Dry eye Management
Experience Relief from Dry Eye Symptoms at True Vision Optometry
Are you experiencing discomfort such as burning, grittiness, tearing, or redness in your eyes? These are common signs of dry eyes, a condition that can significantly impact your daily life. At True Vision Optometry, we offer a range of innovative treatments to address dry eye symptoms, going beyond traditional eye drops.
Dry Eye Solutions
Our experienced optometrists can provide customized dry eye treatments, including:
- Premium Preservative-Free Lubricating eye drops: We offer leading brands in dry eye to our patients. Many of which are not found at pharmacies and big retail.
- Prescription Dry Eye Medications: Tailored medications to address your specific dry eye needs.
- Warm compression Masks and lid massages: Home therapy to help unclog meibomian glands.
- Lid wipes: A method of cleaning the base of the eyelids to prevent the build up of bacteria, epithelial debris, demodex and inflammation to allow for proper meibum flow.
- Radio Frequency (RF): During an RF treatment, a controlled, gentle current of radiofrequency energy is applied to the skin around the eyes. The RF energy warms the tissue and stimulates the meibomian glands, helping to:
- Unblock Oil Glands: The heat helps to melt any blockages within the glands, restoring the normal flow of oils.
- Improve Oil Quality: RF can also improve the quality of the oil produced, leading to a more stable tear film.
- Stimulate Collagen and Blood Flow: The heat encourages collagen production and increases blood flow, leading to a more functional meibomian gland and healthier skin.
Understanding Dry Eye Disease
Dry eye disease is a complex condition at the forefront of optometric research. According to the DEWS study, dry eye is defined as:
"Dry eye is a multifactorial disease of the ocular surface characterized by a loss of homeostasis of the tear film, and accompanied by ocular symptoms, in which tear film instability and hyperosmolarity, ocular surface inflammation and damage, and neurosensory abnormalities play etiological roles."
In simpler terms, dry eye disease affects our eyes due to changes in our tear film. This can lead to inflammation of the cornea, resulting in various uncomfortable ocular symptoms.
Don't let dry eyes impact your quality of life. Visit True Vision Optometry to explore advanced treatments and find relief from dry eye symptoms.
The Basics of a Tear Film
Your tears aren't just water. They're a vital three-layered fluid protecting your eyes:
- Mucin Layer (Inner): A watery gel that helps the tears stick evenly to your eye's surface. Think of it as making your eye "sticky" for the tears.
- Aqueous Layer (Middle): The main watery layer that hydrates, nourishes, and cleanses your eye.
- Lipid Layer (Outer): An oily layer that prevents the watery layer from evaporating too quickly, like a seal.
Why are these layers important?
These layers work together for clear, comfortable vision. Problems with any layer can cause dry eye symptoms like tearing eyes, burning, grittiness, or blurred vision. If you have these issues, see an eye doctor to understand the cause and find solutions.
MEibomian gland dysfunction
Normal Structure
Normal Structure
Normal Structure
This is an example of healthy meibomian gland structure. Notice the long and linear white structures. They have good spacing between the glands.
Moderate loss
Normal Structure
Normal Structure
With moderate damage and inflammation of meibomian glands, there is shrinkage, dilation and increase tortuosity of the glands.
Severe loss
Normal Structure
Severe loss
With advance damage to meibomian glands, the glands have severely reduced in size thus limiting their ability to produce any significant amounts of meibum.