Based on the results from your dry eye testing, the doctor will recommend the best course of action to help you alleviate your dry eye symptoms and causes. At Eyes of York, we offer a full-range of treatments for dry eye syndrome based on the severity of your symptoms.
IPL Therapy
IPL therapy is a treatment applied to the face which sends an intense but therapeutic heat source near the level of the meibomian glands to help dissolve the plugged secretions and restore function. The effect is temporary, but will last longer with repeat treatments. Patients choosing IPL require four to five treatments the first year and then a yearly maintenance session is recommended for this chronic progressive disease to ensure the longest benefit. Recent data indicates that ninety percent of patients show improvement in their evaporative Dry Eye symptoms with regular IPL therapy.
E>Eye (IRPL)
Intense Pulse Light with the added enhancement of the patented Regulated flash technology, that provides long-lasting benefits with scientifically proven safe and effective results. The IRPL was the first Registered and Certified device for treating dry eye disease & MGD in 70 countries outside of the U.S. and is an FDA cleared medical device. The treatment is a simple, fast, and painless treatment that requires no downtime.
The pulses of light are delivered to the area around the eyes to reduce the inflammation that is contributing to your dry eye disease caused by Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and Ocular Surface Disease. In addition, the light pulses generate heat to aid in liquifying the thickened secretions in the meibomian glands, which helps to stabilize the lipid layer by warming and the liquifying effect facilitating meibum expression.
This helps to restore and improve ocular surface health for optimal vision, improve visual comfort, and quality of life. IPL also provides the aesthetic benefit of skin rejuvenation by the enhanced collagen synthesis and improved blood flow.
What to Expect During the Treatment?
- The treatment takes only a few minutes. Your head will be comfortably rested back on the headrest.
- Any facial products will be gently removed.
- We will place protective goggles over the eyes.
- Gel will be applied around the eyes and temple area.
- A series of five or more flashes will be applied around each eye.
- The flashes may appear bright and warm and with no discomfort.
LipiFlow Thermal Pulsation System
This is a revolutionary technology which also treats the most common type of Dry Eye: evaporative. In a clinical study, 79% of patients reported improved overall dry eye symptoms (ranging from 10% to 100% improvement) within four weeks of a single LipiFlow treatment. LipiFlow Thermal Pulsation technology applies therapeutic heat and gentle pressure to the inner eyelids releasing lipids from the meibomian glands. The positive effects of the LipiFlow treatment can last on average for one year. LipiFlow has the potential to help patient who have unsuccessful IPL treatments or who prefer less office visits and less treatment sessions.
What to Expect During a LipiFlow Treatment
You will be asked to either sit comfortably on a reclined chair or lie down.
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Several drops of LipiFlow ptmild anesthetic are put into the affected eye(s). Both eyes are usually treated simultaneously.
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LipiFlow disposable eyepieces with lid warmers are placed under your eyelids. There is a built in eye shield to protect you from injury during treatment.
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You will be asked to close your eyes around the eyelid device.
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The device will then be activated; you will feel minor eyelid pressure and a comfortable warming temperature on the eyelids.
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The eyelid pressure will have varied modes which may include a slow increase in pressure and pulsations for several stages for the full 12 minute treatment.
Level of Pain
Based on reported medical studies, the average level of pain/discomfort was minimal rating only 1.4 on a scale of 1-10. If a patient complains of too much pain during a treatment, an adjustment will be made to reduce the pressure or pause for a while. In the majority of cases, patients says the procedure feels like an eyelid massage and is quite relaxing.
Potential Side Effects
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Possibility of only minimal improvement on a patient’s dry eye condition and blocked glands
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Sometimes the glands can remain the same as before treatment
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Inflammation of the glands
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Blurred vision (transient for minutes only)
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Symptoms of dryness, burning sensation, and/or discharge
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Sensitivity to light
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Other eye medications may be needed to control flare ups in the future