Dry Eye Disease
What is Dry Eye Disease?
Dry eye disease is a chronic inflammatory condition resulting in red, watering, and uncomfortable eyes. Patients with dry eyes may also notice vision fluctuations throughout the day, even if they do not notice the sensation of dryness.
Dry eye disease affects 20% of young adults and increases in prevalence once over the age of 40. Dry eye disease is increasing in prevalence due to use of digital devices and our environment.
Why should I treat my dry eye?
Dry eye disease is a chronic inflammatory condition, and will continue to progress and worsen unless treated. At Panorama Optometry we ask that you don’t accept dry eyes and discomfort as part of your normal life. Our doctors want to help you nurture the surface of your eyes to keep your eyes healthy and your vision both clear and comfortable.
How can dry eyes be managed?
Dry eye treatment should be individualized to you. We have to consider your systemic health, lifestyle, anatomy of your eyes, contact lens wear, environmental allergies, past ocular history and so much more. There are multiple types of dry eye with different underlying factors we consider in our treatment plans. Our doctors offer a detailed dry eye assessment with appropriate treatment and follow-up exams to help you return your eyes to the best condition possible.
What is involved in the assessment?
Our doctors evaluate for dry eye during every comprehensive eye exam and may recommend coming in for ongoing management. Our diagnostic tests include but are not limited to:
- Lipiscan – Infrared imaging of the inner lids to assess tear gland structure
- Non-invasive tear break up time
- Comprehensive eye examination including vital dye assessment
- Osmolarity assessment
- Symptom assessment along with evaluation of current risk factors related to systemic health, diet, and lifestyle.
Treatment Options
Supplementary Therapy
- Supplementary Therapy may include dietary supplements, heat compresses, lifestyle recommendations and drops.
- Topical or oral medications are sometimes necessary
- Comanagement with your other health providers
Advanced and Innovative treatment
IPL (Intense Pulse Light Therapy) / RF (Radiofrequency – using electromagnetic waves)
This technology specific light wavelengths and/or electromagnetic heat to target glands and heat them from the inside. This allows us to release chronically blocked, nonfunctional tear glands and regenerate healthy oils to support the tear film. These treatments also rid the eyelids of demodex mites, reduce inflammation and can have cosmetic benefits, such as reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and dark circles under the eyes.
ASK ABOUT OUR PROMOTIONAL PRICING TODAY.
Are these treatments safe?
These treatments have been traditionally used for many years in dermatology for cosmetic benefits and recent years for dry eyes with significant supportive research. You will need to fill out a questionnaire to make sure there are no contraindications specific to your health history or skin type.
Who can benefit from the treatment?
Any patient that is suffering from dry eye.
- Symptoms include: Stinging, burning, scratching, stringy/mucus in eyes, light sensitivity, red eyes, feeling like something is in your eyes, uncomfortable contact lens wear, difficulty night driving, watering eyes, blurred vision
- Young adults are showing earlier signs of meibomian gland loss due to lifestyle of screen use and near demands
- Contact lens wearers: contact lens wear/over-wear can cause and exacerbate dry eye partly by altered blink function and damage to the glands in your eyelids.
- Systemic risks: Hormone irregularities, autoimmune conditions (e.g thyroid dysfunction, and rheumatoid arthritis), Diabetic patients
- Patients suffering from inflammatory conditions such as rosacea.
Read the research
Intense pulsed light for the treatment of rosacea and telangiectasias – PubMed (nih.gov)
Why should I choose Panorama Optometry?
At Panorama Optometry we spend the time to create a plan individualized to you. We make a commitment to our patient’s Ocular health. If your goal is returning to comfortable contact lens wear, we will do our best to create a plan to reach your goals.
Thanks to advancing treatment technology, contact lens options, and our overall understanding of dry eye over the past decade there are many avenues of treatment. We at Panorama Optometry strive to stay at the forefront of eyecare and technology to have the best options available to you.
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