Dry eye syndrome affects millions of Americans, and symptoms can range from occasional, mild irritation to debilitating and stubborn symptoms. Each time you blink your eye, tears spread across the surface of the cornea. Tears exist to provide lubrication to the eye, reduce the risk of infection and to wash away foreign matter in the eye. Excess tears drain out of the eye through small drainage ducts in the inner corners of the eyelid. Dry eyes occur when tear production and drainage are out of balance. People with dry eye either do not produce good quality tears, or they simply do not produce enough tears.
Dry eye syndrome can be the result of many different factors, including your age or gender, medical conditions such as blepharitis or diabetes, or allergies and other environmental conditions. If you are experiencing warning signs of Dry Eye Syndrome, our specialized team can help. We will walk you through a detailed, comprehensive eye exam in order to diagnose your symptoms. Don't suffer any longer - schedule your appointment today!
Those with dry eye will experience symptoms such as:
If you are experiencing warning signs of Dry Eye Syndrome, our specialized team can help. We will walk you through a detailed, comprehensive eye exam in order to diagnose your symptoms.
Dry eye can be the result of quite a few things, including:
Arlington Eye Center is pleased to offer the iLight IPL to our patients for the treatment of dry eye.
What is IPL?IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light and is a type of light treatment that uses strong pulses of light to stimulate or treat various issues within the skin. This technology is used by cosmetic and medical practitioners to perform various skin treatments for aesthetic and therapeutic purposes.
IPL targets two key components that contribute to dry eye syndrome:
Inflammation: IPL effectively reduces inflammation in the meibomian glands, which are responsible for producing the oily layer of tears. When these glands become inflamed, they can't produce enough oil to keep tears from evaporating too quickly.
Blood Vessels: IPL also targets abnormal blood vessels on the surface of the eye. These vessels can contribute to dryness and discomfort by promoting inflammation and interfering with the normal tear film.
Most patients notice and feel a difference right away. Typically a series of 4-6 treatments is ideal depending on severity. The series is usually followed by a 6-12 month follow up appointment and then a yearly birthday maintenance treatment.
You've likely heard varying responses to this question, as the answer really depends on your pain threshold. The sensation is generally compared to that of an elastic band flick - but the best IPL devices out there work so quickly, you'll barely have time to register it.
In addition to the treatment of dry eye syndrome, Arlington Eye Center can offer patients the added benefits of the IPL Photofacial. Through this revolutionary treatment, you can:
Who is a Good Candidate for an IPL Photofacial?
You may make a good candidate for an IPL Photofacial treatment if any of the following apply to you:
When Will You See Results from an IPL Photofacial?
Some may see results in as little as three weeks - but the exact time will differ from person to person, depending on various factors. Most people will need a series of 3-6 treatments for optimal results.
How exactly is dry eye syndrome treated? For some, over-the-counter eye drops will do the trick. For those with more severe symptoms, there are other treatments. Other treatments for dry eye syndrome include:
Dry eye syndrome can be frustrating, but we can help you live a life free of stubborn dry eye symptoms! If you are experiencing dry eye syndrome, schedule your appointment today.
