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What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome is an extremely common eye condition, affecting up to 50% of people.
It occurs when the quantity and/or the quality of the tears is compromised, and the eyes are unable to receive the nourishment and protection they need to remain healthy and comfortable.
While there are a number of conditions that can lead to dry eye syndrome, approximately 80% of dry eye cases are caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
What Is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?
The meibomian glands are the oil-secreting glands that line the upper and lower eyelids. These tiny glands make the oil (meibum) that makes up the outermost layer of the tear film — the layer responsible for preventing the tears from evaporating from the surface of the eye.
Meibomian gland dysfunction occurs when these tiny glands become blocked from a multitude of factors, preventing the normal flow of oil into the tear film and thus causing dry eyes.
If left untreated, MGD can result in loss (atrophy) of your meibomian glands altogether, which further worsens dry eye symptoms as time goes on.
Common Symptoms of dry eye from MGD:
- Red eyes
- Crusty discharge in the corner of the eyes
- Itchy eyes
- Burning sensation in or around the eyes
- Watery eyes, especially when in cold/windy weather or air conditioning
- Light sensitivity
- Blurred or fluctuating vision, especially when on screens or driving
- Styes
- Gritty/sandy sensation in the eyes
- Discomfort while wearing contact lenses
How is dry eye treated?
Which is why we are thrilled to bring to our patients
Envision by Inmode
A non-invasive in-office state of the art technology that uses, Forma-I (radiofrequency) and Lumecca-I (intense pulse light) to target meibomian gland dysfunction and alleviate dry eye symptoms long-term.
Envision by Inmode = Forma-I (RF) + Lumecca-I (IPL)
How Does Forma-I Radiofrequency (RF) work?
This Health Canada approved treatment delivers safe heat-based energy along your eyelids to unclog your meibomian glands and improve oil flow; similar to melting hard butter. This results in improved tear film quality and the lessening of dry eye symptoms long term.
During the treatment, over closed lids, a specialized tool will be used to gently massage and provide temperature-controlled heat to your meibomian glands. Imagine a relaxing hot stone massage along your lids!
The radiofrequency energy also stimulates new collagen production in the deeper layers of your skin, so the added aesthetic benefit of the treatment is that it provides skin tightening. This means a reduction in the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and drooping lids!
How does Lumecca-I Intense Pulse Light work?
Lumecca-I uses a Health Canada approved light therapy to target the inflammatory process along the lids that contributes to dry eyes. This is particularly useful in patients who suffer from ocular rosacea and demodex (mites in your lashes that cause lid inflammation). The powerful bursts of light close off blood vessels that release unwanted inflammatory cells into your lids that worsen MGD. As a result, the lids are less inflamed, meibomian gland function improves, and dry eye symptoms lessen.
Because it targets unwanted blood vessels as well as pigment, the aesthetic benefit of IPL is that it decreases redness, the appearance of sun spots, and any other hyperpigmentation.
I’m interested, what’s next?
If you, or one of your loved ones, experiences dry eye symptoms, book a dry eye consult with one of our optometrists. At that consul we’ll do a thorough evaluation of your current meibomian gland function and dry eye levels using specialized imaging technology, and have a more in-depth conversation about the treatment options.
We look forward to providing you with healthier and more comfortable eyes!