If you are experiencing redness, itching, burning, or excessive tearing in the eye, you may have Dry Eye Syndrome. This condition is very common, and is typically caused by a problem with how the eyes produce tears. The production and drainage of tears is crucial to maintaining healthy eyes, helping to keep them moisturized and protected against eye infection, as well as facilitating the healing process if the eye has been wounded. Dry Eye Syndrome can often be brought on by pollutants in the air such as cigarette smoke; overuse of contact lenses; being exposed to a dusty or windy environment; the natural aging process; and even certain medications.
There are treatments that can relieve the symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome, and what’s best for your needs will depend on the type of the condition you are experiencing: aqueous (water)-deficient Dry Eye Syndrome or oil-deficient Dry Eye Syndrome. Artificial tear eye drops can often be very effective in reducing symptoms in mild or moderate cases with consistent use. If that is not sufficient, other therapeutic options are available including prescription eye drops, a procedure known as punctal occlusion which helps increase natural tear volume, and non-surgical procedures, such as OptiPLUS, that can help remove blockages in the meibomian glands and stimulate oil production.
OptiPLUS is an FDA-cleared, dual frequency RF technology that helps restore the production of the lipid tear film to treat evaporative dry eye caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). The device precisely delivers heat allowing us to reach different skin layers to enhance blood circulation, collagen production and target meibomian glands.
OptiPLUS allows us to:
The heat delivered by OptPLUS stimulates the meibomian glands in the eyelid to remove blockages and activate oil secretion. MGD is a common condition that is believed to be the most frequent cause of dry eye. Successful treatment can lead to reduced reliance on eyedrops and lasting relief from dry eye symptoms.
The state-of-the-art OptiPLUS system offers patients diagnosed with meibomian gland dysfunction an option for restoring normal gland activity and reducing symptoms of dry eye syndrome. If you suffer from chronic dry eye and want to learn more about OptiPLUS as a dry eye treatment, please contact our office to schedule an appointment.
