Patient Procedures at Empire Eye Physicians

Dry Eye Treatment

EMPIRE EYE PHYSICIANS HAS THE MOST ADVANCED DRY EYE SPECIALTY CLINIC IN THE AREA AND WE WILL COORDINATE CARE WITH YOUR LOCAL FAMILY EYE DOCTOR.

Dry eye occurs when the eye does not produce tears properly, or when the tears are not of the correct consistency and evaporate too quickly. In addition, inflammation of the surface of the eye may occur along with dry eye. 86% of dry eye patients have a condition known as Meibomian Gland Dysfunction or MGD, and it is treatable. If left untreated, this condition can lead to pain, ulcers, scars on the cornea, and some vision loss. However, permanent loss of vision from dry eye is uncommon. Dry eye can make it more difficult to perform some activities, such as using a computer or reading for an extended period, and it can decrease tolerance for dry environments, such as the air inside an airplane.

Empire Eye Physicians offer multiple dry eye treatments including Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL) and LipiFlow. Set up an appointment today by filling out our appointment form!

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Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL)

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy, is a treatment to reduce inflammation of the oil glands that line the upper and lower lid margins of the eyelids, aiding in relief of chronic dry eye disease and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). IPL Therapy utilizes pulses of light to thin hardened oils that have clogged the Meibomian glands in the eyelids. IPL Therapy also affects vascularization and inflammation of the eyelids, resulting in reduced eyelid redness and stimulating healthy gland function.

Typically, relief may take up to 1-2 months as the frequency and intensity of flare-ups of Blepharitis, an inflammation of the margins of the eyelids, is dramatically reduced. Most patients notice relief by the third or fourth treatment. IPL Therapy is one of the most groundbreaking approaches to treating dry eye disease.

LipiFlow

An estimated 86% of the 100 million dry eye sufferers worldwide have evaporative dry eye, which stems from a deficiency in the oily lipid layer of the tear film. This lipid deficiency is most commonly due to blockages in the Meibomian glands, a condition called Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). Over several years this chronic, progressive condition can cause blocked Meibomian glands to atrophy and “drop out,” thereby increasing symptoms and the
likelihood of other ocular complications.

LipiFlow works by applying localized heat and pressure to the affected glands of patients suffering from chronic cystic conditions of the eyelids, including Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. Unlike traditional dry-eye treatments (warm compresses, artificial tears, ointments), LipiFlow treats the root cause by unblocking obstructed meibomian glands. Studies show that the benefits of LipiFlow can last up to three years; with patients who continue to use traditional treatment methods after Lipiflow, it may last even longer.