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Dry Eye Treatments – Dr. Sandra Belmont
Evaporative Dry Eye (EDE) is a common yet often underdiagnosed condition affecting the eyes, particularly the tear film. This disorder occurs when the meibomian glands, which are responsible for secreting oil to lubricate the eyes, become blocked or do not function properly. There are thirty glands on each upper and lower lid. The oil produced by these glands is essential for maintaining a stable tear film and preventing excessive evaporation of tears. When the glands become dysfunctional, it can lead to various symptoms such as dryness, tearing, irritation, discomfort, redness, and blurred vision, all of which can significantly affect quality of life.
Causes and Symptoms of Evaporative Dry Eye
The causes of EDE are diverse. Factors such as genetics (it’s more commonly found in blue eyed patients) age, hormonal changes, environmental conditions, contact lens wear, and certain medications can contribute to the dysfunction of these essential glands. The glands may become clogged due to an excess of thickened oil, or they may simply stop producing enough oil to properly lubricate the eye. Inflammatory conditions like blepharitis, an infection of the eyelid, can also exacerbate EDE.
Symptoms of MGD include:
- Dryness and itching of the eyes
- Tearing
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurry or fluctuating vision
- Redness and swelling of the eyelids
- A gritty or sandy sensation in the eyes
If left untreated, EDE can lead to more serious complications, including increased risk of eye infections or even permanent damage to the corneal tissue.
Traditional Treatments for EDE
Typically, EDE is managed through a variety of methods aimed at improving gland function and relieving symptoms. These include warm compresses, lid hygiene practices, omega-3 fatty acids supplementation, and medications like anti-inflammatory eye drops or oral antibiotics. While these treatments can be effective to some degree, they may not address the root cause of gland dysfunction or offer long-term relief for all patients.
Forma Treatment: A Breakthrough in EDE Management
Forma is an innovative, non-invasive treatment that has emerged as a highly effective solution for alleviating the symptoms of EDE. This advanced treatment uses controlled radiofrequency energy to provide deep tissue heating, stimulating the meibomian glands and improving their function. The treatment is designed to liquefy thickened oils within the glands, which allows for improved oil flow and secretion, addressing the root cause of EDE.
Forma utilizes a sophisticated system that carefully targets the affected areas of the eyelid and surrounding tissues, providing a gentle, comfortable treatment experience. The procedure works by warming the skin and tissues to a specific therapeutic temperature, which helps to promote the drainage of clogged oils and stimulate the natural production of healthy oil.
One of the key benefits of Forma is its non-invasive nature. Forma is a one-time, painless, in-office procedure with no downtime. Most patients report feeling only a mild warmth during the treatment, making it a comfortable and convenient option.
A Three-Tiered Approach to Eliminate EDE
Dr. Belmont performs 3 in-office treatments for EDE that include Forma to heat the meibomian glands in combination with manual expression of each of the thirty meibomian glands on the top and bottom of the lids. Lastly BlephEx (hyperlink to the BlephEx page) is used to remove all the imbedded particles along the lid margin. In most cases the patient experiences immediate relief from their symptoms of tearing, dryness, itching and overall irritation.
Evaporative Dry Eye is a frustrating condition that can impact daily life, but with advancements in technology like Forma, patients now have a powerful tool to combat the condition. By addressing the root causes of EDE and stimulating the function of the meibomian glands, Forma offers a non-invasive and highly effective treatment option that can provide lasting relief from the symptoms of this often-debilitating condition. For those suffering from EDE, Forma could represent a new hope for improved eye health and overall comfort.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Belmont to find out if you have a problem-related to dry eyes, please contact Belmont Eye Center by calling (212) 486-2020.
