These symptoms vary in degree and severity of dry eye syndrome. 

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The oil film produced by small glands on the edge of your eyelids (Meibomian Glands) might become clogged.  When there is a lack of the oil layer of tears evaporates too quickly so there is inadequate tear film to protect the surface of the eye. 

Having blocked meibomian glands is also known as “MEIBOMIAN GLAND DYSFUNCTION”.  It is very common among patients who have dry eye disease.  Severe meibomian gland dysfunction is more prevalent in patients with rosacea or skin disorders. This leads to chronic dry eye if left untreated. 

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Other Complications involved with dry eye disease 

1. Eye infections - without adequate tears, you may have an increased risk of eye infection

2. Damage to the surface of your eyes. If left untreated, severe dry eyes may lead to inflammation, abrasion of the corneal surface, corneal ulcers and long-term vision loss.

3. Decreased quality of life.  Can make it difficult to perform everyday activities, such as reading.

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Severe dry eye may cause:

• Corneal ulcers

• Scarring

• Permanent vision loss

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What Treatment Solutions are Available? 

Basic home treatment 

• Hot compress 

• Proper lid hygiene

• Preservative-free eye drops, gels or ointments 

• Medicated eye drops

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Advance In-office treatment 

• Puntal plugs

• Surgical 

• Radio Frequency heat therapy

• Intense Pulse Light (IPL) 

• Blephex 

• Scleral Lenses

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At LivingHope Vision Clinic, our doctors and staff are experts at dry eye disease. 

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How do our doctors diagnose and confirm the severity of your dry eye? 

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During your eye exam, our doctors will evaluate your eyelids and the surface of the eye using different diagnostic testing. 

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Testings are involved 

• Tear quality assessment

• Tear break-up time

• Rule out oil gland dysfunction 

• Evaluate lid margin for any inflammation 

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Depending on the severity of the dry eye, more diagnostic testing may be done during your consultation and additional follow-up visits are required to manage your dry eye syndrome. 

 

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Our treatment plan (what we offer in clinic) 

 

In Office dry eye treatment 

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Radio Frequency Heat therapy 

This procedure stimulates the meibomian gland using the Inmode Forma Radiofrequency device.  The device uses steady heat movement over the eyelids at an optimal temperature  This is to improve the production of tears.  It’s a non-invasive and FDA-approved procedure that takes approximately 10 minutes for each eye to complete.  During the treatment, the Inmode machine is applied to the areas around the eyes while the patient sits comfortably.

 

Infrared Pulse light therapy 

This procedure is to help reduce inflammation around the eyes and the lids and ocular rosacea.  With inflammation of the eyelids, dry eye conditions are much more aggressive and severe.  This is done in conjunction with Radio Frequency Heat Therapy to optimize the treatment results.  

 

Lid debridement/Lid Hygiene 

This procedure is performed manually by our doctor to remove debris, keratin,  dead skin cells, and biofilm on the eyelid margin.  This will open up the gland openings to allow better secretion of meibum(oil) onto the surface of the eye.  

 

Meibomian gland expression 

This procedure is performed manually by our doctor to reinforce secretion of meibum from both upper and lower eyelids.  This is usually done after Radio Frequency heat therapy.  There are approximately 30-40 glands on the upper lids and 20-30 glands on the lower lids that produce oil to help keep the eyes stay lubricated.  When you have dysfunctional meibomian glands, we need to manually express the gland to unclog and help secrete meibum/oil.  

 

Scleral Lenses for Dry eye 

Using hard contacts that fit over a large area of the front curvature of the eye to work as a barrier from external dry eye risk.  The lenses cover the eye to prevent the tear from evaporating and ensure the tear film stays over the surface of the eye.   

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Home Maintenance Therapy 

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Home Heat compress 

Our doctor recommends daily heat compress therapy to help open up oil glands near the eyelids (ie. meibomian gland) that are plugged.  It will help maintain better flow and production of oily layers even after In-Office dry eye treatment. 

 

Lid n Lash Cleaning

Our doctor recommends daily maintenance of the eyelid by cleaning thoroughly with a special lid cleanser.  This will remove debris, oils, and reduce inflammation around the eyes. It helps maintain healthy lids and lashes, and enhance the effectiveness of dry eye treatment.  It helps treat blepharitis (ie. inflammation of eyelids) and can also help remove makeup.

 

Dry eye specialized drops 

There are different levels of lubricating eye drops to treat a patient’s specific needs. The level of intensity and consistency of drops are determined by our doctor after the dry eye evaluation.  It is most effective when used as part of a dry eye treatment plan and used on a regular basis. All of our dry eye products are preservative-free.  

 

Dietary Supplementary 

In addition to having a healthy diet, Omega 3 supplements are an excellent source of Omega 3 fish oils which consist of EPA and DHA 

 

Dr. Jang has carefully selected this brand for our office for maximum benefits with the smallest daily dosage.  Minimal daily recommended dosage for dry eye treatment is 2000 to 4000 mg