Dry eye syndrome is a condition in which the eye does not produce enough tears, or the tears are too thin to lubricate and nourish the eye. Tears are necessary for maintaining the health of the front surface of the eye and for providing clear vision. Dry eye syndrome is a common and often chronic problem, particularly in older adults.
Tears provide lubrication and reduce the risk of eye infection. They wash away foreign matter in the eye as well as keep the surface of the eye smooth and clear. With each blink of the eyelids, tears are spread across the front surface of the eye known as the cornea. Excess tears in the eyes flow into small drainage ducts in the inner corners of the eyelids, which drain in the back of the nose.
When our eyes are not properly lubricated, our vision and comfort can suffer greatly. Thankfully, there are treatments and alternatives to help address the problem.
Causes & Symptoms of Dry Eye
Dry eye can result from an improper balance of tear production and drainage. Advanced dry eyes may even damage the front surface of the eye and impair vision. Elderly people frequently experience dry eye, but it can happen to anyone. Medications, other diseases, obstruction of glands, hormone changes, and many various medical situations can create dry eye syndrome.
People with dry eye syndrome may experience:
- Irritated, scratchy, gritty or burning eyes
- A feeling of something in their eyes
- Excess watering
- Blurred vision
Treatment of Dry Eye
While dry eye can be a chronic condition, Dr. Michelle Wong can prescribe treatment. This will keep your eyes healthy, more comfortable, and prevent your vision from being affected. Specific treatments aim to restore or maintain the normal amount of tears in the eye to minimize dryness or related discomfort and to maintain eye health.
To learn more about this condition, watch the video above. Please contact our office to schedule an appointment with us if you are experiencing any discomfort in your eyes, or if you feel that you have insufficient eye moisture.
TempSure Envi for Dry Eye
TempSure Envi is the gold standard and state-of-the-art technology in radiofrequency. It uses gentle heat to promote collagen production in the skin. When applied to the eyelids, it can help rebuild and treat malfunctioning tear glands (called the meibomian glands), which is a leading cause of dry eye.
Dry Eye Syndrome will get worse if left untreated. If you have any symptoms, please book an appointment and talk one of out eye doctors about appropriate treatment strategies.
How does TempSure Envi’s radiofrequency work?
By delivering a radiofrequency to heat your skin gently, TempSure Envi increases your skin’s temperature for a defined amount of time. This heat triggers the body’s natural reaction to produce new collagen. These new collagen fibers are tighter and denser. As a result, excess skin in the lower or upper eyelid is reduced. If you are suffering from Dry Eye Syndrome, TempSure Envi stimulates clogged tear glands and revives an optimal surface for the eye. After your treatment, we will provide recommendations and supplements for patients to improve the quality of their tears.
What can I expect during my appointment?
When you come in for your consultation at Bright Eyes Optometry, Dr. Michelle Wong and her team will discuss your goals and create a custom treatment plan for you. During your treatment, you will experience a gentle warming sensation around the target area(s). After the treatment, there is usually only a slight amount of redness on the skin, which quickly subsides. Immediately following your treatment, you will be able to return to your daily activities. That’s right; there is zero downtime!
Am I a candidate?
TempSure Envi works on all skin types, and everyone is a candidate. Treatments are primarily recommended to patients who experience skin laxity (looseness) around the eyes, baggy eyes, and dry eyes. We love this radiofrequency system because it can treat the smaller, more delicate areas on the face.
Does the procedure hurt?
TempSure Envi has been carefully designed with comfort in mind. Radiofrequency provides a pleasant and effective treatment every time. Most of our patients describe the treatment as comfortable.
How long are the treatments?
3 Treatments last about 30-60 minutes, depending on the area being treated. There is no downtime, allowing you to return to your normal activities immediately.
How many treatments are needed?
We usually recommend that you schedule a series of treatments and regular maintenance appointments to help your body counteract the loss of collagen that is part of the natural aging process. Dr. Michelle Wong will review the recommended number of treatments at your consultation.
When will I see results?
You will walk away from your appointment with a natural glow, and what many patients describe as a “tighter” feeling. Best of all, your results will continue to enhance over time.