Services
Dry Eye Treatment
If you have ever had dry eyes, you know how frustrating they can be. We diagnose what is behind your symptoms and treat it, with in-office options like OptiLight by Lumenis and TearCare.
What is dry eye disease?
Dry eye is becoming more common, and it can make even small daily tasks harder. It happens when there is a problem with one of the three layers of your tears, which work together to keep your eyes healthy:
-
Oil layer
Keeps your tears from evaporating too quickly.
-
Water layer
Delivers nutrients to the eye.
-
Mucus layer
Keeps the tear film on the surface of the eye.
The two types of dry eye
Evaporative dry eye
The most common type. Your tears lack enough oil, so they evaporate too fast. It is often caused by meibomian gland dysfunction, when the oil glands in your eyelids become blocked.
Aqueous tear deficiency
Your eyes do not make enough of the watery layer of tears to stay moist, which leads to irritation and discomfort.
Symptoms to watch for
- A burning or scratchy feeling
- Stringy mucus in or around the eyes
- Irritated or overly watery eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Redness, blurred vision or eye fatigue
- Feeling like something is in your eye
- Trouble wearing contact lenses
If any of these sound familiar, book a dry eye evaluation and we will find the right treatment for you.
Treatment
OptiLight by Lumenis
OptiLight by Lumenis is a safe, gentle treatment for dry eye. It is the first and only FDA-approved intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment for managing dry eye disease. Precise pulses of light are applied below the eyes in a 10 to 15 minute visit. It can relieve symptoms by:
- Longer tear break-up time
- Fewer demodex mites and bacteria around the eyes
- Less inflammation
- Better meibomian gland function
Before your visit, avoid
- Skin brightening agents or serums for the week before
- Tanning beds for 1 month before
- Botox for at least 3 months before
- Oral isotretinoin, tetracycline or doxycycline in the 3 months before
During treatment
We apply a cool gel to the treatment area and cover your eyes with shields. As the light is applied you may feel warmth or a light tapping, but it should not hurt.
Afterward
Side effects are uncommon. Your eyes may feel a little dry or gritty the next day; preservative-free artificial tears help. Your skin will be sensitive, so stay out of the sun and wear sunscreen. Easy to do in Del Mar with a good hat.
Am I a good candidate?
Your doctor will decide during an exam. In general, OptiLight is not recommended if you have:
- Taking certain medications, such as Accutane
- Active acne
- Certain skin conditions
- A tendency to keloid scarring
- Severe scarring
- A recent severe sunburn
Treatment
TearCare
TearCare warms the eyelids with soft, wearable lid devices while you relax, keep your eyes open and blink naturally. Right after, your doctor gently clears the softened oil from the blocked glands so your tears can do their job again.
