Accurately classifying the type of dry eye will aid in personalizing the most appropriate treatment and management for the patient. Whether the patient requires treatments such as Lipiflow or Intense Pulse Light (IPL) therapy, we have eye care professionals who can help.
How Do You Know if You Need a Dry Eye Evaluation?
- Do you have dry eye disease symptoms including:
- Grittiness, itchiness, or discomfort
- Contact lens intolerance
- Dryness or tiredness of your eyes typically at the end of the day
- Using lubricating eye drops frequently throughout the day
- Have you been recently diagnosed with an autoimmune condition and started having dry eyes and a dry mouth?
- Do you feel as though you do not produce enough tears?
Dry Eye Doctors
Dry Eye Diagnostic Imaging and Procedures
Dry Eye Home Therapy
Home therapy of a dry eye regimen is crucial for long term success. Therapies including the use of warm compresses, lid hygiene, and artificial tears every day prevents the progression of dry eye disease.
Lipflow
Lipiflow is an instrument that melts and excavates the blocked oils located in the Meibomian glands of the eyelid. Once the blockage is removed, the glands are allowed to produce healthier oils that will coat the ocular surface better and improve dry eye symptoms.
Intense Pulse Light Therapy
Intense Pulse Light (IPL) therapy utilizes photochromatic light to reduce eyelid inflammation and aids in excavating the blocked oils located in the Meibomian glands of the eyelid. Once the blockage is removed and the inflammation is reduced, the glands are able to produce healthier oils that will coat the ocular surface better. This will improve dry eye symptoms and redness around the facial region.
Keratography/Meibography
Keratopgraphy images various dry eye components ranging from the amount of tears present in the eye to the stability of the tear film. Additionally, Meibography is infrared imaging that is used to visualize the presence and characteristics of the Meibomian glands in both the upper and lower eyelids. There are certain changes that can be assessed in these images that indicate the type of dry eye for a patient.
Additional Dry Eye Options
Tearlab is a device used to assess the quality of the tears produced which aids in the type of dry eye diagnosis.
InflammaDry is a device used to assess the amount of inflammation, specifically MMP-9, in the tears which aids in the type of dry eye diagnosis.
BlephEx is a device used to remove bacteria, toxins, and debris (biofilm) from the eyelid and lash regions in managing patients with anterior blepharitis.
Thermal1 Touch is a device that applies heat to the eyelids and melts oils in the Meibomian glands. The healthier oils that will coat the ocular surface better and improve dry eye symptoms.