Dry Eye Disease

Common symptoms of chronic Dry Eye Disease are inflammation and poor tear film integrity, quality of vision and daily life is often affected negatively. Patients can experience many additional symptoms that can be very frustrating long term. Patients enduring burning, gritty and itchy sensations, including light sensitivity and fluctuating vision are likely investing in at home therapies like drops, gels and warm compress to manage their symptoms.

Ocular rosacea is a condition where the eyes are affected by telangiectasia, which is characterized by vascular inflammation and excessive redness. Often patients with ocular rosacea also have facial rosacea, regardless of the location it is important to know it can be improved.

MGD stands for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, this is a common eye condition that occurs when the meibomian glands do not produce enough meibum. This is directly responsible for poor tear film production and evaporation of the ocular surface resulting in unstable vision and chronic discomfort.

Lastly, Dry Eye symptoms can be further exacerbated by the presence of blepharitis and/or demodex. The cause of Blepharitis is multifactorial and often occurs when oil glands at the base of the eyelashes become clogged(MGD), leading to irritation, inflammation, bacteria and seborrheic dermatitis. In this environment Demodex can be found thriving in our eyelids and eyelashes especially if effective eye hygiene isn’t being practiced regularly. Demodex are parasitic microscopic mites that can infest the meibomian glands, eyelids and eyelashes. While Demodex mites are generally considered a normal part of the skin flora, an overpopulation or imbalance in their numbers can cause unfavorable symptoms.

If you are concerned you are suffering from any of these symptoms, we can perform Meibography imaging at your free consultation so your glands, eyelids and lashes can be properly assessed.

Both our IPL and RF Dry Eye treatments include Eyelid Microexfoliation pre-procedure to ensure a clean surface area. Each treatment targets the eye and surrounding tissue differently, after the assessment we will recommend which treatment will benefit you most.