Dry Eyes have been related to OCULAR SURFACE INFLAMMATION & MEIBOMIAN GLAND DYSFUNCTION
Ocular surface inflammation: Ocular inflammation is the result of immune related responses and or other autoimmune diseases. There are other factors that result in inflammatory conditions like age, hormones, medications, allergies/contact lenses and past eye surgeries. Dry eyes is considered an inflammatory condition of the ocular surface and surrounds that progresses and becomes more aggregating if it is left untreated.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: Meibomian glands are very small glands in the upper and lower eyelids that have little orifices extending near eyelashes and their job is to produce a right balance of tears and oil. The meibomian glands due to ocular inflammation or imbalance levels of tears and oil production will harden and result in blockage or clogging of the glands. Therefore the essential tear production for keeping the moisture to the ocular surface will go to a halt. These glands are different from the lacrimal glands that trigger during an emotional situation like crying. Patients with meibomian gland dysfunction trigger the wrong “lacrimal glands” that produce salty tears instead of triggering the right “meibomian glands” in order to compensate for the dry eye condition. This is the reason that most dry eye patients complain of excessive tearing and stinging feeling which results in further exacerbating their dry eye condition. In some instances this condition becomes more problematic when the glands blockage results in stye or chalazion. Patients usually can not use contact lenses and there is a down time where most patients can not go to work due to the appearance or pain/discomfort.
What is IPL and RF used for?
Intense pulse lighting (IPL) and radio frequency (RF) have been around for many years in the aesthetic/dermatology profession. The usage of these equipments in skin care have been the following:
- Treat skin laxity and texture
- Treat to smooth out wrinkles and lines
- Treat rosacea and sun spots
- Treat and restore collagen formation
- Treat vascular and inflammatory skin condition
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What are the signs and symptoms of Dry Eyes?
- Gritty and foreign body sensation
- Itching and burning sensation
- Eyelid and white part of the eyes being red/puffy and tired looking
- Blurry vision and focusing with reading and screen.
- Light sensitivity
- Contact lens intolerance ( can not use contact lenses for a full day)
- Leaky and watery eyes or infections with discharge
- Heavy and fatigue eyes
- Dry/sore/ache sensation
- Stye or chalazion.
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Who are the people that suffer from dry eyes?
All ages can suffer from dry eyes however there are certain group of people that have more issues and complainants and here is the list:
- Age related ( patients over the age of 50) this does not exclude patients that are much younger even as young as teenage years.
- Certain illnesses like auto-immune disorders.
- History of eye surgeries / procedures like LASIK/Cataract or Eyelid surgery ( Blepharoplasty)
- Skin conditions like Rosecea, eczema or dermatitis
- Medications: Antihistamines, decongestants, hormone replacement therapy or birth control meds, blood pressure meds, acne meds, Parkinson’s disease and neurological meds and asthma meds. Weight control medications
- History of corneal abrasion or erosion
- Hormone imbalances and menopause in women
- Eyelid condition like ectropion or Bell’s palsy or secondary to stroke
- Blepharitis
- Meibomian gland dysfunction
- Tear duct infection
- Sjogren
- Vitamin A deficiency
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What causes and worsen dry eyes?
- Environment ( low humidity)
- Seasonal allergies
- Screen and staring at electronics
- Mask and make ups
- Eyelash extensions
- Smoking and excessive drinking
- Work or habits that requires staring at screens
- AC and ventilation, Wind, Smoke and chemical fumes
What are the treatments for dry eyes?
- Artificial tears and ointments
- Diet changes and supplement intake ( increase Omega 3)
- Eyelid scrubs
- Warm compress
- Immunomodulatory treatments like Restasis, Xiidra and Cequa
- Punctual plugs
- Membrane insertion
- Eye massage
- Sunglasses
- And NOW WE HAVE ENVISION BY INMODE (RF/IPL)
1. Long lasting
2. Non invasive
3. 85% efficacy vs. 35% medicational treatments
4. Treatment and efficacy times is shorter
5. Better appearance of eyes, ocular surface and eyelids.
Dr. Hashemi and staff highly recommend a free consultation to determine the best treatment options for your eye health. Consultation is usually less than 15 minutes and can be scheduled per your convenience. Please call, text, email or visit our website to schedule your appointment today.
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