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If your eyes are constantly itchy or dry, you may have dry eye disease, which affects many millions of Americans. Dry eye disease is caused by a lack of, or poor quality of, tears. Tears lubricate the outer layer of the eye called the cornea. If the tears are not adequate or are not composed of a proper balance of mucous, water, and oil, the eye becomes irritated.

Dry eye disease leads to a number of symptoms, including itchiness, irritation, burning, excessive tearing, redness, blurred vision that improves with blinking, and discomfort after long periods of watching television, using a computer, or reading.

There are many factors that can contribute to dry eye disease. These include dry, hot, or windy climates; high altitudes; air-conditioned rooms; and cigarette smoke. Contact lens wearers, people with abnormally dry skin, and the elderly are more likely to develop dry eye syndrome. You may also be more at risk if you take certain medications, have a thyroid condition, a vitamin-A deficiency, Parkinson’s or Sjogren's disease, or if you are a woman going through menopause.

Since Dry Eye Disease is a multifactorial disease there are many products and procedures that we have in house to help manage this disease, such as Oasis Tears drops and scrubs, EyeEco eyelid & facial cleansers and Bruder Masks. Procedures include LipiScan, LipiFlo and Blephex.   

What is Dry Eye Disease?
Dry eye disease, also known as dry eye syndrome, occurs when your eyes do not produce enough quality tears or the tears produced evaporate too quickly. Tears provide moisture, nourishment, and protection to the front surface of your eyes. When the quantity or quality of tears is compromised, you can experience discomfort, irritation, and even damage to the delicate tissues of your eyes.

Signs and Symptoms of Dry Eye

BURNING/STINGING

SORENESS

REDNESS

IRRITATION

SENSITIVITY TO LIGHT

EXCESSIVE TEARING

SANDY/GRITTY FEELING         

FREQUENT USE OF ARTIFICIAL TEARS          
WITHOUT LONG LASTING RELIEF

BLURRED VISION

SWELLING

ITCHINESS

CRUSTING/DEBRIS

HEAVINESS / TIGHTNESS

FOREIGN BODY SENSATION

INFLAMMATION

Dry EyeMeibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) and Blepharitis: Meibomian glands are tiny structures located in the eyelids that are responsible for producing the oily layer of tears, which helps prevent tear evaporation. When these glands become dysfunctional, it's referred to as Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). Blepharitis occurs when the tiny glands along the meibomian glands become clogged or infected. Blepharitis is a common eye condition characterized by inflammation of the eyelids.


Causes of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction:
Aging:
As you get older, the function of these glands can naturally decline.
-Biofilm and Microbiota Overgrowth: Biofilm is a protective matrix created by microorganisms, including bacteria, that stick to surfaces like the eyelid margins. An overgrowth of normal bacterial populations on the eyelids can lead to the formation of biofilm. Excess biofilm can cause irritation, inflammation, and contribute to the development of blepharitis.
-Excess or Low Quality Oil Production:
Meibomian glands produce oils that help prevent tear evaporation. When these glands produce excess oil or the oil becomes thick and sticky, it can block the openings of the glands.
-Rosacea Connection: Rosacea is a skin condition characterized by redness and visible blood vessels. Ocular rosacea involves inflammation of the eyes and eyelids and is closely associated with blepharitis. Both conditions share similar inflammatory pathways. Dermatitis, eczema, and other dermatological immune system diseases share similar characteristics.
-Environmental Factors: Air conditioning, low humidity, and extended screen time can exacerbate MGD symptoms.

Our Approach to Dry Eye Treatment

-Regenerative: These treatments have been shown to positively impact the structures which create tears, often leading to the regeneration of damaged/atrophic meibomian glands

-Natural: These treatments focus on restoring the natural function of your tear production system, which can lead to more sustainable relief without relying on artificial substances.

-Greater Effectiveness: By addressing the underlying causes of dry eye, these treatments offer distinct advantages over ongoing pharmaceutical solutions such as eye drops which primarily provide temporary relief.

 

  1. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy:
    IPL is a non-invasive therapy that utilizes precise, gentle pulses of light to target inflammation in the eyelids, which can regenerate meibomian gland structure and function thus reducing discomfort associated with dry eyes.

What to expect:
-Typically 4 sessions, each 2-4 weeks apart
-Each session is about 30 minutes with the actual treatment lasting around 10-15 minutes
-A conductive gel will be applied to the treatment area prior to beginning the treatment; The treatment area should be cleansed of all makeup, lotions, foundations, bronzer, etc. prior to this.
-Protective eyewear will be provided at the beginning of the treatment.
-The treated areas may become red and/or slightly irritated but this usually subsides within a few hours
-Patients usually notice a decrease in symptoms around the second or third treatment, though systemic/structural improvement starts after the very first treatment
-Some patients may require a maintenance IPL treatment annually for the best possible results

Advantages:
-Cosmetic Benefits:

-IPL works to decrease inflammation, thus reducing facial redness.
-IPL decreases the amount of weak collagen structures and promotes the production of healthier and stronger collagen structures. Good quality collagen improves the elasticity of the skin, meaning fewer wrinkles and smooth, lifted skin.
-Long-Term Savings: While the initial cost may seem higher, the potential for sustained relief could lead to cost savings over time by reducing the need for ongoing pharmaceutical purchases.
-Potential Combined Benefits: When combined with gland expression, you might experience enhanced results, as gland expression can improve meibomian gland function, further addressing dry eye causes.

 

  1. LipiFlow & Tearcare Treatments:
    LipiFlow
    and TearCare are revolutionary treatments specifically designed to address Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. They both use a combination of heat and gentle pressure to clear blockages in meibomian glands by melting and removing obstructions, allowing the natural flow of oils and improving tear stability. These treatments are often used in combination with IPL therapy.

