Dry Eye Therapy | Lee's Summit Family Eyecare

Screen-Based Eye Strain

We use our eyes all day long, but we rarely think of them—unless they’re uncomfortable, and then they’re all we think about. Adults might turn to redness-relieving eye drops, while kids often rub their eyes. But neither strategy tackles the true cause of tired, scratchy eyes.

Dry eye is a chronic, common, and uncomfortable condition, impacting more than 16 million Americans. Not only is it irritating, but it can really put a damper on your daily activities. Dry eyes can decrease your quality of life and hinder productivity.

But relief is available! Book an exam today for a comprehensive eye exam to diagnose your dry eye symptoms. If left untreated, dry eye can lead to long-term infections and eye damage down the road. Any time your eyes are uncomfortable, it’s best to pay us a visit and rule out more problematic conditions.

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Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye symptoms generally occur in both eyes at the same time and can include:

Stinging or burning
Gritty or scratchy feeling
Foreign body sensation
Red or watery eyes
Blurry vision
Sensitivity to light
Eye fatigue
Stringy mucus in or around your eyes
Discomfort when wearing contacts

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, book your appointment to explore dry eye treatment options today.

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What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry is exactly what it sounds like—it occurs when your eyes aren’t producing enough lubrication to keep them moist and comfortable.

There are 2 main types of dry eye. The first—and least common—occurs when the eyes simply don’t produce enough tears. The second occurs when the tears are of poor quality.

Decreased Tear Production

Reasons for decreased tear production are varied and might include:

Contact lens wear
Normal aging
Medications such as antihistamines or antidepressants
Medical conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or Sjögren’s Syndrome
Recent laser vision correction surgery

Poor-Quality Tears

Good-quality tears depend on a balanced and effective tear film. The tear film is made up of 3 layers—a mucus layer to spread the tears over the surface of the eye, a water layer to hydrate the eye, and an oil layer to keep the water from evaporating too quickly. If there’s an imbalance in the tear film, dry eye syndrome can result.

The tiny glands along the top and bottom edges of the eyelids, called the meibomian glands are responsible for producing the oil layer of your tear film. Blockages in these glands can cause a reduction in the amount of oil produced, leading to dry eyes.

When we diagnose your dry eye syndrome, we’ll also look at the condition of your meibomian glands and recommend treatment options if they’re not functioning properly.

Our Dry Eye Technology

We use InMode’s Envision, which combines radiofrequency (RF) and intense pulsed light therapy (IPL) devices to treat dry eye caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) or eyelid laxity.

MGD occurs when the tiny meibomian glands, which line the eyelid margins, are unable to produce a sufficient oil layer to protect your tears from evaporating too quickly. This can be caused by blockages in the glands from hardened oil or inflammation around the eyelids.

Envision uses both RF and IPL to improve the function of the meibomian glands, reduce inflammation, offer better blood circulation, and more.

Learn about each device specifically:

Forma-I RF

The Forma-I uses radiofrequency energy waves to gently heat the skin around the eyes. This heat energy penetrates multiple layers of the skin to improve circulation and meibomian gland function and stimulate collagen production.

The Forma-I also helps to melt oil blockages in the meibomian glands, clearing the way for unimpeded oil flow to the tear film.

Along with improved circulation and reduced inflammation around the eyes, the production of collagen also results in smoother-looking skin around the eyes, resulting in a more youthful appearance.

Lumecca-I IPL

The Lumecca-I uses intense pulsed light to treat meibomian gland dysfunction, improving blood flow and reducing inflammation around the eyes.

IPL therapy pulses light energy into the skin, which breaks up blockages in the meibomian glands and targets inflammation, including that caused by blepharitis and ocular rosacea.

IPL can also reduce the look of pigmentation and reduce superficial lesions on the skin. Lumecca-I is specifically designed for ocular health; however, it uses similar technology to the original Lumecca device, which was designed to improve skin tone and texture. That means you may notice a more rejuvenated appearance around the eyes after treatment, in addition to a reduction in your dry eye symptoms.

Finding Relief from Dry Eye

No matter the cause of your dry eye, relief is available. We offer customized treatment options both in-office and to take home tailored to your unique needs. Soothing your symptoms starts with a detailed assessment of your eyes and tear film to determine the root cause. Book an appointment with us to discuss your options or contact us to learn more.

Get support for clear, healthy vision today.

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