Dry Eye Treatment

Dry eye is a common condition that occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough quality tears to stay comfortably lubricated. At Friedman Optometry, we specialize in identifying the underlying causes of your symptoms and providing effective solutions, including advanced options like OptiLight Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy, to help you see and feel your best.

Dry eye is now understood as a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects both the quantity and quality of your tears. Inflammation leads to a damaging cycle - causing tissue injury, immune system overreaction, and worsening tear film instability. Over time, untreated dry eye can result in nerve damage and permanent loss of meibomian glands. By intervening early with advanced treatments like OptiLight IPL, we can restore the health of the meibomian glands, reduce inflammation, and prevent the disease from progressing.

What Is Dry Eye?

Your tears are made up of three essential layers: oil, water, and mucus. Together, these layers keep the eyes lubricated, clear debris, and protect against infection. Dry eye occurs when tear production is insufficient or when the tear film evaporates too quickly, leading to irritation and vision problems.

Common Causes of Dry Eye

Dry eye can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) - Blocked oil glands in the eyelids cause tears to evaporate too quickly (a key cause we can improve).

• Blepharitis - Inflammation of the eyelids can impact tear quality.

• Eye Surgery - Procedures like LASIK can temporarily or permanently reduce tear production.

• Contact Lens Use - Wearing lenses can affect tear stability and increase evaporation.

• Allergies - Seasonal or chronic allergies can irritate the eyes and affect tear production.

• Medications - Antihistamines, blood pressure medications, and certain antidepressants can cause dryness as a side effect.

• Medical Conditions - Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Sjögren’s syndrome are often linked to dry eye.

• Aging - Tear production naturally decreases with age.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye symptoms can range from mild irritation to significant discomfort and may include:

• Burning, stinging, or scratchy sensation

• Redness and inflammation

• Light sensitivity

• Blurred or fluctuating vision

• Feeling like something is in your eye

• ​​​​​​​Difficulty wearing contact lenses

How Is Dry Eye Diagnosed?

An accurate diagnosis is key to effective treatment. At Friedman Optometry, we perform a comprehensive eye exam to identify the root cause of your symptoms. Our evaluation may include:

• Tear film analysis - Measuring tear quality, quantity, and evaporation rate

• Meibomian gland evaluation - Checking for blockages or inflammation in the oil glands using advanced Topcon Myah Meibography technology, which allows us to assess gland structure and function

• Lid and ocular surface assessment - Detecting blepharitis, allergies, or other underlying issues

By determining the exact cause, we can recommend a targeted treatment plan that addresses your specific needs.

OptiLight Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy

For many patients, especially those with meibomian gland dysfunction, inflammation-related dry eye, or ocular rosacea, OptiLight IPL therapy provides one of the most advanced and effective treatment options available today.​​​​​​​

OptiLight uses precise pulses of light to target abnormal blood vessels that contribute to redness and inflammation around the eyes. This light energy also helps unclog the meibomian glands, restoring the healthy flow of oils into the tear film. By improving gland health, OptiLight helps break the cycle of inflammation that worsens dry eye disease.

Benefits of OptiLight IPL for Dry Eye

• Improves tear quality by restoring the oil layer of the tear film

• Reduces inflammation and redness caused by ocular rosacea

• Provides longer-lasting relief compared to temporary solutions like artificial tears

• Non-invasive and comfortable procedure with no downtime

• Improves the appearance of the skin around the eyes

Additional Treatment Options

In addition to IPL therapy, we offer a wide range of treatments to relieve dry eye and restore comfort, including:

• Punctal plugs - Help preserve natural tears by reducing drainage

• Eyelid hygiene therapies - Such as the Oasis Rest & Relief Eye Mask

• Oasis hypochlorous cleansing spray - Reduces bacteria and maintains lid health

• Oasis Lid & Lash cleansing pads - Gently remove debris and promote cleaner eyelids

• Prescription-strength medications - Address underlying inflammation and tear film dysfunction

OptiLight IPL & Ocular Rosacea

Ocular rosacea is a chronic condition that causes redness, visible blood vessels, and inflammation around the eyes. It often worsens dry eye disease by increasing eyelid inflammation and contributing to meibomian gland dysfunction.

IPL therapy is uniquely effective for ocular rosacea because it targets and closes the abnormal blood vessels that fuel inflammation. By delivering precise pulses of light to the skin around the eyes, OptiLight reduces redness, calms inflammation, and improves overall skin and eyelid health. As the vascular activity decreases, patients often experience both cosmetic improvement (less facial redness) and significant relief from dry eye symptoms.

Key Benefits for Ocular Rosacea Patients:

• Reduces redness and flushing caused by dilated blood vessels

• Improves comfort by reducing inflammation around the eyelids and ocular surface

• Restores healthy function of the meibomian glands, improving tear quality

• Offers a safe, non-invasive option for long-term management of ocular rosacea

By treating ocular rosacea at its root, OptiLight IPL not only relieves dry eye symptoms but also helps patients feel more confident in their appearance.
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Schedule Your Dry Eye Evaluation Today

Dry eye is a medical condition that can impact your comfort, eye health, and quality of life. At Friedman Optometry, we use advanced diagnostics like Topcon Myah Meibography and leading-edge treatments such as OptiLight IPL therapy to provide lasting relief and protect your long-term eye health.

If you’re struggling with dry eye symptoms or ocular rosacea, contact Friedman Optometry to schedule a consultation and find out if OptiLight IPL therapy is right for you.