Dry Eye Syndrome

iLux: Say Goodbye to Dry Eye

January 6, 2023 by Anne Arundel Eye Center

If you’ve experienced dry eyes before, you know that its interference with daily activities – from reading to driving to using the computer – can affect your quality of life. Thankfully, there are multiple treatment options that Anne Arundel Eye Center currently offers, such as artificial tears and medications, to help with this uncomfortable and chronic condition. While these treatment options are effective for many, we’re happy to offer a new in-office, non-surgical treatment, iLux, that has already been performed with outstanding success on dry eye patients.

Causes of Dry Eye: Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and Blepharitis

While Dry Eye Syndrome can be caused by an array of factors, such as age, medication side-effects, or long-term contact use, Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) and Blepharitis are two underlying conditions that can bring about Dry Eye symptoms.

Every time you blink, a protective layer of moisture called the tearfilm coats the front surface of your eye. An essential part of the tearfilm is an oily layer called meibum. MGD occurs when the meibomian glands that produce meibum get blocked or the secreted meibum is of poor quality which can lead to excessive evaporation of the tear film and dry eye symptoms. MGD is actually one of the most common causes of dry eye, as it has been shown to occur in over 85% of disease cases.

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelid and eyelash structures, and while it is uncomfortable, it usually does not cause permanent eye damage. Anterior blepharitis, along the front edge of the eyelid, is typically caused by either a bacterial or skin condition such as dandruff of the scalp and eyebrows or acne rosacea. Posterior blepharitis, which is on the inner edge of the eyelid that comes into contact with the eyeball, is usually caused by an irregular production of oils by the glands along the eyelid margin (meibomian blepharitis). Those with blepharitis may experience itching or burning of the eyes, tearing, or dry eye symptoms.

What is iLux?

Although we do already offer an array of in-office and at-home treatments for dry eye syndrome, our new iLux treatment is a nonsurgical option that can help patients find significant relief.

iLux targets the meibomian glands of the eyelids. Through the use of a handheld device, iLux uses gentle heat and pressure to remove oil blockages in these glands, all in a minimally invasive treatment process that takes less than 15 minutes. The procedure does offer long-term relief, but it may need to be repeated for patients who suffer from chronic dry eye.

When you come to Anne Arundel Eye Center for this treatment, we will first perform a consultation with one of our doctors to determine if you are a good candidate and would benefit from the treatment. If we determine that iLux is the appropriate treatment method for you, our specially trained technicians will administer the procedure. They’ve undergone intense training to become specialists in administering iLux, and work under the step-by-step guidance with our doctors.

While iLux is a newly offered service in our office, we’ve already performed the treatment on patients with much success. We’re excited to be equipped and trained in this technology that works to restore the power of vision and comfort to those who suffer from MGD and Blepharitis dry eye symptoms. Watch this video to learn more about the iLux treatment.

If you think you would benefit from the iLux procedure, know that while the consultation is covered by insurance, the treatment itself is out of pocket. However, you can use your healthcare flex dollars or HSA account funds to cover the expense.

Are you interested in talking to our doctors about iLux? Call Anne Arundel Eye Center at 410-224-2010 and we’ll set up a consultation to see if it is right for you. We’re dedicated to making the best eye care accessible to everyone.

Dry Eye: Understanding Symptoms and Treatment

February 22, 2022 by Anne Arundel Eye Center

Dry eye: you have heard the term before, but do you really know what it is? Dry eye is a little more complicated than it sounds, and the resulting consequences go beyond simple dryness. With the widespread use of face masks to reduce disease transmission during the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve seen that dry eye symptoms are increasing in our patients who are regularly wearing them. Research from the University of Utah published in the journal Ophthalmology and Therapy suggests that face masks without a tight fit can direct airflow from breathing up and across the eye surface, facilitating evaporation that promotes dry eye.

Dry eye can also be caused by a number of underlying conditions, ranging from the natural aging process to side effects of prescription drugs, structural problems with the eye lids (lid margin disease, blepharitis) and side effects of certain diseases, such as Sjogren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and other collagen vascular diseases.

Your eye depends on tears, a combination of water, oils, mucus, and antibodies, to provide constant moisture and lubrication in order to maintain not only comfort, but also proper vision. When there is an imbalance in the tear system, a person can experience dry eye. If you are experiencing eye stinging or burning, itching, inability to keep eyes open for long periods of time, the constant feeling of something in your eye, or excess tearing, then you may be suffering from dry eye. It is important to bring these symptoms up to your eye doctor – optometrist or ophthalmologist – to start treatment as soon as possible.

