For the eye to function at its best, it needs tears of optimal quality. Tears play a central and essential role in eye health. They wash the eye of dirt and bacteria, keep it from drying out, and allow the eyelid to move without friction. Additionally, the quality and transparency of the tear film are necessary conditions for clear vision.
Symptoms of dry eye
Dry eye syndrome can include the following symptoms:
- Stinging in the eyes
- Itch in the eye
- Feeling of sand grains in the eye
- Burning sensation in the eye
- Threads of mucus around the eye
- Irritated and red eyes, especially when exposed to wind and cigarette smoke.
- Eye pain when using or removing contact lenses
- Excessive tearing (Due to the poor quality of the tears, a signal is sent to the glands causing the production of excess tears)
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision or discomfort in night vision, in front of a computer or a television screen
- Fatigue and headaches
Treatment for dry eye
At our dry eye clinic, we offer precise diagnosis and innovative, personalized treatments that improve the natural function of the tear system by restoring and reactivating its various components in this complex system.
A series of about three treatments are conducted in the clinic without pain and without disrupting daily life. The treatments are pleasant and non-invasive, improving tear quality and significantly reducing the discomfort caused by dry eye for an extended period.
Types of treatments include
BLEPHEX
External cleaning of the eyelids reduces the layer of dirt that accumulates over the years at the openings of the meibomian glands at the base of the eyelashes. This treatment reduces the accumulation of bacteria at the gland openings and allows them to resume secreting the lipid layer of tears freely.
IPL
The most advanced solution for treating dry eye. The treatment is based on short and focused light pulses on the damaged blood vessels, which are often caused by gland inflammation. The device charges the glands and helps them produce the oils necessary for a proper tear film. It also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. After this treatment, there is a significant improvement in dry eye symptoms.
LLLT
An innovative technology that uses low-frequency light (red LED) to activate the cells of the eyelid glands. This treatment has anti-inflammatory effects and pain-relieving properties and heals the eyelid tissues and corneal surface. Studies have proven the effectiveness of this treatment in eliminating styes and improving dry eye symptoms over time.
MiboFlow
Treatment that directly targets the meibomian glands using innovative equipment with a body that heats to an exact temperature alongside gentle and precise pressure. This combination of thermal and mechanical energy allows for the cleaning and stimulation of the glands, restoring their natural and proper function and thereby restoring the natural balance between the different layers of tears.
We might recommend a daily routine at home to maintain excellent treatment results. Dr. Kaplan will build a personalized treatment plan for each patient.
Most patients report significant immediate improvement!
The role of tears
When blinking the eyelids on the eyeball, a film of tears is secreted and covers the surface of the eye. This keeps the front surface of the eye smooth, transparent, and clean.
The tear film is composed of three main components, each with a different purpose:
Mucin
The role of mucin is to connect the water layer to the surface of the eye and to keep the surface of the eye smooth and moist.
Water layer
The middle layer of the tear film formed in the lacrimal gland. This layer allows for the washing of the eye.
The fatty layer
The outer layer of the tear film. This layer is produced by the meibomian glands, located along the upper and lower eyelids. Its function is to prevent rapid evaporation of the tears, thereby preventing dehydration of the cornea.
The implications of dry eye on eye health
- Damage to the anterior segment of the eye
- Risk of eye infections
- Vision impairment due to corneal opacity
- Inheritance of success rates for eye surgeries such as glaucoma surgeries
Risk factors for dry eye
- The modern lifestyle: prolonged screen time on computers, use of smartphones and tablets.
- Air conditioning and fans
- Age: The prevalence of dry eye syndrome increases with age, particularly among those aged 50 and older.
- Extended use of contact lenses
- Chronic blepharitis
- Glaucoma: prolonged use of intraocular pressure-lowering medications containing preservatives is a risk factor for damaging tear quality.
- Systemic or autoimmune diseases such as arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, thyroid diseases, and diabetes
- Use of medications, such as blood pressure medications, antihistamines, sleeping pills, and antidepressants
- Hormonal changes: the prevalence of dry eye increases during menopause
Innovative technologies for diagnosing dry eye syndrome
Meibography- A non-invasive technology based on infrared light that allows direct examination of the quantity, quality, and functionality of the meibomian glands. The images are obtained in high resolution and indicate the severity of tissue damage and the severity of the disease. This is a convenient and precise way to monitor treatment efficacy.
Corneal mapping and dry eye diagnosis- Corneal imaging, mapping, and assessment of the quality of corneal coverage by the tear film. Using a device designed for dry eye assessment, in a non-invasive, painless, and contactless examination of the cornea, we perform several simultaneous images that evaluate:
- The speed and evaporation of tears on the cornea
- Height of the tear meniscus
- The division of the different layers within the tear film: the aqueous layer, the lipid layer, and the mucin layer in between.
- Regularity of the corneal surface
- Quantitative assessment of conjunctival irritation level (redness)
Dr. Kaplan-Messas has been trained extensively in dry eye and cornea. Our clinic is equipped with the most advanced technologies. Since 2018, we helped numerous patients with care and outstanding results.
