DRY EYE TREATMENT
DRY EYE TREATMENT
Dry eye is a chronic condition in which the body does not produce enough quality tears to sufficiently lubricate the eye. Without tear lubrication, the eyes may become irritated, causing burning, itchiness and excessive watering. Patients with severe cases of dry eyes may actually experience vision impairments caused by damage to the surface of the eye. Fortunately, dry eye treatments are available to help the eye produce more of its own natural tears and also manage inflammation.
Did you know…
that dry eye is a very common condition among residents over age 50? The American Academy of Ophthalmology reports that nearly 4.9 million Americans over age 50 are suffering from dry eye, with women outnumbering men nearly 2 to 1. There are many reasons why people develop dry eye, including environmental conditions, the use of certain medications, and the long-term use of contact lenses.
Advanced Dry Eye Treatment
Tixel is an FDA-approved treatment for dry eye. It is an advanced, non-invasive treatment that uses controlled heat and gentle pressure to recalibrate and improve eyelid gland function. The treatment is quick, taking only two minutes for both eyes, making it an effective option for patients seeking lasting dry eye relief beyond eye drops.
What to expect during Tixel Treatment:
Your eyelids will be cleaned and an analgesic gel will be applied to your upper and lower eyelids. The handheld device will be moved across your upper and lower eyelids to deliver short pulses of heat. You will feel warmth and slight pressure for a total of two minutes. Immediately following the treatment, you may experience some watery eyes lasting only a couple of minutes.
For maximum relief and efficacy, patients will need a total of 3 treatments spaced two weeks apart.
Recovery:
- No downtime
- Can resume normal activities immediately following the treatment
SHOULD I BE TREATED FOR DRY EYE?
The only way of knowing whether you need treatment for dry eye is by visiting your eye doctor for a diagnostic exam. Your eye doctor may recommend treatment if you are found to have abnormal tear production that is contributing to dryness on the surface of your eyes.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING TREATMENT FOR DRY EYE?
There are several ways of treating dry eye. Together with your optometrist, you will decide upon the treatment that best fits your needs. This may include supplementing your natural tears with artificial solutions that can be purchased over-the-counter at most drug stores. You may also be prescribed a medication designed to increase natural tear production. In some cases, eye doctors may recommend conserving natural tears and preventing them from draining by blocking tear ducts or surgically closing them altogether.
WILL I NEED TO FOLLOW ANY SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS DURING TREATMENT?
You can continue to treat your dry eye with eye lubricating drops that provide temporary relief. Some patients also experience improvements in natural tear production by consuming an omega-3 supplement. Other steps you can do to minimize symptoms include wearing sunglasses outdoors, using a humidifier in your home, and remembering to blink when watching television or staring at a computer screen.
