Learn about dry eye and how Harvard Square Eye Care can help!
Dry eye occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Tear production decreases with age, so older adults are more prone to dry eye. But, allergies, dry climates, and excessive screen time – which seem to affect us all – often lead to dry eye as well. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, and medications like antihistamines and antidepressants also increase the risk of dry eye. Dry eye is more common among women than men.
Symptoms of dry eye include general discomfort in the eye, grittiness, redness, eye fatigue, blurry vision, light sensitivity, and eye mucus.
It is crucial to detect and treat dry eye early on; untreated dry eye allows symptoms to persist and can lead to complications like corneal abrasions, increased risk of infections, and vision loss.
Fortunately, the professionals at Harvard Square Eye Care use advanced technology for efficient diagnoses and treatment.
Diagnoses
The Phoenix Meibography Workstation
Through non-invasive procedures, this diagnostic tool measures tear film break-up time and tear meniscus height, and collects high-resolution images of the meibomian glands, which produce moisturizing tears. The Workstation puts this data into a dynamic report. Our doctors review this report to diagnose meibomian gland dysfunction, gland morphology, or gland dropout, which allows them to understand the root causes of a patient’s dry eye. Our doctors can then create personalized treatment plans for patients experiencing dry eye.
Treatment
Equinox Low Level Light Therapy:
Equinox Low Level Light Therapy is a quick and easy way to relieve dry eye symptoms long-term. At a light therapy session, localized heat is applied to the eyelids using a medical grade LED mask. By emitting a specific wavelength of light, this technology stimulates the production of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) which normalizes the glands. The mask also warms the eyelids to temperatures that foster healthy tear production.
Meibomian Gland Expression
When oil glands in the eye are clogged, tears can not stay on the eye for long. Our doctors can help by releasing clogged oil glands.
Punctal Plugs
In severe cases, our doctors can provide punctual plugs, which are small devices inserted into the tear ducts to help retain tears on the eye’s surface.
Medications/Supplements
Our doctors may prescribe eye drops or anti-inflammatory supplements to reduce the symptoms of dry eye.
Harvard Square Eye Care’s advanced approach provides our patients with the best solutions for relief and long term eye health. Trust us to deliver the exceptional care you deserve!
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