Dry Eye and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)

Our doctors are skilled at providing comprehensive dry eye evaluations to recommend the best treatment plan for your dry eye symptoms. Nearly 29 million people in the U.S. alone suffer from symptoms related to dry eyes. These symptoms may include stinging, burning, watering, redness, blurry vision, a scratchy or gritty sensation, and/or difficulty wearing contact lenses. Many commonly attribute their eye discomfort to dry eye, when a leading cause of the burning, scratching and redness is due to Meibomian Gland Dysfunction or MGD.

MGD occurs when there is a compromise to the function and/or structure of the meibomian glands in your eyelids. There are approximately 25-40 glands in your upper eyelid and 20-30 glands in your lower eyelid. These glands produce the oily (lipid) layer of the tear film. This oil helps protect the surface of the eye from disease and prevents the watery part of the tears from evaporating when your eyes are open. Without these oils, the eyes become more susceptible to the negative effects that dry climates, air conditioning, heating systems, computer use, reading, and other daily activities can have on the long-term health of our eyes. 

Treating Dry Eye with RF/IPL®

There are two revolutionary treatments we are excited to offer for dry eye disease – radiofrequency (RF) and intense pulsed light (IPL)

Here is a brief overview of the procedures and how they can help with dry eyes:

• RF utilizes heat to clear blockages in the eyelid glands and stimulate tear production. This process is not only extremely safe, but it also promotes the growth and repair of collagen, thus reducing fine lines around the eyes.
• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) uses light energy to target the surface layers of the skin to reduce inflammation in the eyelids that contribute to dry eye disease and its symptoms. The treatment also focuses on blood vessels and areas of pigmentation, which enhances both eye health and appearance. The treatments are synergistic and have the most benefit when they are done together. However, IPL is only suitable for patients with fairer skin (Skin types I & II).

Each procedure requires 4 treatment sessions. Patients typically need an additional 1-2 treatments annually to maintain the results of the initial treatment. If you have additional questions regarding the details of the procedures and what is involved, we would be happy to provide you a handout via email

PRN Dry Eye Supplements

Our doctors recommend PRN (Physician Recommended Nutriceuticals) Dry Eye Omega-3 capsules/liquid as a supplement for patients who suffer from dry eyes. This supplement is the only patented dry eye product on the market that has been clinically proven to improve signs and symptoms of dry eyes. These capsules are uniquely formulated to promote optimal absorption of omega-3 throughout your body to improve the quality of your tears and dry eye symptoms. 

Please contact us or visit our office today to purchase PRN dry eye supplements at a discounted eye care physician rate.