Eyes of York designed our Dry Eyes program with our patients in mind. We recognize that not every individual has the same level of severity in dry eyes, therefore, they should not be treated as if they do. Each patient entering the program will begin with an evaluation from one of our physicians. The physician will gain important information from each patient including methods of attempted relief, symptoms, and level of discomfort. A corneal evaluation will be performed for each eye. Based on the results of the exam and feedback from you, the doctor will then develop an individualized treatment plan.
Dry eye occurs when the eye does not produce tears properly, or when the tears are not of the correct consistency and evaporate too quickly. Dry eyes affect nearly 30% of the world population. There are a few different types of dry eye conditions and because they affect everyone at different levels it is best to have your eyes tested.
Our Dry Eye Clinic Program was designed with our patients in mind. We recognize that not every individual has the same level of severity in dry eyes, therefore, they should not be treated as they do. Each patient entering the program will begin with an evaluation with one of our physicians. The physician will gain important information from each patient including methods of attempted relief, symptoms, and level of discomfort. A corneal evaluation will be performed for each eye. Based on the results of the exam and feedback from you, the doctor will then develop an individualized treatment plan.
Eighty-six percent of dry eye patients have Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. LipiView® is the diagnostic half of a treatment system for meibomian gland dysfunction developed by TearScience. As a primary cause of dry eye, it is important to test for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction to direct treatment appropriately. The LipiView® Interferometer scans your eyes to provide an accurate analysis of the lipid layer and the blink rate. This testing helps the doctor to decide what course of treatment you are best suited for.
When you become a patient of our Dry Eye Clinic Program, we will assess your Tear Osmolarity which is a lab test measuring the health of your Tear film. The Tear Osmolarity directly correlates with the severity of dry eyes and does so with more accuracy than any other methods previously available to physicians. Based on the severity of your dry eye condition, we will recommend specific treatment for you and arrange follow up. A reassessment of the Tear with your follow up visit will determine how effective your treatment has been for you and additional treatments can be added if necessary.
InflammaDry® is the first and only, rapid result, in-office test that detects elevated levels of MMP-9, an inflammatory marker that is consistently elevated in the tears of patients with dry eye disease. Using four simple steps, InflammaDry® test results are achieved in just 10 minutes, aiding in the diagnosis of dry eye before the patient leaves the office.
Based on the results from your dry eye testing, the doctor will recommend the best course of action to help you alleviate your dry eye symptoms and causes. At Eyes of York, we offer a full-range of treatments for dry eye syndrome based on the severity of your symptoms.
I-LID ‘N LASH cleans and removes ocular debris and makeup while enhancing the effectiveness of artificial tears. Used daily, I-LID ’N LASH® is effective in maintaining lid and lash health for patients with dry eyes or sensitive skin.
Xiidra is the first prescription eye drop approved by the FDA for both the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease. Use one drop twice a day. Most patients feel relief from their dry eye symptoms within 2-6 weeks and the medication is covered by most insurances.
The BRUDER Moist Heat Eye Compress opens oil glands and allows natural oils to flow back into the eye relieving discomfort from aging, dry eyes, contact lenses, use of digital devices and more. The easy-to-use compress delivers an effective moist heat treatment. Simply microwave for 20-25 seconds and apply for 10 minutes or as prescribed by your doctor.
Eysuvis is a short-term treatment for patients who suffer from chronic, dry eye flares. It is the first and only approved dry eye medication to deliver significant improvements in reduction of conjunctival hyperemia, an important hallmark of inflammation in dry eye.
IPL therapy is a treatment applied to the face which sends an intense but therapeutic heat source near the level of the meibomian glands to help dissolve the plugged secretions and restore function. The effect is temporary, but will last longer with repeat treatments. Patients choosing IPL require four to five treatments the first year and then an average of two treatments per year afterward. Recent data indicates that ninety percent of patients show improvement in their evaporative Dry Eye symptoms with regular IPL therapy.
This is a revolutionary technology which also treats the most common type of Dry Eye: evaporative. In a clinical study, 79% of patients reported improved overall dry eye symptoms (ranging from 10% to 100% improvement) within four weeks of a single LipiFlow treatment. LipiFlow Thermal Pulsation technology applies therapeutic heat and gentle pressure to the inner eyelids releasing lipids from the meibomian glands. The positive effects of the LipiFlow treatment can last on average for one year. LipiFlow has the potential to help patient who have unsuccessful IPL treatments or who prefer less office visits and less treatment sessions.
What to Expect During a LipiFlow Treatment
You will be asked to either sit comfortably on a reclined chair or lie down.
Several drops of LipiFlow ptmild anesthetic are put into the affected eye(s). Both eyes are usually treated simultaneously.
LipiFlow disposable eyepieces with lid warmers are placed under your eyelids. There is a built in eye shield to protect you from injury during treatment.
You will be asked to close your eyes around the eyelid device.
The device will then be activated; you will feel minor eyelid pressure and a comfortable warming temperature on the eyelids.
The eyelid pressure will have varied modes which may include a slow increase in pressure and pulsations for several stages for the full 12 minute treatment.
Level of Pain
Based on reported medical studies, the average level of pain/discomfort was minimal rating only 1.4 on a scale of 1-10. If a patient complains of too much pain during a treatment, an adjustment will be made to reduce the pressure or pause for a while. In the majority of cases, patients says the procedure feels like an eyelid massage and is quite relaxing.
Potential Side Effects
Possibility of only minimal improvement on a patient’s dry eye condition and blocked glands
Sometimes the glands can remain the same as before treatment
Inflammation of the glands
Blurred vision (transient for minutes only)
Symptoms of dryness, burning sensation, and/or discharge
Sensitivity to light
Other eye medications may be needed to control flare ups in the future
