Dry eye is a prevalent and often chronic condition that occurs when your eyes are unable to produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This leads to an inadequate lubrication of the eyes, resulting in discomfort and potential damage to the ocular surface.
Dry Eye Symptoms
Redness
Blurry vision
Itching
Stinging / Burning
Gritty
Scratchy feeling
Eye pain or discomfort
Excessive tearing
Watery eyes
Sensitivity to light
Foreign body sensation
Tired eyes
Stringy mucus in or around the eyes
Eyes tough to open in the morning
Contact lenses discomfort
Excessive eye irritation
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's essential to seek professional care from a Trendsetter optometrist who specializes in dry eye management.
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What Causes Dry Eye Disease?
There are various factors that can contribute to dry eye. Age is a significant risk factor, as tear production tends to decrease as we get older. Environmental factors such as dry climates, excessive screen time, air conditioning, and heating systems can also exacerbate the condition. Additionally, certain medications, hormonal changes, autoimmune diseases, and eyelid abnormalities can contribute to dry eye. An optometrist can conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine the underlying cause of your dry eye and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Dry Eye Treatment Options
Effective management of dry eye involves a personalized approach tailored to your specific needs. Here at Trendsetter, your optometrist may recommend a combination of strategies to alleviate symptoms and improve tear production and quality. These can include using over-the-counter artificial tear drops or gels, prescribing medicated eye drops, managing contributing factors like contact lens wear or screen time, and implementing lifestyle modifications. In some cases, advanced treatments such as punctal plugs (tiny devices inserted into the tear ducts to prevent tear drainage) or meibomian gland expression (a procedure to unclog oil glands in the eyelids) may be necessary.
Preparation before the Procedure
Direct sunlight exposure and sunless tanning should be avoided a few days before any IPL session. The skin should be clean and free from cosmetics and moisturizers. Eye shields will be used during the procedure to protect your eyes from the bright light administered during treatment.
During the Procedure
You may experience a warm, tingling sensation as the light is applied to your skin. Ultrasound jelly is applied to the cheek region under the eye to help soothe the skin. Each session lasts approximately 15 minutes. Depending upon the severity of your condition, other additional in office treatments to remove the buildup of your meibomian glands may be recommended.
After the Procedure
You may experience some redness and mild irritation to the treated areas – this will usually disappear within 1-2 days. Most patients are able to resume their daily activities the same day and apply light makeup after the use of a moisturizer following the procedure. Direct sunlight exposure should be avoided for a few days following the treatment and sunscreen with >SPF-30 should be used on the treated area.
It may take at least 2-3 treatments before you feel improvement. In some severe cases, more treatments will be needed. You will notice an improvement in the appearance of the treated skin area. The number of treatments recommended, and the results will depend on the patient.
However, for optimal results, 4-5 sessions are typically recommended, with 3-4 weeks in between. No follow-ups are needed between sessions. Maintenance treatments, usually once every 6-12 months, are also recommended for optimal long-term results depending on the severity of the condition and, oftentimes, will be combined with other dry eye therapies. IPL treatment is not covered by medical insurance. If you suffer from the symptoms of dry eye and would like to see if you are a candidate for IPL, please call our office to schedule a consultation.
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
Regular eye exams are crucial for individuals with dry eye, as they allow our optometrists at Trendsetter to monitor the progression of the condition and adjust your treatment plan accordingly. They can also detect any potential complications or underlying eye conditions associated with dry eye, such as corneal damage or inflammation. By working closely with your Trendsetter optometrist and following their recommendations, you can find relief from dry eye symptoms and maintain optimal eye health. Don't let dry eye disrupt your daily life - schedule an appointment at Trendsetter Eyewear today!
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