Advantages:
-Focused Treatment:
Specifically targets the meibomian glands, addressing the underlying cause of dry eye by restoring their proper function.
-Long-Lasting Relief: By unclogging and improving meibomian gland function, these treatments can offer long-lasting relief from dry eye symptoms, and may reduce your need for ongoing pharmaceuticals, leading to cost savings over time.

What to expect with LipiFlow:
-Typically lasting around 12 minutes
-Single use sterile devices deliver a combination of heat to the inner lids and simultaneous therapeutic massage to the outer lids, to remove blockages from the meibomian glands
-Vision may become blurry for a few minutes post treatment due to the secretion of the lids’ natural oils
-Your eyes may feel dryer for a couple days post treatment as your glands resume proper oil production

What to expect with TearCare:
-Typically lasting around 15-minutes
-The sterile single-use flexible eyelid devices gently adhere to the contours of the patient’s eyelids and apply low heat.
-Works in conjunction with the blinking eye to facilitate natural meibum expression as the meibum melts.

-Post treatment, the doctor will manually express your meibomian glands to free any blocked glands and to stimulate oil production
-Vision may become blurry for a few minutes post treatment due to the secretion of the lids natural oils
-Your eyes may feel dryer for a couple days post treatment as your glands resume proper oil production

  1. Blephex Treatment:
    Blephex is an exfoliation procedure that removes accumulated debris, bacteria, and biofilm from the eyelid margins.
Advantages:
-Mechanical Cleaning:
Mechanically removes debris and biofilm from eyelid margins. By keeping the eyelid margins clean and promoting healthier gland function, Blephex can improve tear quality and reduce discomfort.
-Cost-Effective: The relatively lower cost per treatment could make Blephex an great option for individuals seeking relief without a substantial upfront investment.
-Decrease Symptoms: Blephex treatments can keep eyelid margins clean, potentially reducing irritation and dry eye discomfort.

What to expect:
-Typically lasting around 10 minutes
-Involves the use of a handheld device that gently exfoliates and cleans the eyelid margins.
-Removes the bacterial biofilm from the lid margin surfaces and around lashes
-Disrupts lid margin bacterial biofilm near meibomian glands thereby slowing the spread and encroachment down the meibomian gland ductules

If you are interested in wearing contact lenses you will require an additional testing in addition to your comprehensive eye exam.  The doctor will perform specialized testing to evaluate your vision for contacts. They will measure your eye surface to determine what size and type of contacts will best fit you.

Using the results of those tests your eye doctor will be able to provide a contact lens prescription that is the right fit for you.  Your contact lenses will sit directly on the surface of the eye and this prescription can and might be different from your eyeglasses prescription.  Proper fitting of your contact lenses is imperative for the health of your eyes.

There are many brands and types of lenses we specialize in including multi-focal lenses, monovision lenses and colored lenses.  There are many modalities of wear for lenses including daily wear, bi-weekly lenses and monthly lenses.

The doctor will fit you with a trial pair of lenses and have you wear them while scheduling a follow up appointment to check the health of your eye and the prescription.

Good Eyecare Begins With A Yearly Eye Exam!

Although many do not realize it, the best way to protect your vision is with a yearly eye checkup.  Even a basic eye exam can instantly detect many health-threatening conditions, such as tumors, vascular irregularities, and diabetes-related injury to the retina. At Dostal Eyecare, that basic checkup is brief and painless.

With our years of experience in diagnosing and treating typical vision disorders such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, amblyopia, presbyopia, cataracts, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy Dostal and their team are equipped to provide appropriate therapeutic medical eye care.

services overview

As a fully licensed and equipped optometric practice, Dostal Eyecare offers a complete range of eye care services to all our patients.

Whether the eye care issue involves correcting refractive errors with eyeglass or contact lenses, helping a student find amazing frames, or diagnosing/treating eye conditions and diseases, our experienced team will identify and implement the best eye care solutions for you.

Eye Health Evaluation

With our years of experience in diagnosing and treating typical vision disorders such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, amblyopia, presbyopia, cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy, Drs. Demolina & Demolino McDemo and their team are equipped to provide appropriate therapeutic medical eye care.

At the same time, the Dostal Eyecare team offers a wide array of high-quality eye care products at reasonable prices. Our patients never pay too much for the best quality in eyeglasses, contact lenses, sunglasses, progressive and bifocal lenses, and outstanding service.

Treatment of Eye Disease

If you are diagnosed with an eye disease, you want the best treatment available to get your eyes healthy again. At Dostal Eyecare, we stay current with best treatment practices. Based on your diagnosis, we may recommend a wide variety of approaches, including improved nutrition, prescription medicines, therapy and vision exercises, or medical procedures.

Good Eye Care Begins With A Yearly Eye Exam!

Although many do not realize it, the best way to protect your vision is with a yearly eye checkup.  Even a basic eye exam can instantly detect many health-threatening conditions, such as tumors, vascular irregularities, and diabetes-related injury to the retina. At Dostal Eyecare, that basic checkup is brief and painless.

lasik
 
LASIK

LASIK, a form of refractive surgery, is an popular option for vision correction, often eliminating the need to wear glasses or contact lenses. Simply put, LASIK reshapes the cornea with a laser.

Other surgical alternatives have become available. Among these is a technique called phakic IOL implantation which involves implanting a lens behind the cornea, but in front of the iris. With this new option, many of those who were too highly nearsighted for LASIK are now candidates for refractive surgery.

If you are interested in refractive surgery, please let us know. Refractive surgery is not to be taken lightly. Detailed testing is necessary to determine whether or not you are a good candidate for the surgery.  If testing shows you to be a good candidate, we can help you choose the refractive surgeon who is most appropriate for your case. In addition, we provide post-operative care for refractive surgery. 

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