Dry Eye Treatment | The Eye Group | Knoxville TN Eye Care

Treatment

Blepharoexfoliation

Blepharoexfoliation is an in-office procedure that removes eyelid bio film that has formed over time and obstructs the oily tear glands called meibomian glands. Until this biofilm is removed the oil tear glands cannot function properly. This biofilm not only obstructs the meibomian glands but also harbors microorganisms,exotoxins,and lipase enzymes that break down the needed tear film oil. Without this tear film oil the watery component of the tears evaporates quickly and the surface of the eye becomes very dry and irritated.

The treatment involves the use of a rotary device fitted with a cotton tipped applicator tip and a gentle eyelid cleanser solution. The blepharoexfoliation procedure removes biofilms from the lid margins and lashes much more thoroughly than any home eyelid hygiene wipe or maneuver can. Patients Who have this procedure describe it as a tickling sensation. Often patients report an immediate improvement in eye comfort.

Insurance does not cover this $200 procedure for treatment to both eyes, which needs to be repeated once or twice a year, depending on disease severity.

Tear Support Plus Omega 3 Supplement

2000 to 3000 mg of a 3 to 1 EPA/DHA ratio of a re-esterified triglyceride form omega 3 fish oil is the base of most dry eye treatment algorithms to date. Over 90% of the fish oil supplements on the market do not meet the above criteria and will not give the level of tear film improvement needed. Tear Support Plus does and is recommended by our Advanced Dry Eye Treatment Center.

Tear support plus changes the fatty acid composition of the oily tears or meibum to increased levels of unsaturated fatty acids. These unsaturated fatty acids are in a liquid state at body temperature which prevents blockage of the meibomian eyelid oily tear gland ducts and decreases stagnation. The Lehigh EPA to DHA ratio also has a strong anti-inflammatory effect on the meibomian glands of the lids.

Bruder Hygienic Eyelid Solution

Bruder Hygienic Eyelid Solution is a hypochlorous acid spray designed to treat dry eye. It is an effective dropless daily treatment that is simple and quick to use. This Hypochlorous acid spray addresses three facets of most dry eye disease cases. The spray kills staph bacteria as well as neutralizes the bacterial exotoxins and lipase enzymes that break down the meibomian gland oils. Simply spray the closed eyelid of each eye twice a day. Many patients find a decrease in their symptoms by the end of the first week. This treatment needs to be continued for months to years to address the chronic nature of dry eye disease.

Tranquil-Eyes Sleep Mask for Dry Eyes

The Tranquileyes sleep mask is used for overnight dry eye protection. Padded with comfortable memory foam, they naturally shelter your eyes from drafts, dust, and low humidity environments, all contributors to dry eye and related conditions.
The goggle includes a set of removable moisture pads which can be soaked in hot water prior to sleep. This aids in the creation of moist-heat, key to soothing tired, irritated eyes.

The goggle also creates total darkness, stimulating the pineal gland to release melatonin, a key promoter of deep sleep and relaxation. Whatever your dry eye problems, our travel and sleep kit can help, whether you’re at home or on the road.

Tranquileyes can also be used for moist heat therapy along with Thermoeyes heat inserts (purchased separately or in a moist heat therapy kit such as Tranquileyes Advanced)

IPL (Intense Pulse Light Therapy)

The Optima IPL is the next-generation IPL technology developed by Lumenis. With every pulse of light, this first-of-its-kind, energy-based therapy works to control the inflammatory process and to stop the vicious cycle of inflammation, reducing the need for medications and providing long-lasting results. IPL is a treatment that is commonly used by dermatologists to help treat rosacea, sun damage, and acne scarring, but is now being used as a groundbreaking treatment for those suffering with chronic dry eye symptoms. Our doctor places shields over the patient’s eyes to protect them from the pulses of light. He then uses a small handheld device to administer pulses of light around the eyelid. The light pulses create a pleasant warming sensation around the eye as the oils in the meibomian glands are loosened. These treatments are gentle, quick, and effective for those suffering with chronic dry eye symptoms. IPL treatments are not covered by insurance, so please call our office for more information and pricing.

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Tea Tree Eyelid & Facial Cleanser

Eye Eco’s Tea Tree Eyelid & Facial Cleansers are perfect for those with sensitive skin. Formulated to be non-irritating to the eyes, the tea tree concentrations cleanse, hydrate and soothe. Eye Eco’sTea Tree Eyelid & Facial Cleanser contains chamomile and shea butter, so they gently remove all dirt and make-up and leave the skin feeling smooth, silky and refreshed. Made in the USA and formulated without the use of parabens. All formulas are vegan and gluten-free. The cleanser contains a mild concentration of 1% tea tree oil, which has been proven to be one of the only products that inhibits demodex growth, which leads to conditions like Blepharitis. Eye Eco’s Tea Tree Eyelid and Facial Cleanser will gently cleanse your face, while relieving the symptoms of blepharitis.

Dry Eye Relief Mask

The Eye Group carries the Dry Eye Relief Mask that is available exclusively through eyecare professionals. The Dry Eye Relief Mask, D.E.R.M.®, is Eye Eco’s moist-heat compress for mild dry eye. The mask contains Silica beads which naturally attract moisture from the air and release it when microwaved. Heating the mask for 20 seconds will provide soothing moist-heat relief for 5-6 minutes. D.E.R.M.® is hypoallergenic and can also be used to create cold therapies for allergy relief. Patients with moderate to severe dry eye require 10-20 minutes of controlled moist-heat to gain both immediate and long-term results.