Lasting Relief for Thirsty Eyes

If you suffer from dry, scratchy, itchy eyes, you have likely googled related search terms to find out what causes it. The search term “dry eye syndrome” has doubled in the past decade, largely due to an aging population. Chronic dry eye affects millions of Americans, the majority being 50 and older. And though chronic dry eye may be caused by different sources, including contact lenses, smoky environments, autoimmune diseases and certain medications, it is estimated that up to 86% of cases may involve Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, or MGD.

What is MGD?
MGD is a progressive disorder in which the meibomian glands, which secrete oil to trap moisture against the surface of the eye, become blocked, preventing this crucial oil from contributing to the tear film. Once the oil layer is removed, the aqueous element of the tear film quickly evaporates from the eye’s surface, creating a feeling of dryness, grittiness and discomfort. In an effort to keep the ocular surface moist, eyes may also over-tear, causing watery eyes, so even if your eyes appear to have plenty of moisture, they may be reacting to chronic, unhealthy dryness. “It may seem counterintuitive that chronically dry eyes can overproduce tears,” says Doctor of Optometry, Alexandria Rawls, OD. “But people who experience chronic weepiness are often having symptoms of MGD.”

Is MGD dangerous?
Left untreated, blocked meibomian glands can atrophy, creating chronic dry eye symptoms and possible damage to the surface of the eye, which can lead to corneal damage, increased risk of eye infection and impaired vision, so dry eye should not be ignored. “Chronic dry eye is more than just uncomfortable, it can be harmful,” says Dr. Rawls. “Getting the right treatment can protect eye health and make eyes much more comfortable.”

Effective Treatment for MGD
Your Lake Eye doctor can diagnose dry eye disease and MGD, and provide treatment to help reduce symptoms and prevent related damage. The FDA-cleared Lipiflow® Thermal Pulsation System is a highly effective external treatment that delivers a combination of heat and gentle pressure to congested eyelids, loosening plugs from meibomian glands so they can function more efficiently. You simply rest comfortably in a reclining chair while the system heats and massages the eyelids and extrudes blockages as it protects the delicate eye tissues. “Lipiflow can restore healthy gland function and lessen or eliminate one’s dependence on moisturizing eye drops,” says Dr. Rawls. “Because it actually helps to correct the problem instead of just masking it, Lipiflow presents a true breakthrough in eye health care.”

The procedure takes only twelve minutes and provides relief that can last up to twelve months. If you have symptoms of chronic dry eye, talk to your Lake Eye doctor about appropriate treatments designed to provide lasting relief.

Lake Eye

352-775-1533 . LakeEye.com