Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the eyes don't produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to discomfort and irritation. There are two main types of dry eye: aqueous deficient dry eye and evaporative dry eye. Each type has its own unique causes and treatment options. There are many different treatments available for both types of dry eye symptoms, including artificial tears, prescription eye drops, Inmode Lumecca (IPL), and Forma (RF). With the right treatment, you can find relief from dry eye and improve your eye health.
Effective Dry Eye Treatments
Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye
Aqueous deficient dry eye occurs when the eyes don't produce enough tears. Tears are essential for eye health because they keep the eyes lubricated and help flush away dirt and other particles that can irritate the eyes. Aqueous deficient dry eye can be caused by a variety of factors, including aging, certain medications, autoimmune disorders, and damage to the tear glands.
Treatment for aqueous deficient dry eye typically involves the use of artificial tears or prescription eye drops that help to lubricate the eyes. There are many different types of artificial tears available over the counter, and your doctor can help you choose the right one for your needs. In some cases, prescription eye drops that stimulate tear production may be necessary.
In addition to eye drops, there are other treatments that may be helpful for aqueous deficient dry eye. For example, a warm compress can help to stimulate tear production and improve the quality of the tears. Blinking exercises may also be helpful, as they can help to spread the tears across the surface of the eye more effectively.
Evaporative Dry Eye
Evaporative dry eye occurs when the tears evaporate too quickly due to a problem with the oil layer of the tears. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including meibomian gland dysfunction, blepharitis, and rosacea.
Treatment for evaporative dry eye typically involves addressing the underlying cause of the condition. For example, if meibomian gland dysfunction is the cause of evaporative dry eye, treatment may involve using warm compresses to soften the oil in the glands and then gently expressing the glands to clear any blockages. In some cases, prescription eye drops or oral medications may be necessary.
In addition to addressing the underlying cause of the condition, there are other treatments that can be helpful for evaporative dry eye. For example, using artificial tears or prescription eye drops that contain oils can help to improve the quality of the tears and reduce evaporation. Lipid-based ointments or gels may also be helpful for people with severe cases of evaporative dry eye.
Inmode Lumecca is a type of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy that has been shown to be effective in treating certain types of dry eye syndrome, specifically meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). MGD is a common cause of evaporative dry eye and occurs when the meibomian glands, which produce the oils that help keep tears from evaporating too quickly, become blocked or dysfunctional. Inmode Lumecca uses IPL technology to heat up and stimulate the meibomian glands, helping to clear blockages and restore proper function. This can lead to improved tear quality and reduced symptoms of dry eye. If you are experiencing symptoms of MGD-related dry eye, talk to your optometrist about whether Inmode Lumecca may be a suitable treatment option for you.
Forma, also known as radiofrequency (RF) therapy, is a type of treatment that can also be effective in treating evaporative dry eye caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Forma uses radiofrequency technology to gently heat the meibomian glands, helping to clear blockages and stimulate the production of healthy oils that can improve the quality of the tears. This can lead to reduced symptoms of dry eye and improved overall eye health. If you are experiencing symptoms of MGD-related dry eye, talk to your eye doctor about whether Forma may be a suitable treatment option for you.
Advanced Dry Eye Treatment At My Optometrist
Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that can be uncomfortable and even painful. There are two main types of dry eye: aqueous deficient dry eye and evaporative dry eye. Treatment for each type of dry eye varies depending on the underlying cause of the condition. If you are experiencing symptoms of dry eye, it is important to talk to your optometrist to determine the cause of your condition and develop an appropriate treatment plan. With the right treatment, you can find relief from dry eye and improve your eye health.
Control your symptoms and see comfortably by visiting the advanced dry eye clinic at My Optometrist in Calgary or Three Hills. Our staff can assess your dry eyes to determine the cause and severity of your symptoms. With this information, the optometrists will recommend treatment options and educate you about your dry eyes. To book an eye exam with one of our eye doctors, contact My Optometrist at one of our three locations at Health First in SE Calgary, Sunridge in NE Calgary, or Three Hills, AB. You can also call us or fill out the online contact form.
FAQ
Q: What should I do if I think I have DES?
A: Book an appointment with the team at My Optometrist at any of our Calgary or Three Hills locations. Our knowledgeable team will help you figure out your diagnosis and what steps to take next.
Q: Is there a cure for DES?
A: There is not, but there are ways to mitigate the symptoms. Other than the list above, there are options offered by the eye doctors at My Optometrist Calgary, such as BlephEx®, punctal plugs, and more. Talk to our optometrists for more information.
Q: I thought IPL was used for the cosmetic reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, is IPL for dry eyes the same as IPL for wrinkles reduction?
A: Yes it is. IPL was first used to address fine lines and wrinkles but it has now also been discovered to be beneficial for the reduction of dry eye symptoms. Learn more about how IPL works by reading How IPL Can Treat Your Dry Eyes And Address Fine Lines and Wrinkles.