Thankfully, there are several treatments currently available for dry eye. Eye drops, which are artificial tears that can help keep your eyes properly lubricated, are an over-the-counter method of treating dry eye. Also, certain medications and topical steroids are non-invasive methods that can be used to temporarily bring the tear film to a healthy and stable state. These treatment options are typically successful, but there are also surgical options, such as temporary and permanent punctual occlusion, that your eye doctor can consider if symptoms persist.

If you believe you are experiencing dry eye, whether it is a chronic issue or if your symptoms started because of regularly wearing a face mask, it’s vital to let your eye care provider know. While untreated chronic dry eye may cause permanent damage to your eye, there are very successful and accessible treatments available. Even if you are not suffering from dry eye, these dry eye symptoms may be caused by another eye disorder which may need treatment by a specialist.

For more on this topic or other questions, contact Anne Arundel Eye Center. The staff is dedicated to making the best eye care accessible to everyone – call 410-224-2010.

What is Dry Eye?

November 21, 2017 by Anne Arundel Eye Center

Dry Eye: you have heard the term before, but do you really know what it is? Dry eye is a little more complicated than it sounds and the resulting consequences go beyond simple dryness. These include pain, light sensitivity, itching, redness, and even blurry vision. So you have to ask yourself, “What is Dry Eye?”

Dry eye can be caused by a number of underlying conditions, ranging from the natural aging process to side effects of prescription drugs, structural problems with the eye lids (lid margin disease, blepharitis)and side effects of certain diseases, such as Sjogren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and other collagen vascular diseases.

If you believe you are suffering from dry eye, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor – optometrist or ophthalmologist – as soon as possible. Your eye depends on tears, a combination of water, oils, mucus, and antibodies, to provide constant moisture and lubrication in order to maintain not only comfort, but also proper vision. When there is an imbalance in the tear system, a person can experience dry eye.

Treating Dry Eye

There are several treatments currently available for dry eye, including:

Eye Drops: Artificial tears can help keep your eyes properly lubricatedsupplimenting your natural tears. Artificial tears are available over-the-counter.
Punctual occlusion (Temporary and Permanent): Temporary punctual occlusion involves the temporary plugging of the ducts that drain tears out of the eye. If this proves to be successful in providing an adequate supply of tears, permanent punctual occlusion may be an option. And, as you may have guessed, permanent punctual occlusion is the permanent plugging of the tear drains (though plugs can be removed by your eye doctor).
Medication: Medications, such as Restasis, can greatly improve the quality of life for a patient with dry eye. Topical steroids may be used temporarily to bring the tear film to a healthy and stable state.
Surgery: The ducts that drain tears into the nose can be permanently closed to allow more tears to remain around the eye.

“Patients often ask me, ‘How can my eyes be dry? They are constantly tearing,” said board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles. “Well, the tearing is actually your body’s response to your dry eyes.”

If you have any questions about Dry Eye or if you wish to schedule an appointment with Anne Arundel Eye Center, please contact Dr. Boles and the eye care specialists here at AAEC by calling 410-224-2010.

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

Source:

Dry Eyes WebMD

Suffering from Dry Eye? You’re Not Alone

November 13, 2015 by Anne Arundel Eye Center

According to the National Eye Institute (NEI), nearly five million Americans above 50 years of age suffer from dry eye. It’s a startling number, but a reminder of how common dry eye is, and how many people are affected. Luckily, treatment is available and most options are successful. If you feel you may be a victim of dry eye, a visit to your Annapolis, MD eye center may be in order.

But what are the dangers of leaving dry eye untreated? Who is most as risk? What should you look for? These are all common questions when it comes to dry eye, and they’re all answered below:

The Risk Factor

Although dry eye can inflict anyone of any age, there are certain situations where dry eye is more likely. You are more at risk to develop dry eye if:

You are over the age of 50
You are a woman who has experienced menopause, especially prematurely
You are a woman on hormone replacement therapy
You have had refractive eye surgery (LASIK)
You have skin disease on or around the eyelid, or eye diseases such as a gland dysfunction
You have allergies or immune system disorders

This list is not inclusive. If you think you may have dry eye, it’s vital to let your eye care provider know, because untreated chronic dry eye may cause permanent damage to your eye.

Common Dry Eye Symptoms

Know what to look for. If you have any of these common dry eye symptoms, bring them up to your eye specialist:

stinging or burning eye
constant feeling of something in the eye
pain and/or redness in the eye
not able to produce tears, or producing excess tears followed by few or no tears
eye fatigue

Even if you are not suffering from dry eye, these symptoms may be caused by another eye disorder which may need treatment by a specialist.

