Dry eye (ocular surface disease) is a common condition that can have severe impacts on your quality of vision and ocular comfort. Oculus Dexter Optometry now offers intense regulated pulsed light therapy (IPL), a clinically proven treatment targeting the cause of dry eye symptoms.
Dry Eye
Dry Eye symptoms
Lid infections and styes are more common in those with ocular surface disease and can cause irreversible damage to the meibomian glands.
Burning, stinging, gritty or sore eyes are all symptoms of ocular surface disease.
Dry eye symptoms are often experienced after eye surgery (e.g. cataract surgery). Surgical outcomes can be improved by pre-treating patients with ocular surface disease.
Watery eyes, counterintuitively, are a symptom of dry eye by means of the eye producing reflex-tearing when the tears are of poor quality.
Causes
Blepharitis, Demodex & Acne rosacea are common causes for ocular surface disease and require prescribed treatment.
Environmental impacts on dry eye include low humidity, pollutants, heating and airconditioning.
Fatigue and poor sleep can exacerbate the symptoms of dry eye.
Prolonged digital device usage can increase the symptoms of dry eye.
Treatment
Warm compresses form the basis for at-home maintenance for dry eye symptoms. However, not all compresses are made equal. Your optometrist will advise you on which method works best.
Drops can provide immediate symptomatic relief or be prescribed as part of your dry eye treatment. Your optometrist will tailor your treatment to the severity of your ocular surface disease.
Intense regulated pulsed light (IPL) therapy is a clinically proven treatment targeting the cause of ocular surface disease through several mechanisms. The primary action is by stimulating the meibomian glands in the eye lids.
Lid hygiene regimes are recommended for patients suffering from blepharitis or if there is an active Demodex or Acne rosacea infection.