Our Dry Eye Treatments
Our dry eye doctors in Sidney will provide you with the best possible care for your dry eye symptoms by tailoring the treatment plan to your symptoms, needs and, diagnosis.
IPL is a treatment involving a high-energy wavelength of light targeted to melt and release built up oils blocked by abnormal blood vessels causing inflammation of the meibomian glands. It is also effective in decreasing Demodex mites which stimulates infections and leads to inflammation.
IPL, a commonly used dermatology treatment used to address sun spots, acne scars and rosacea, is now available to address chronic dry eye disease and meibomian gland disease. Each treatment takes about 20 minutes to perform and while patients often notice substantial improvements of their dry eye symptoms after 1 or 2 initial treatments, we recommend a series of 4 treatments, spaced 2-4 weeks apart.
Radiofrequency Therapy (RF)
RF uses gentle electromagnetic waves on the surrounding skin near the eyelids to warm and soften the meibomian glands so they better express oil critical for preventing tear evaporation on the eye surface. RF will heat up the skin around the eye area for over 3 minutes per treatment area to stimulate new collagen fiber development. As a result, this typically reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by “tightening” the skin. This procedure takes about 20-30 minutes to perform and a series of 4 initial treatments is recommended, spaced 2-4 weeks apart.
Zocular Eyelid System Treatment (ZEST)
Good eyelid hygiene can significantly reduce or prevent dry eye. The Zest treatment is a deep and gentle exfoliation and cleaning of the eyelids. An okra-based solution in combination with a micro sponge applicator is used to gently cleanse the eyelids and softly exfoliate any dead cells, debris and biofilms that can accumulate on the lid margins and contribute to inflammation, infection and irritation.
Gland & Lid Debridement
The term debridement refers to a process of scaling or exfoliation. This process assists in clearing away any dead skin cells or hardened meibum from the opening of the meibomian gland, facilitating proper flow, and therefore, better quality tears. This also removes harmful biofilms that are overwhelming the normal anatomy and physiology of the lids.
Prescription Eye Drops
For patients with chronic dry eye, increasing the number of tears can reduce inflammation on the eye’s surface. Although poor tear production may be the result of blocked meibomian glands, the tear-producing glands of the eyes, our optometrists may prescribe medicated eye drops like Restasis or Xiidra to address a tear insufficiency.
RESTASIS®
Restasis is a prescription eye drop, 0.05% cyclosporine, that helps your body’s natural ability to produce more tears, thereby keeping your eyes feeling moist and comfortable. Restasis is an immunomodulator that works to control inflammation caused by dry eyes. By reducing the inflammation, your eyes will slowly improve their ability to produce tears naturally. Patients who use RESTASIS® eventually rely less on artificial eye drops as their natural production of tears improves.
Xiidra®
Xiidra® is another prescription eye drop, a lifitegrast ophthalmic solution 5%, used for treating dry eye symptoms. The prescription for most people will be a drop in each eye twice a day. Xiidra aims to stop a chemical chain reaction in the cells. Once the eye drop enters the eye, the solution binds with certain proteins in the cells that prevent tear production. The solution blocks any signals from these proteins, which helps restore your natural tear production. In addition, Xiidra can alleviate dry eye symptoms like redness, itching, burning, inflammation, and eye pain.
CEQUA
CEQUA is proven to help produce significantly more tears in just three months as well as improve key signs of dry eye in as little as one month. CEQUA helps your eyes produce and maintain their own natural tears. CEQUA works by helping to tackle inflammation and improves key signs of dry eye.
Call our optometry practice in Sidney, BC for dry eye exam and eye health evaluation.
