Dry eye is a medical condition characterized by a deficiency in the quality or quantity of tears, the essential lubricants of the eye. This condition may be due to various factors, including age, gender, lifestyle, environmental conditions, and certain medical conditions. Dry eye, if left untreated, can lead to a myriad of complications such as eye inflammation, corneal ulcers, and even vision loss in severe cases.

Causes and Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye is caused by a variety of factors. One of the most common causes is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), which affects the oil layer of the tear film. When these glands aren't functioning correctly, they produce less oil, leading to faster evaporation of tears and dry eye. Other causes include age, hormonal changes, certain medications, and underlying health conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and Sjögren's syndrome.

The symptoms of dry eye can vary greatly among individuals. The most common symptoms include a stinging or burning sensation in the eyes, redness, sensitivity to light, blurry vision, and a feeling of something in the eye. In some cases, paradoxically, dry eye can cause excessive tear production, which is the body's response to the discomfort from dry eye.

Dry Eye Treatment at Market Street Optometry

At Market Street Optometry, our dry eye services are designed to provide personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's specific needs and conditions.

We begin with a thorough examination to determine the cause of your dry eye. This includes tear film analysis, meibomian gland evaluation, and ocular surface assessment. Based on these findings, we then develop a treatment plan that may include lifestyle modifications, artificial tears, prescription eye drops, or advanced treatments like Optilight Plus, RF, and IPL.

Optilight Plus

One of the advanced treatments we offer for dry eye at Market Street Optometry is the Optilight Plus. This innovative device is designed to address the root cause of dry eye: meibomian gland dysfunction. By using gentle heat and pressure, Optilight Plus unclogs the meibomian glands, allowing them to produce the necessary oil for a healthy tear film.

The Optilight Plus treatment is relatively quick and painless. During the procedure, the device is applied to the eyelids, delivering controlled heat to liquefy the hardened oil in the glands. Simultaneously, it applies gentle pulsations to unblock the glands and restore their normal function.

Optilight Plus provides immediate relief from dry eye symptoms and improves overall eye health. Additionally, the effects of Optilight Plus are long-lasting, making it an excellent option for those seeking a long-term solution for their dry eye.

RF (Radio Frequency)

Another cutting-edge treatment we offer at Market Street Optometry is Radio Frequency (RF) therapy. RF is a non-invasive procedure that uses radio wave energy to stimulate the production of collagen in the skin around the eyes. This helps tighten the skin and improve the function of the meibomian glands, reducing dry eye symptoms.

The RF procedure is quick, painless, and requires no downtime. During the treatment, a small device is used to deliver radio frequency energy to the skin. The energy heats the underlying tissue, stimulating collagen production. As the skin tightens, the function of the meibomian glands improves, leading to better tear production and alleviation of dry eye symptoms.

RF therapy is a revolutionary approach to dry eye treatment. It not only addresses the symptoms of dry eye but also targets the underlying cause.

IPL Therapy

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy is another innovative treatment option for dry eye patients. IPL has been found effective in treating dry eye, particularly in cases related to rosacea or other inflammatory skin conditions.

IPL therapy works by emitting pulses of light that target and destroy the abnormal blood vessels that contribute to inflammation and meibomian gland dysfunction. Additionally, the heat generated by the light helps to melt and express the hardened oils blocking the glands.

IPL therapy has shown promising results in reducing dry eye symptoms and improving meibomian gland function. It's a safe, non-invasive procedure that offers a new hope for those who have struggled with traditional dry eye treatments.