Did you know that approximately 16.4 million Americans have been diagnosed with chronic dry eye disease?
Let’s talk about our tears and what makes our eyes “dry”! The tear film is a thin layer of fluid covering the eye’s surface. It is composed of three layers: an outer oily lipid layer (called meibum which is made from the meibomian glands), a middle watery aqueous layer, and an inner mucin layer. When one of these layers is disrupted, we get “dry eyes”. 85% of patients that are diagnosed with “dry eye” suffer from problems with the oily layer called Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD).
What is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction(MGD)?
MGD is a chronic condition that affects the meibomian glands, causing changes in the quality and quantity of meibum produced by the meibomian glands. Meibomian glands are the oil-producing glands located along the inner edge of your upper and lower eyelids, near the eyelashes, that secrete an oily substance (meibum). Meibum is a vital part of the tear film, helping to prevent tears from evaporating too quickly and lubricating the eyes. Meibum helps prevent the evaporation of tears, lubricates the eye and eyelids, and maintains a smooth optical surface for clear vision.
Some symptoms of MGD may include: dryness, red eyes, watery eyes, blurry vision, burning or painful eyes, and a foreign body sensation.
Until recently, our doctors were only able to treat our “dry eye” patients with eye drops. We now have the ability to offer our patients a non-surgical option – RF and IPL.
WHAT IS RADIOFREQUENCY (RF)?
Radiofrequency treatment (RF) is a non-surgical procedure that uses Radio-Frequency energy to generate heat which is applied to the skin around the eyes. This heat stimulates collagen formation, bringing white blood cells and stem cells to the skin around your eyes while reducing inflammation. This treatment aids in opening the clogged meibomian glands, allowing for improved tear production and secretion of meibum. RF feels like a warm stone massage in the eye area, improving blood circulation.
RF is usually followed by a Meibomian Gland expression.
WHAT IS INTENSE PULSED LIGHT (IPL)?
Intense Pulse Light treatment (IPL) works to control the inflammatory process and to stop the vicious cycle of inflammation. IPL treats MGD, ocular rosacea, and inflammatory conditions of the eye and surrounding structures. It has also been shown to decrease demodex and bacteria around the eyelids.
During treatment there is a bright flash of light and a sensation on your skin that feels like a light snap from an elastic band. Redness and a slight warming of the skin are normal after treatment and usually subside within an hour. IPL has been FDA approved for more than 15 years to remove superficial skin lesions.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT?
All treatments are performed right in our Chicago office and there is no downtime. Most clients find the treatments very comfortable. Our doctors will discuss the ideal number of sessions to be performed based on your condition and how it will address your condition.
WHAT KIND OF POST-PROCEDURE CARE IS REQUIRED?
Most patients do not experience any side effects and any skin reaction typically resolves within a few hours. There is no recovery period or downtime associated with these procedures.
BONUS EFFECT OF RF AND IPL
IPL and RF also reverse the signs of aging by stimulating collagen production by smoothing wrinkles and eliminating dark spots for younger-looking eyes.
Inmode Testimonial from one of our patients:
I recently completed four RF/IPL treatments with Dr. Stacy Beute at Wink Optical, and I am thrilled to be seeing in a much clearer, more comfortable way than I have in many years. My vision had become increasingly blurred (requiring lots of blinking to clear it when reading smaller fonts), and my eye surfaces had become stickier and more uncomfortable when Dr. Beute suggested I was a good candidate for these treatments which are meant to improve meibomian gland function.
The treatments were relatively painless, and any discomfort was fairly mild as well as extremely fleeting. Dr. Beute was outstanding in the way she explained each step, and diligent throughout every treatment to be sure that I was comfortable as we moved through the process. I was able to leave each of my treatments with practically no side effects, and the minimal side effects I did have were easily remedied with Refresh Optive artificial tears (for the first 24 – 36 hrs).
Another benefit I’ve gained, beyond my dry-eye symptoms having been so improved, is that I am getting far fewer styes and chalazions than I was prior to the treatments. As my gland function has improved, my risk for these nuisances has sharply declined, and it's led to calmer, happier eyes, which has made me a happier person in turn.
I highly recommend that anyone suffering from dry-eye or chronic styes schedule a consultation with Dr. Beute to learn more about these wonderfully impactful treatments! You will be in excellent hands, and your eyes will thank you.
-S.O.