Dry, irritated eyes can be more than just a nuisance—they can interfere with your ability to focus, work, and enjoy daily activities. If left untreated, it can impact your overall eye health and quality of life. But the good news is that effective treatments are available to provide long-term relief. If artificial tears and over-the-counter drops aren’t cutting it, it’s time to explore advanced solutions at Lunettes du Monde Optometry that target the root cause of dry eye.
Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the quality of your tears isn’t sufficient to keep the surface of your eyes properly lubricated. This can lead to inflammation, irritation, and damage to the eye’s surface.
There are two main types of dry eye:
Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye: This happens when your tear glands don’t produce enough tears to keep your eyes moist.
Evaporative Dry Eye: More common than aqueous deficiency, this type occurs when the oil-producing glands in your eyelids (meibomian glands) become clogged or dysfunctional, leading to rapid tear evaporation.
When your eyes aren’t properly lubricated, they become more vulnerable to irritation and infection. You might experience:
Blurry vision that makes it difficult to focus, especially while reading or using a computer
Burning, stinging, or a gritty sensation that worsens as the day progresses
Redness and inflammation that make your eyes look tired or irritated
Light sensitivity, making it hard to be outside in bright conditions
Increased eye fatigue, leaving you feeling exhausted even after minimal screen time
Beyond the physical discomfort, dry eye can have an emotional toll. Many people feel frustrated by the constant irritation and difficulty wearing contact lenses or applying eye makeup. It can even interfere with social interactions if your eyes constantly water or feel too uncomfortable to maintain eye contact.
Instead of relying on temporary fixes, we focus on long-term relief with advanced treatments that target the root cause of your dry eye symptoms.
ThermaeyePlus® IPL
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy with ThermaeyePlus® is a non-invasive treatment designed to target the inflammation and blockages in your meibomian glands. By using precise pulses of light, IPL helps stimulate oil production and improve tear film stability, reducing symptoms of evaporative dry eye. Many patients notice improvements after just a few sessions.
MiBo® ThermoFlo
MiBo® ThermoFlo is a heat-based therapy that delivers deep, consistent warmth to the eyelids, breaking up blockages in the meibomian glands. Unlike traditional warm compresses, which lose heat quickly, MiBo® ThermoFlo maintains a consistent therapeutic temperature, allowing the oil glands to function properly and restoring moisture to your eyes.
Punctal Plugs
For those who suffer from aqueous deficient dry eye, punctal plugs offer a simple yet effective solution. These tiny inserts are placed in your tear ducts to slow tear drainage, keeping moisture on the surface of your eyes longer. They are a great option for people who rely on artificial tears but need longer-lasting relief.
Amniotic Membrane Lenses
For more severe cases of dry eye, amniotic membrane lenses can provide healing and relief. These specialized lenses contain natural growth factors that promote tissue regeneration, reduce inflammation, and protect the surface of the eye. They are often recommended for patients with persistent corneal damage or severe inflammation due to dry eye.
Living with dry eye doesn’t have to be your new normal. Whether your symptoms are mild or severe, there are effective treatment options that can help you see and feel better. The key is finding the right solution for your specific needs.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward long-term dry eye relief, schedule a consultation with Lunettes du Monde Optometry and discover the treatment that’s best for you. Visit our office in Berkeley, California, or call (510) 559-8181 to book an appointment today.