Understanding and Treating Dry Eye Syndrome

A Comprehensive Guide to Relief

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Intense Pulsed Light Therapy

RF Forma-i

Radiofrequency Treatment

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Blog on Dry Eye.

Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome is a common condition characterized by a lack of sufficient moisture and lubrication on the surface of the eye. This can lead to discomfort, irritation, and other symptoms. The condition may be caused by various factors, including insufficient tear production, poor tear quality, or excessive evaporation of tears. Common symptoms of dry eye syndrome include dryness, redness, a gritty sensation, and blurred vision. It is advisable to consult with an eye care professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management based on the specific underlying causes.

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

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)

The Meibomian glands are located along the upper and lower edges of our eyelids. They are responsible for producing and secreting the oily layer of the tear film, which stabilizes the tear film and keeps our tears on our eyes. When this layer is dysfunctional due to poor-quality oil production or insufficient oil, our tears evaporate faster than they should, leading to dryness. The meibum (oil produced by the Meibomian glands) also helps provide oxygen to the cornea. When the Meibomian glands do not function properly, the consequences can be serious.

Dysfunction of the Meibomian glands can result from several factors, including hormone imbalances, reduced blinking (common in younger adults due to prolonged screen use), lack of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet (specifically EPAs and DHAs), improper makeup removal, aging, and excessive contact lens wear. Other causes include inflammation around the eyes due to blepharitis (debris buildup caused by an overpopulation of normal bacteria around the eyelids), rosacea, psoriasis, Sjögren’s syndrome, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis. Inflammation can lead to the development of extraneous blood vessels that wrap around and damage the glands. The most common type of Meibomian gland dysfunction is obstructive MGD, where the glands become clogged due to caps forming on their surface, preventing the release of meibum.

The Meibomian glands are distinct from the lacrimal glands, which passively produce and secrete the aqueous (water) layer of our tears. The Meibomian glands require activation to secrete the meibum they produce, and this activation occurs through blinking. When we focus on screens for extended periods, we blink less frequently, leading to clogs and stagnant oil within the glands, which solidifies over time.

The quality of meibum can be compared to the different states of butter. Ideally, we want the “butter” to be in a melted state, clear in color, and flowing freely. When it sits too long and solidifies inside the glands, it becomes more opaque (milky in color) and has a “toothpaste-like” consistency, hindering proper mixing with the other tear layers.

Mild Symptoms Treatment Options

For mild dry eye symptoms there are a variety of options available to you. The goal for all these options is to improve the quality of tears and protect the surface of your eye.

Humidify Your Environment

Using an humidifier to increase the moisture in the air is a convenient way to alleviate some of your symptoms.

Avoid Airflow Directly into Your Eyes

Avoiding direct airflow into your eyes while in the car or at home is another way to prevent your eyes drying out too quickly and helping with dry eye symptoms.

Take Breaks from Screens

When reading or working on the computer, use the 20-20-20 rule to reduce eye strain. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

Use Artificial Tears

Over-the-counter artificial tears are use to provide lubrication to the eyes to provide relief from dryness. Depending on severity of the condition, these drops are used 1-4 times a day to help keep the eyes moist.

Warm Compresses

Applying warm compresses to your closed eyes can be a method to stimulate Meibomian gland function, improving the quality of the tears. Combined with eyelid scrubs, these two methods performed twice a day can help provide a thicker and more stable tear film.

Medication

Depending on the severity of dryness, anti-inflammatory medications, antibiotics, and prescription lubricants can be prescribed to help heal the surface of the eye.

Still Experiencing Discomfort

If your symptoms persist or worsen, it is advisable to consult with an eye care professional for a thorough examination and personalized recommendations. They can provide additional treatments or suggest prescription medications based on the severity of your dry eye syndrome.

How We Treat Dry Eye Symdrome at Wink

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If you experience more severe dry eye disease and are looking for alternative therapies for specific cases, particularly those associated with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and RF (Radiofrequency) are treatments that can provide longer-lasting relief.

Radiofrequency (RF)

Radiofrequency (RF) is the only effective method approved by Health Canada (Forma-I by Inmode) for treating Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). Eye drops and hot compresses can provide symptomatic relief, but they do not address the underlying issue, which is the health of the glands. While MGD-formulated eye drops can supplement what the glands fail to produce and hot compresses can help clear surface-level clogs, neither approach tackles the root cause.

RF works by targeting the glands just below the dermis, heating the area around them to a temperature higher than what would be safe for a hot compress on the eyes. This higher temperature stimulates neocollagenesis (new collagen synthesis) within and around the glands, helping to rejuvenate and restore their function.

The heat also melts clogs inside the glands. After each RF session, gland expression is recommended to expel any blockages from the glands. At least four sessions are typically required to achieve lasting results, as these boost new collagen synthesis enough to maintain gland health and function.

Radiofrequency technology has long been used in the aesthetics field for skin plumping and rejuvenation. Its application for treating MGD is simply a new use of this technology.

Intense Pulse Light Therapy (IPL)

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy has been used in the aesthetics industry for some time. For Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) treatment, IPL is particularly useful in cases where inflammation is the root cause. IPL targets and eliminates the extraneous blood vessels that may form around the eyes and Meibomian glands, reducing the inflammatory response and improving gland function. 

Longer wavelength light is used to target these blood vessels. If blepharitis is a concern, IPL can effectively help eliminate the overpopulation of mites or bacteria on the eyelids by killing them.

Am I a Candidate?

Radiofrequency (RF) can be performed on any skin type without risk. However, if you are sensitive to heat, the treatment time may need to be increased to achieve the same results. On the other hand, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy is not equally effective for all skin types. It is less suitable for individuals with darker skin tones due to the risk of irritating melanocytes, which can lead to hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. While reducing the energy level can increase safety, it may also reduce the treatment’s effectiveness in addressing inflammation. Additionally, people with a reduced immune response may be more prone to burns.

It is best to schedule a consultation to determine the most appropriate treatment option for you. Meibography (Meibomian gland imaging) will be performed to assess the status of your glands, and our optometrist will examine the health of your eyes to identify any concurrent issues that may need to be addressed.

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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).

Any questions?

Navigating dry eye symptoms can be perplexing, as they vary significantly from person to person. Allow our dedicated team to guide you in reclaiming the quality of life you once enjoyed – free from the discomfort and inconvenience associated with dry eyes.

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