeting the root causes. Both treatments are FDA-approved and have been proven to improve tear production, reduce inflammation, and enhance meibomian gland function.

  • RF Treatment: Radiofrequency energy is delivered to the eyelid area using a specialized device. This energy stimulates the meibomian glands, promoting better oil production for the tear film, and helps improve tear film stability. RF also reduces eyelid inflammation, a common contributor to dry eye disease.

  • IPL Treatment: Intense Pulsed Light therapy uses light pulses to target the areas around the eyes, particularly the skin surrounding the meibomian glands. IPL treatment helps break down clogged oils in the glands, improving their function and reducing the inflammation of the eyelid margins that often contributes to dry eye symptoms.

These two treatments complement each other by addressing different aspects of dry eye disease:

  • RF targets the meibomian glands directly, enhancing their function and improving oil production.
  • IPL works to break up the oils that have become clogged in the glands and reduce inflammation around the eyelids.

When combined, RF and IPL offer a comprehensive approach to treating dry eye disease by improving both the quality and quantity of tears produced by the eyes.

During your evaluation for dry eye treatment, our optometrist will assess your symptoms and conduct a thorough examination of your eyes. This includes tests to evaluate the quality and quantity of your tears, as well as the function of your meibomian glands. Based on your results and the severity of your dry eye disease, our team will recommend an appropriate treatment plan, which may include RF and IPL therapies.

If RF and IPL are determined to be suitable for your condition, we will create a personalized treatment plan designed to address your specific symptoms and needs. The number of treatments required may vary depending on the severity of your dry eye disease, but many patients experience significant relief after just a few sessions.

RF Treatment

  • The RF treatment is comfortable and non-invasive. A specialized device is used to deliver gentle radiofrequency energy to the eyelid area.
  • The treatment typically lasts 10-15 minutes per eye, and there is no downtime afterward.
  • Most patients experience minimal discomfort, and the treatment is well tolerated.

IPL Treatment

  • IPL therapy involves applying a cooling gel to the skin around the eyes. A handheld device is then used to deliver controlled light pulses to the treatment area.
  • Each session typically lasts about 15-20 minutes, and you may feel a mild sensation of warmth or slight tingling during the procedure.
  • After treatment, you may experience slight redness or sensitivity in the treated area, but this typically resolves quickly.

Combination Treatment For optimal results, RF and IPL treatments are often combined. The full treatment plan may involve a series of sessions over the course of several weeks to achieve the best results. Most patients find relief after just a few treatments, and the benefits can last for several months.

Pre-Treatment Care Before undergoing RF and IPL treatments, you will have a comprehensive consultation with our optometrist. We will review your medical history, evaluate your symptoms, and discuss your visual goals. You may be asked to avoid certain activities, such as wearing makeup or using topical creams, before your treatment.

Post-Treatment Care After your RF and IPL sessions, you may experience temporary mild redness or slight swelling in the treated areas, which typically resolves within a few hours. It is important to follow post-treatment care instructions to ensure the best possible results:

  • Avoid rubbing the eyes for a few hours after treatment.
  • Apply cold compresses if you experience any discomfort or swelling.
  • Use prescribed eye drops if recommended to maintain moisture and reduce any mild irritation.

It’s also essential to attend follow-up visits to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Both RF and IPL treatments are effective in providing long-term relief for many dry eye sufferers. Studies show that most patients experience:

  • Reduced dryness and irritation
  • Improved tear production and tear film stability
  • Decreased inflammation around the eyes
  • Enhanced meibomian gland function, which helps produce high-quality tears

While results can vary, many patients begin to experience symptom relief after just a few sessions. For lasting results, periodic maintenance treatments may be recommended.

Are You a Candidate for Advanced Treatments?

While RF is safe for all skin types, IPL may not be suitable for individuals with darker skin tones due to the risk of pigmentation changes. Your eye care professional will assess your skin type and overall eye health to determine the best course of treatment.

To help identify the most appropriate therapy for you, schedule a consultation at Wink. Our optometrist will perform Meibography (Meibomian gland imaging) and evaluate the health of your eyes to provide personalized treatment recommendations.

At Wink Optometry, we are dedicated to helping you manage and treat dry eye disease with the latest, most effective technologies. RF and IPL treatments by InMode offer a comprehensive, non-invasive solution to address the underlying causes of dry eye, reduce inflammation, and improve tear production. Our team will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan and ensure the best possible outcome. With ongoing care and follow-up, you can experience lasting relief from dry eye symptoms and enjoy more comfortable, clear vision.

Book an appointment today to discuss how we can help manage your dry eye syndrome effectively.

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Watch the video

Radio Frequency treatment is used to address the symptoms of dry eye due to Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).