Full-Scope Dry Eye Care
Dry eye is a common condition that occurs when your eyes aren’t producing quality tears or your tears are evaporating too quickly. We strive to provide a comprehensive experience when it comes to delivering dry eye care for our patients.
Our dry eye services start with a thorough assessment using diagnostic methods such as meibography, tear break-up (TBUT) testing, and slit lamp tests. From there, we can explore treatment options like OptiLight by Lumenis and meibomian gland expression.
Our entire dry eye treatment process keeps your needs in mind. Contact us to schedule your appointment today and start addressing your dry eyes.
Book AppointmentWhat Causes Dry Eye?
Dry eye can be caused by inconsistency in your tear film. Your tear film consists of 3 layers:
- The oily outer layer
- The watery middle layer
- The inner mucus layer
When the glands that produce these elements of your tears are not functioning properly or become inflamed, dry eye can occur. Inflammation can also occur from meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
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Understanding MGD
Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a common condition that affects the function of the meibomian glands, which are responsible for producing the oil layer of the tear film. When these glands become clogged or inflamed, they can’t produce enough oil to keep the tears from evaporating too quickly, leading to dry eye.
Symptoms of MGD can include dryness, grittiness, redness, and stinging sensations in the eyes.
Our Dry Eye Diagnostic Process
The diagnostic stage is an important step in the dry eye treatment process. We offer a variety of different diagnostic tests, including meibography, Firefly slit lamp tests, subjective TBUT testing, and more.
Our dry eye screenings are a part of our eye exams, so you’ll get the added benefit of addressing your dry eyes with a comprehensive exam.
Meibography
Meibography is a noninvasive imaging technique used to visualize and assess the health of the meibomian glands. Any dysfunction or structural changes in these glands can lead to a reduction in oil production, resulting in faster evaporation of tears and increased dry eye symptoms.
In a typical meibography procedure, infrared imaging technology is used to capture detailed images of the eyelids, revealing the structure of the meibomian glands and providing insights into their health.
Firefly Slit Lamp Tests
The Firefly slit lamp is a diagnostic tool used for detecting dry eye. This technology allows our team to examine the tear film, cornea, conjunctiva, and eyelids in high definition, so we can diagnose dry eye syndrome with accuracy and precision.
A Firefly slit lamp exam can deliver a comprehensive evaluation of the eye’s surface and provide valuable insights into the severity and type of dry eye disorder affecting your eyes.
Subjective TBUT Testing
Tear break-up time (TBUT) testing measures the time it takes for the tear film on the ocular surface to break up. This test can be performed subjectively by a clinician or objectively using an automated device.
Subjective TBUT testing involves a clinician observing the tear film through a slit-lamp microscope and noting the time between blinking and the appearance of dry spots on the ocular surface.
Dyes & Staining
Dyes and staining techniques are commonly used in the assessment of dry eye. Fluorescein and lissamine green dyes are 2 common types used to evaluate the health of the ocular surface, including the cornea and conjunctiva.
These dyes are applied to the eyes so any damage or abnormalities on the ocular surface can be visualized through a slit lamp microscope.
What Are Your Dry Eye Symptoms?
Common symptoms of dry eye syndrome can include:
- A stinging or gritty feeling in the eye
- Scratchy and uncomfortable eyes
- Fluctuating vision
- A burning feeling or the feeling of something foreign in the eye
If you’re dealing with these symptoms, a comprehensive eye exam can help our team get to the bottom of your dry eye symptoms.
Our Dry Eye Treatment Options
Our team works with you to find the treatment option that suits your needs.
Your environment and other risk factors, such as exposure to dry air or wind, long-term contact lens wear, and digital eye strain, can increase the chances of dry eye development, and we take that all into account when determining which treatment is right for you.
OptiLight by Lumenis
OptiLight by Lumenis is a light-based, noninvasive treatment done in the area below the eyes to manage dry eye. The first and only IPL FDA-approved for dry eye management.
The treatment is safe, gentle, and is backed by more than 20 clinical studies.
OptiLight uses precise pulses of light to reduce the inflammation that is typically associated with dry eye disease, improve tear break-up time, and increase meibomian gland functionality.
Meibomian Gland Expression
If you’re experiencing dry eye symptoms, meibomian gland expression may be able to help.
This noninvasive procedure involves applying gentle pressure to the meibomian glands. Expressing the oil in your eyelids can help the quality and quantity of your tears improve, reducing dry eye symptoms such as irritation, fatigue, and watery eyes.
Medicated Eye Drops
Medicated eye drops such as RESTASIS may be an effective treatment option to relieve your dry eye discomfort.
RESTASIS eye drops contain an active ingredient that can help reduce inflammation and increase the eye’s natural ability to produce tears. This can be an effective treatment option to relieve discomfort related to dry eye.
Omega-3 Supplements
Omega-3 supplements, including fish oil or flaxseed oil, are another commonly used treatment for dry eye. Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that can improve the quality of tears and reduce inflammation on the ocular surface.
Eyelid Hygiene with ZEST & MiBo Thermoflo
Maintaining clean and healthy eyelids can play a crucial role in preventing and alleviating dry eye symptoms. We can help enhance your eyelid hygiene with minimally invasive in-office treatments like ZEST and MiBo Thermoflo.
Solutions for Your Dry Eyes
Dry eye is a common condition, but you don’t have to deal with it alone. Through patient education, thorough diagnostics, and innovative treatment methods, we want to help you get lasting relief.
Contact us to schedule an appointment today and find out how we can help you take your comfort back from dry eyes.
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Eye.Q. Optometry
- 2002 Colorado Blvd
- Los Angeles, CA 90041
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P: 323-258-2020
[email protected]
