Here at Arbor Eye Center, we are proud to offer comprehensive dry eye treatment to our patients.
To keep your eyes healthy, you need to produce tears to provide moisture and lubrication. Healthy tear production not only keeps your eyes comfortable, but also plays an important role in the quality of your vision. When your eyes do not produce enough tears or your tear film is unstable because your tears are unbalanced, you have a condition called Dry Eye Disease (also known as Ocular Surface Disease). Dry eye is a complex disease and requires careful examination and special testing to determine its root cause. Arbor Eye Center offers complete diagnostic testing for dry eye disease including InflammaDry® MMP-9 protein screening, TearLab® Osmolarity testing, LipiScan® meibomian gland imaging, and tear film analysis via the Medmont® tear film surface quality index.
There is no cure for dry eye; however, we have many new and effective treatments for managing the condition and improving your comfort. We may also prescribe artificial tears, lid scrubs or sprays, prescription medications, and nutritional supplements to help manage your condition.
Available Treatments
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
IPL is a non-invasive, light-based treatment performed to improve the signs and symptoms of Dry Eye Disease. IPL uses precise pulses of light to eliminate fine blood vessels (telangiectasia) that are responsible for promoting inflammation. By treating inflammation at its source, IPL can improve the function of the meibomian glands (responsible for producing the oily portion of the tear film), improve tear film quality, and reduce the population of bacteria and Demodex mites along the lid margin. As a side effect, IPL can also reduce uneven facial pigmentation and improve cosmetic appearance in the treatment area.
Radiofrequency (RF)
RF is a safe and effective treatment for Dry Eye Disease. During the procedure, a RF handheld device is used to gently massage the area around your eyes with a soothing gel. This changes the flow of electrons through your skin, creating a gentle warming sensation. RF reduces inflammation, stimulates the production of collagen, and improves elastin quality. By gradually increasing the temperature of the eyelid, RF melts thickened oil blocking the meibomian glands and improves tear film quality. Improved collagen and elastin result in tighter, firmer looking skin as well as a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
LipiFlow®
The LipiFlow® Thermal Pulsation System is a medical device approved by the Food & Drug Administration for the treatment of Evaporative Dry Eye Syndrome. It applies warmth and massage to the eyelids and meibomian glands to allow the oils from blocked and poorly functioning glands to better flow into the tear film.
BlephEx®
BlephEx® is a painless in-office procedure which uses a soft medical grade micro-sponge to gently clean along the lid margins and lashes to remove years of accumulated bacterial biofilm and excess keratin, much like a dental cleaning removes accumulated plaque. Once this biofilm is removed, your eyelids are cleaner and healthier. A healthy eyelid is critical for normal tear production
Punctal Plugs
Punctal plugs are tiny devices that are inserted into the openings to the tear ducts to block drainage. This increases tear volume and improves surface moisture to help relieve Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye Disease. We offer both semi-permanent (non-dissolvable/silicone) and dissolvable (collagen) plugs. Your doctor will discuss the best treatment option for you during your evaluation.