Advanced Eyecare
Dry Eye Center
Dry eye is a chronic condition in which the body does not produce enough quality tears to sufficiently lubricate the eye. Without tear lubrication, the eyes may become irritated, causing burning, itchiness and excessive watering.
Did you know…
that dry eye is a very common condition among residents over age 50? The American Academy of Ophthalmology reports that nearly 4.9 million Americans over age 50 are suffering from dry eye, with women outnumbering men nearly 2 to 1. There are many reasons why people develop dry eye, including environmental conditions, the use of certain medications, and the long-term use of contact lenses.
Dry Eye Symptoms
Should you be treated for dry eye?
Take a look at the most common dry eye symptoms below.
- Stinging or burning sensation
- Gritty or itchy eyes
- Increased light sensitivity
- Pain and redness
- Excessive tearing and discharge
- Eye fatigue
- An inability to work for long periods
- Regularly using eye drops
Dry Eye Diagnostics
Patients with severe cases of dry eyes may actually experience vision impairments caused by damage to the surface of the eye. Fortunately, dry eye treatments are available to help the eye produce more of its own natural tears and also manage inflammation.
Risk Factors For Dry Eye Include:
As we age, the tear production of our eyes decreases, leading to dry eyes. This can lead to a deficiency in the aqueous (watery) part of our tear film.
Women are more prone to develop dry eyes, especially right before or during menopause due to normal hormonal changes.
Medications such as antihistamines, antidepressants, and lipid-lowering drugs can decrease tear production as a common side effect.
Certain medical conditions such as autoimmune disorders, diabetes, thyroid disorders, and rheumatoid arthritis can also cause dry eyes as many of these systemic illness affect the overall function of the eyes and glands that produce the delicate tear film.
Exposure to dry and dusty environments, heating and air conditioning, and pollution can cause dry eyes.
Wearing contact lenses for long periods can cause dry eyes due to decreased oxygen flow to the cornea, chronic rubbing of a foreign body on the eye surface, or exposure to preservatives in contact lens solutions.
LASIK can cause chronic dry eyes due to disturbances to corneal nerve activity and changes in sensation response.
A diet low in vitamin A can lead to dry eyes as it is essential for maintaining the health of the cornea.
Prolonged use of computers and other digital screens can cause dry eyes due to decreased blink rate that naturally occurs when we are on our screens.
Advanced Dry Eye Treatment at EyeQ Vision
At EyeQ Vision, we specialize in advanced and personalized treatments for dry eye disease, going beyond artificial tears to address the root causes of your discomfort. Our in-office therapies use cutting-edge technology to reduce inflammation, improve tear production, and restore ocular surface health. Explore our most effective treatment options below:
OptiLight by Lumenis® – Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy
OptiLight IPL is an FDA-approved, non-invasive treatment designed specifically for managing dry eye disease caused by Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) — the most common cause of dry eye. Using precise pulses of light, this treatment:
Targets inflammation around the eyes and eyelids
Improves meibomian gland function and oil flow
Reduces the presence of Demodex mites and abnormal blood vessels
Enhances skin tone and reduces rosacea-related symptoms
Treatment time: ~15 minutes per session
Recommended: Series of 4 sessions spaced 2-4 weeks apart for optimal results
OptiPLUS – Radio Frequency (RF) Meibomian Gland Therapy
OptiPLUS Radio Frequency therapy uses advanced RF technology to gently heat the skin around the eyes, stimulating meibomian gland activity and collagen remodeling. This is especially beneficial for patients with gland blockages, eyelid laxity, or early signs of gland atrophy.
Benefits include:
Improved oil gland function and tear film stability
Non-surgical eyelid tightening and skin rejuvenation
Enhanced comfort and faster symptom relief
Treatment time: ~20-25 minutes
Recommended: Often combined with OptiLight for synergistic effects
Celluma Red Light Therapy – LED-Based Anti-Inflammatory Treatment
Celluma Red Light Therapy uses low-level red and near-infrared light to reduce ocular surface inflammation, increase cellular regeneration, and enhance tissue repair.
Key benefits:
Decreases inflammation in and around the eyelids
Improves circulation and lymphatic drainage
Promotes healing at the cellular level
Treatment time: 15–20 minutes
Recommended: Can be used as a standalone or complementary therapy
ZEST Eyelid Cleanser Treatment – Zocular Eyelid System Treatment
ZEST (Zocular Eyelid System Treatment) is an in-office eyelid exfoliation and cleansing procedure that uses a natural okra-based gel to deeply clean the lid margins.
Perfect for patients with:
Blepharitis
Demodex infestations
Eyelid debris or crusting
Chronic inflammation of the lid margin
Benefits include:
Gentle yet thorough cleansing of lashes and lids
Instant relief from gritty, itchy, or burning eyes
Reduction of biofilm and bacterial overgrowth
Treatment time: ~10–15 minutes
Recommended: Periodic treatments as part of your dry eye management plan
Ready to Find Long-Term Relief?
Dry eye doesn’t have to be a daily struggle. Let the dry eye specialists at EyeQ Vision help you reclaim comfort, clarity, and confidence.
Call us today to schedule your dry eye consultation
OUR DOCTORS FAVORITE DRY EYE RECOMMENDATIONS
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