TearCare

Dry eyes are one of the most common conditions that can affect our eyes and it is estimated that it affects millions of Americans. As you’ve probably guessed, dry eyes occur when tears fail to provide enough natural lubrication for the eyes to be comfortable and healthy. Exactly what causes dry eyes can vary significantly, from side effects from medications to prolonged computer use. What is clear is that it can make life much harder than it needs to be. Fortunately, there are treatments that can help.
 

What is TearCare?
TearCare is a new technological solution that addresses the underlying cause of your dry eyes, rather than simply treating the symptoms. It is most effective at helping patients whose dry eyes are caused by Meibomian gland dysfunction – a condition characterized by problems with the way that the Meibomian glands produce the oil that forms an essential part of our tear film. The Meibomian glands can become less productive, or in some cases, even blocked by hardened oil deposits. This prevents the oil from reaching your tear film, making it less effective. TearCare targets the Meibomian glands, warming them to break down oily blockages. This helps to combat the symptoms associated with dry eyes, which can include:

• Eye fatigue

• Dry, scratchy and uncomfortable eyes

• Blurred vision

• Sensitivity to light

• Difficulty wearing contact lenses

Your eye doctor will be able to advise you if TearCare has the potential to be a suitable solution for your dry eyes.
 

What To Expect From TearCare Treatment?

TearCare treatment is performed in the comfort of your eye doctor’s office. Once you are settled in your chair, your eye doctor will open the sterile, single-use applicators which are placed over the contours of your eyelids for 15 minutes. These are connected to a machine that causes the inner eyelids to heat up.  You can keep your eyes open or closed and you can even listen to music if you’d like. After the eyelids are heated, your doctor will then express the Meibomian glands to help remove blockages to help stimulate oil production, resulting in a healthier tear film and a reduction of dry eye symptoms.  There is no downtime, and patients can return to their usual activities right away. It takes around 3 days for patients to begin to see an improvement in their dry eye symptoms.  This procedure is done every 6 months to 2 years depending on the severity of the problem.
 

For more information about TearCare, or to schedule a consultation to talk about this treatment for dry eyes, please contact our office.