Advanced Dry Eye Treatments

The Lumenis^® M22 with OPT is a drug free and drop free light-based treatment indicated to treat one of the root cause of dry eye disease – chronic inflammation associated with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). With their patented technologies, the Optima IPL treatment is a very safe, effective, and well tolerated option for patients whose dry eye disease has a predominant inflammatory basis.

The iLUX^® is a revolutionary treatment for the localized warming and evacuation of meibomian (oil) glands in meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). It addresses the blockage and stasis of oil within the meibomian glands that happens when the structure starts to change in early disease. The device is an effective MGD treatment taking only 8-12 minutes and proven to be a comfortable experience for the patient.

At times, some patients may not respond as well as expected to the management systems initially chosen. Other times, the chosen therapy may not provide complete relief due to the nature of certain medical conditions causing dry eye such as Sjogren’s Syndrome. In these conditions scleral lenses provide an excellent solution. Scleral lenses provide an artificial tear environment where the cornea is bathed in a constant reservoir of liquid. This can usually achieve the relief that patients are looking for to address eye pain, discomfort, redness, and the constant sensation of something being in the eye.

BVI Parasol^® Punctal Occluder A great deal of attention has been given to the inflammatory nature of dry eye disease, however at times the nature of the disease is more inherent to insufficient production of the aqueous (water) layer or the excessive drainage of tears. Punctal plugs are tiny devices that are placed in the eye’s tear ducts, called the puncta. There are four main drains located in the inner upper and lower corners of the eyelid. The plug stops fluid from draining allowing the tears that you do produce to stay on the ocular surface longer. There are generally two types of punctal plugs: temporary and semi-permanent. Dr. Natalie Chai is careful to make sure that your type of dry eye may benefit from using a punctal plug.

The amniotic membrane is the portion closest to the fetus of the entire placental tissue. In general, it is composed of the epithelium, basement membrane and stroma. The layers possess native properties of growth factors, scaffolding, and interleukins that play an important role in healing and remodeling tissue. Amniotic membranes offer a solution for the patient exhibiting more complex cases of ocular surface disease such as hard to heal corneal abrasions, viral corneal infections, and the severe dry eye case.

This radio frequency (RF) device uses 3DEEP technology that delivers controlled energy deep into the dermis of the skin, with minimal epidermal heat for optimal painless collagen remodeling. There is anecdotal evidence that suggest RF can improve obstructive meibomian gland dysfunction with the added benefit of decreasing skin laxity and improving fine lines and wrinkles.