What can my Eye Specialist do for me?

It’s important to know your options when discussing dry eye with your eye specialist. Treatment options for dry eye include:

Treatment of underlying conditions which may be causing dry eye
Anti-Inflammatory medications, such as Cyclosporine
Change of contact lens brand (for contacts wearers)
Punctal Occulsion surgery, for some cases
Restasis

The main thing to remember is there are many treatments for dry eye, and they are very successful and accessible treatments.

Let Your Anne Arundel Eye Center Specialist Know About Your Dry Eye

The Anne Arundel Eye Center (AAEC) always welcomes new patients. Led by board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, AAEC offers complete ophthalmic exams as well as diagnostic pre and post-surgical eye care. AAEC is a regional leader in the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma, cataracts, and dry eye, and our state-of-the-art treatment center is dedicated to making the best eye care accessible to everyone.

Schedule an Appointment

If you have any questions about Dry Eye, please contact Dr. Boles, Dr. Kathryn Gurganus Turner, and the eye care specialists here at AAEC by calling 410-224-2010. AAEC is staffed by caring and knowledgeable professionals who will help guide you on your healing journey.

How to Treat Dry Eye

October 2, 2015 by Anne Arundel Eye Center

Every time a person blinks, a film of tears spreads over the surface of the eye to make it smooth and clear. However, this is not always the case. Sometimes people just do not produce enough tears or the right quality of tears necessary to maintain healthy vision and comfort. This condition is known as Dry Eye.

While it may sound odd, people with dry eye may find their eyes produce quite a bit of tears as the eye responds to the irritation of the condition.

The Anatomy of a Tear

Tear film consists of three layers, each with its own unique purpose:

Oil or Lipid Layer: The outermost layer of the tear film is produced by the meibomian glands. Its primary purpose is to keep the tears nice and smooth while minimizing evaporation.
Watery Layer: The middle layer of the tear film is produced by the lacrimal glands. Its primary purpose is to wash foreign debris from the eye.
Mucus Layer: The inner most layer of the tear film is produced by the conjunctiva. Its primary purpose is to keep the eye moist. Without mucus, tears would simply not stick to the eye.

Tears are produced in two ways. 1) The eye makes tears at a slow, steady rate, keeping the eye well lubricated to maintain normal vision and comfort. 2) The eye makes tears as a response to irritation, like when foreign debris enters the eye, or emotion.

While it may sound odd, people with dry eye may find their eyes produce quite a bit of tears as the eye responds to the irritation of the condition.

Signs and Symptoms of Dry Eye

Stinging or burning eyes
Gritty or scratchy sensation – feeling like ‘something’ is in the eye
Cannot keep eyes open for very long
Varying vision clarity
Sensitivity to light
Stringy mucus in or around the eyes
Itching
Redness and excessive eye irritation from smoke or wind

Excess tearing
Discomfort when wearing contact lenses
Blurred vision / Blurry vision
Fluctuating vision
Tearing
Crusty scaling around eyelashes
Styes, bumps on the eyelid that are raised and painful to the touch

A 2007 American Journal of Ophthalmology study reported that individuals with Dry Eye Syndrome were hampered when trying to perform normal, everyday activities like reading, driving, using the computer, and more.

Diagnosing and Treating Dry Eye in Annapolis

Led by Dr. Boles, the Anne Arundel Eye Center (AAEC), located in Annapolis, Maryland, offers complete ophthalmic exams as well as diagnostic pre and post-surgical eye care. AAEC’s state-of-the-art treatment center is dedicated to making the best eye care accessible to everyone.

Schedule an Appointment

Anne Arundel Eye Center always welcomes new patients.

Managing Dry Eye at Home

An important part of controlling Blepharitis and Dry Eye involves daily lid hygiene at home:

Warm Compress

Wet a cloth with very warm water and place it over closed eyes for 5-10 minutes

Clean Lids and Lashes

Clean lids with baby shampoo or Ocusoft Lid Scrubs
Scrub gently side to side across the lashes with closed eyes

Massage

Using the tip of your finger, press along the base of lashes
Repeat a few times on upper and lower lids
Don’t hurt yourself, but do use firm pressure!
Repeat morning and evening as directed

If you have any questions about Dry Eye, please contact Dr. Boles, Dr. Kathryn Gurganus Turner, and the eye care specialists here at AAEC by calling 410-224-2010. AAEC is staffed by caring and knowledgeable professionals who will help guide you on your healing journey.