Nearly 10% of all individuals in the United States have Dry Eye Syndrome (DES). In fact, the majority of patients sitting in the waiting room of their eye doctor’s office are suffering from challenges due to dry eye. Studies show that this problem is even more common in patients over the age 65, with women being at higher risk.
Researchers have discovered that dry eye not only stems from insufficient production of natural tears, but the majority of cases result from rapid tear evaporation. As we age, the oil-producing meibomian glands can become blocked in the eyelids. When this occurs, the ability of the eye to control rapid tear evaporation dramatically decreases which can cause chronic inflammation of the eyelids.
BlephEx® is a proven treatment for patients who suffer from DES and Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids). It is an eyelid cleaning procedure that serves to remove bacteria, debris, and excess oils from the eyelid margins. BlephEx® improves overall eye health and alleviates the discomfort caused by gland blockage.
Systane® iLux® is a thermal pulsation system that allows your physician to specifically target dysfunctional meibomian glands to deliver localized heat and compression therapy designed to clear obstructed glands. Most patients begin to see a noticeable improvement within a few days of their first treatment; however it is highly recommended that patients have an iLux® treatment every six to eight months.
IPL – An Intense Pulse Light (IPL) Treatment uses photothermolysis to liquify and release oils from the meibomian glands that are clogged and dysfunctional. It is a painless and effective treatment, but not a permanent solution. Our recommendation is that patients have 6 treatments two to four weeks apart initially, and then follow up with additional treatments every six months.
Frantz EyeCare is one of only a handful of practices in the State of Florida to provide multiple treatment options for Dry Eye Syndrome to our patients. Our goal is to properly diagnose and treat each patient after carefully distinguishing the cause of their dry eye through advanced testing. Some dry eye treatments are covered by insurance; however, some of the newer technologies are not covered.
In June 2013, Frantz EyeCare introduced the TearLab Osmolarity test, which measures and assesses the health and stability of the patient’s tear film. “Although we were able to provide some relief for our dry eye patients by prescribing Omega 3 supplements, lid cleansers, tear replacement drops, punctual plugs, and oral antibiotics, we decided we needed to take the next step and add these more advanced technologies,” said Frantz. “So many of our patients suffer from dry eye and it frequently affects not only their eye comfort but even their quality of vision. If left untreated, it profoundly impacts their quality of life,” Frantz added.
Some of the symptoms of dry eye disease include:
- Redness
- Burning
- Itching
- Fluctuation in vision
- Feeling of sand or grit in the eye
- Contact Lens discomfort
- Light Sensitivity
- Watery eyes
- Tired eyes
If you know you have chronic dry eye problems or you think you may be experiencing the symptoms of dry eye, call us at (239) 418-0999 or request an appointment online.
TearLab “Accredited Dry Eye Center” Southwest Florida
One of the most common clinical challenges faced in eye care is dry eye. Dry Eye Disease (DED) affects approximately 40 million people in the U.S. and less than 5 percent of the DED patient population has been diagnosed and is being treated, according to Healthcare Maintenance Organizations data.
Keeping up with the latest technology in the diagnosis and treatment of dry eyes, Frantz EyeCare is now certified by TearLab as an “Accredited Dry Eye Center”. Certification indicates that Frantz EyeCare has demonstrated expertise and dedication to the most advanced technologies and treatments in the management of dry eye disease. Medical Director, Dr. Jonathan Frantz and our team of doctors have extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of dry eye disease.
