Specialized Dry Eye Treatments at San Carlos Eye Care
Punctal Plugs
A simple, minimally invasive procedure designed to retain moisture on the eye's surface by inserting small devices into the tear ducts to prevent tear drainage. This treatment is ideal for patients whose dry eye syndrome is primarily due to tear evaporation.
Scleral Lenses
Scleral lenses are a specialized contact lens option for dry eye relief, offering a larger diameter that covers the entire cornea. They maintain eye hydration by forming a tear-filled chamber over the cornea, acting as a moisture reservoir to alleviate dry eye discomfort.
Zest In-Office Eyelid Cleaning Treatment
Experience the refreshing relief of our ZEST In-Office Eyelid Cleaning treatment. This gentle, non-invasive cleaning (eyelid debridement) uses a natural okra-based solution to thoroughly cleanse and remove residue from your eyelids. This painless procedure exfoliates the eyelids and opens up the meibomian glands, allowing oils to be released into the eye. This eliminates irritants that can cause discomfort and exacerbate dry eye symptoms, treats blepharitis, and promotes the formation of healthy tears, ensuring your eyes stay comfortable.
MGrx
Focused on tackling Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), a leading cause of dry eye, MGrx employs gentle heat and massage to unclog the meibomian glands. This non-invasive approach enhances the natural oil flow into the tears, stabilizing the tear film and providing significant symptom relief.
Amniotic Membranes
Amniotic membranes are biologic tissues that are rich in natural healing factors. They are placed on the eye to reduce inflammation and promote the repair of the ocular surface. Acting as a protective barrier, they accelerate healing, maintain moisture, and prevent further damage. This advanced therapy not only alleviates the discomfort associated with dry eyes but also supports the restoration of healthy eye tissue, offering patients a significant improvement in symptoms and eye health.
Autologous Serum Eye Drops
Autologous Serum Eye Drops (ASEDs) are created using the patient's own blood. The blood is centrifuged to separate the serum, which is then diluted with a sterile saline solution to a concentration suited for the patient's specific condition. As such, autologous serum eye drops contain various growth factors, vitamins, and nutrients naturally found in blood serum that are essential for corneal healing and replacing the tear film. They are particularly beneficial for treating severe dry eye conditions, persistent corneal ulcers, and other ocular surface disorders that have not responded well to conventional treatments.
Radiofrequency
Radiofrequency treatment (RF with Eterna) uses controlled radiofrequency energy to precisely target the periorbital and eyelid regions, rejuvenating the eye area for those suffering from dry eye symptoms. The heat generated by the radiofrequency energy effectively warms the meibomian glands, unclogging them and restoring their normal function to improve tear quality and reduce dryness.
Beyond addressing dry eye symptoms, this innovative treatment also stimulates collagen production in the treated areas. This added benefit of collagen stimulation helps in reducing fine lines and wrinkles, offering patients not only relief from dry eye discomfort but an enhanced skin appearance around the eyes, resulting in a more youthful look. With its dual-action approach, radiofrequency treatment stands out as a comprehensive therapy for both improving eye health and enhancing aesthetic appeal. Learn more about it here!
ADVATx
ADVATx is a cutting-edge laser treatment designed to address the root causes of dry eyes. ADVATx targets inflammation and rosacea, which are often underlying contributors to dry eye syndrome. Similar to IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), AdvaTx uses light-based technology but is much more precise and effective, with the added benefits of being less painful and requiring little to no downtime.
ADAVATx works by reducing inflammation in the eyelids and surrounding tissues, enhancing the function of the meibomian glands, which produce the oily layer of the tear film. This results in better tear stability and relief from dry eye symptoms. Additionally, the treatment improves skin texture, helping to reduce fine lines and wrinkles around the treatment area, offering cosmetic benefits alongside medical relief.
Meibomian Gland Evaluation with Meibography
Meibomian Gland Evaluation with Meibography
Meibomian Gland Evaluation with Meibography
Meibography is a specialized imaging technique that allows us to visualize and assess the health of your Meibomian glands. It helps in diagnosing MGD by revealing any gland abnormalities or dysfunctions.
Schirmer’s Test
Meibomian Gland Evaluation with Meibography
Meibomian Gland Evaluation with Meibography
The Schirmer's test measures your eye's tear production rate. By placing a thin strip of filter paper under the lower eyelid, we can determine the volume of tear production, aiding in the diagnosis of dry eye syndrome.
Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT)
Meibomian Gland Evaluation with Meibography
Fluorescence Staining Test
TBUT is a critical test that evaluates the stability of your tear film. By applying a non-invasive dye to the eye, we observe how long it takes for dry spots to appear after a blink. This helps us understand the evaporative speed of your tears.
Fluorescence Staining Test
Lissamine Green Staining Test
Fluorescence Staining Test
This diagnostic test uses a special dye called fluorescein that illuminates areas of damage on the cornea when exposed to blue light. It helps us identify dry spots, abrasions, or corneal erosions, providing valuable information on the severity and type of dry eye condition.
Lissamine Green Staining Test
Lissamine Green Staining Test
Lissamine Green Staining Test
Lissamine green is another dye used to highlight areas of the eye's surface that have been affected by dryness or damage. Unlike fluorescein, lissamine green stains devitalized cells and areas where the protective mucin layer is deficient, offering a complementary assessment to better understand your dry eye syndrome.
InflammaDry
Lissamine Green Staining Test
Lissamine Green Staining Test
InflammaDry is a diagnostic test that detects the presence of MMP-9, an enzyme associated with inflammation found in the tears of those with dry eye syndrome. This quick and painless test helps us identify and quantify inflammation, allowing for targeted treatment strategies.