Dry Eye Disease Treatment and Management
Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial condition that affects millions worldwide, characterized by symptoms such as dryness, irritation, and blurred vision. Two primary subtypes of DED are Evaporative Dry Eye and Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye, each with distinct underlying causes and treatment approaches.
Evaporative Dry Eye is the the result of malfunctioning meibomian glands responsible for producing oily lubricants to prevent evaporation of tear film. This malfunction is also known as Meibomian Gland Dyfunction (MGD). With MGD, meibum/oils harden, blocking the meibomian glands from releasing essentials oils onto the surface of the eye. Blocks glands can become infected by bacteria (stye) and in many cases stop functioning all together.
Recent studies have highlighted the prevalence of MGD being 86% among individuals with DED.
Treatment Approaches for Evaporative Dry Eye:
Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye:
Aqueous deficient dry eye occurs due to decreased production or increased evaporation of the watery component of tears. This can result from conditions such as Sjögren's syndrome, autoimmune diseases, or lacrimal gland dysfunction.
Treatment Approaches for Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye:
At the Dry Eye Clinic at Lunettes du Monde Optometry, our optometrist will diagnose and develop a tailor-made treatment plan for your specific form of DES. We are thrilled to announce the introduction of two innovative medication-free treatments specifically designed to address MGD and related conditions such as rosacea blepharitis. These treatments, Mibo Thermoflo Thermal Expression and Intense Pulse Light (IPL) therapy, have shown promising results in providing both immediate relief and long-term management for patients struggling with these conditions.
Mibo Thermoflo Thermal Expression is a state-of-the-art device that utilizes thermal expression to effectively unclog and rejuvenate the Meibomian glands. By applying controlled heat to the eyelids, Mibo Thermoflo promotes the release of stagnant oils, thereby restoring the natural function of the Meibomian glands and alleviating symptoms of evaporative dry eye. This treatment is safe, comfortable, and produces rapid results, making it an excellent option for patients seeking immediate relief.
Failure of the oil-producing glands to supply an adequate oil layer is referred to as Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). MGD can be triggered by conditions that cause inflammation of the eyelids (such as blepharitis and ocular rosacea), aging, infections (e.g., bacterial, Demodex folliculorum mite), among others. With MGD, the oils harden and clog the glands, preventing the release of oils onto the surface of the eye. Severe clogging of an oil-producing gland can also lead to development of a stye (chalazion)
Evaporative Dry Eye is the the result of malfunctioning meibomian glands responsible for producing oily lubricants to prevent evaporation of tear film. This malfunction is also known as Meibomian Gland Dyfunction (MGD). With MGD, meibum/oils harden, blocking the meibomian glands from releasing essentials oils onto the surface of the eye. Blocks glands can become infected by bacteria (stye) and in many cases stop functioning all together.
Recent studies have highlighted the prevalence of MGD being 86% among individuals with DED.
Treatment Approaches for Evaporative Dry Eye:
- Lid Hygiene: Regular lid hygiene practices, including warm compresses and eyelid massage, can help unclog blocked meibomian glands and improve oil secretion.
- Lipid-based Supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids and lipid-based supplements have shown promise in promoting meibomian gland function and improving tear film quality.
- Thermal Therapy: Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy and thermal pulsation devices target inflammation and dysfunction of the meibomian glands, offering effective treatment options for MGD.
Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye:
Aqueous deficient dry eye occurs due to decreased production or increased evaporation of the watery component of tears. This can result from conditions such as Sjögren's syndrome, autoimmune diseases, or lacrimal gland dysfunction.
Treatment Approaches for Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye:
- Punctal Occlusion: Punctal plugs or punctal occlusion procedures can be effective in conserving tears by blocking tear drainage, thereby increasing tear retention on the ocular surface.
- Immunomodulators: Immunomodulatory medications, such as cyclosporine (Restasis) or lifitegrast (Xiidra), target inflammation associated with autoimmune-mediated dry eye conditions like Sjögren's syndrome, providing relief from symptoms and improving tear film stability.
At the Dry Eye Clinic at Lunettes du Monde Optometry, our optometrist will diagnose and develop a tailor-made treatment plan for your specific form of DES. We are thrilled to announce the introduction of two innovative medication-free treatments specifically designed to address MGD and related conditions such as rosacea blepharitis. These treatments, Mibo Thermoflo Thermal Expression and Intense Pulse Light (IPL) therapy, have shown promising results in providing both immediate relief and long-term management for patients struggling with these conditions.
Mibo Thermoflo Thermal Expression is a state-of-the-art device that utilizes thermal expression to effectively unclog and rejuvenate the Meibomian glands. By applying controlled heat to the eyelids, Mibo Thermoflo promotes the release of stagnant oils, thereby restoring the natural function of the Meibomian glands and alleviating symptoms of evaporative dry eye. This treatment is safe, comfortable, and produces rapid results, making it an excellent option for patients seeking immediate relief.
Failure of the oil-producing glands to supply an adequate oil layer is referred to as Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). MGD can be triggered by conditions that cause inflammation of the eyelids (such as blepharitis and ocular rosacea), aging, infections (e.g., bacterial, Demodex folliculorum mite), among others. With MGD, the oils harden and clog the glands, preventing the release of oils onto the surface of the eye. Severe clogging of an oil-producing gland can also lead to development of a stye (chalazion)
Intense Pulse Light (IPL) Therapy has emerged as a game-changing treatment for addressing the underlying causes of MGD and associated conditions such as rosacea blepharitis. By targeting the inflamed blood vessels responsible for gland dysfunction, IPL therapy effectively reduces inflammation, improves gland function, and provides long-lasting relief from symptoms. Additionally, IPL therapy has been shown to benefit patients with rosacea by minimizing facial flushing and reducing the severity of ocular symptoms.