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iLux: Say Goodbye to Dry Eye

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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.

Annapolis Eye Doctor: Is the Eyelid Crusty & Swollen? It may be Blepharitis

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Have you noticed that your eyelid has become slightly swollen, red, and crusty? You may be suffering from a common eye condition known as Blepharitis. This common inflammation of the eyelid is often caused by excess bacteria growth, blockage of the eyelid’s oil glands, and occasionally allergies.

Symptoms of Blepharitis Include:

  1. Burning
  2. Sensitivity to light
  3. Redness
  4. Swelling
  5. Blurry vision
  6. Dry eyes
  7. Excessive Tearing
  8. Crusty Debris
  9. Feeling like something is in your eye
  10. Styes, bumps on the eyelid that are raised and painful to the touch

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor at your earliest convenience. While Blepharitis cannot be cured, it can be treated and controlled with simple eyelid hygiene techniques that are easy to learn and follow.

If left untreated, Blepharitis can lead to more serious issues, such as scarring or injury to the eye’s tissue.

Blepharitis Treatment

  1. Wet a clean washcloth with very warm water and place it over the closed eyelid for five minutes to help soften the clogged oil glands and loosen crusty debris that has collected on the lashes.
  2. Using the washcloth, apply a diluted solution of 50% baby shampoo or mild soap to the affected area.
  3. Use the washcloth with baby shampoo or Ocusoft Lid scrub pads to clean the eyelid margin.  You want to scrub from side to side, not up and down.  Make sure you get the lid margin (where your lashes are) while being careful not the scratch the eye itself.
  4. Rinse the affected area with a clean, warm, wet washcloth and pat dry.
  5. Take your fingertip and ‘roll’ your finger from the cheekbone up to the lid margin, and from the brow down to the lid margin.  This should be done multiple times in order to cover the whole margin of both eyes.  Please ensure the pressure is firm.  Don’t hurt yourself, but don’t be afraid to apply a firm, gentle pressure.

If you are in the early stages of Blepharitis treatment, avoid using eye makeup. This may help prevent further irritation.

To learn more about the Blepharitis, please contact Board Certified Ophthalmologist Dr. Boles, consultative optometrists Dr. Nathan Frank and Dr. Corinne Casey, and the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here to visit AnneArundelEyeCenter.com. Staffed by caring and knowledgeable professionals, our state-of-the-art treatment center is dedicated to making the best eye care accessible to everyone.

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

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Source:

  1. Eye Health and Blepharitis WebMD
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