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86% of patients who present with symptoms, such as discomfort, redness, tearing, gritty or burning sensations and blurry vision, have Meibomian Gland Disease (MGD).
All too often people with symptoms such as discomfort, redness, tearing, gritty or burning sensations and blurry vision will be sent home with eye drops. Eye doctors that specialize in dry eye disease understand the importance of identifying the root cause of the symptoms in order to provide effective treatment. Studies show that over 80% of dry eye sufferers have blockage to their meibomian glands as an underlying cause.
There are a number of available treatments for dry eye, in particular for dry eye caused by Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, which can greatly help patients. If you are suffering from dry eye, look for an eye doctor that has one of the advanced technologies below to treat meibomian gland disease.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) is a common eye problem that is often the root cause of dry eye. The condition is when there is inflammation and clogging of small glands located in the eyelids which produce the oily layer of tears. When these glands are inflamed and clogged, less of this oil makes it into the tear film, causing them to evaporate more quickly. As a result, you experience irritated, burning, watery, gritty, painful, dry eyes.
A common method for treating MGD is applying warm compresses to and then massaging the eyelids. The objective of this treatment is to unclog the openings of the meibomian glands.
There are simple, at-home methods of treatment such as warm compresses and massaging the eyelids, however, these tend to only provide a small measure of relief.
However, there are other treatment options, often done in an optometry office that specializes in dry eye disease, involving providing heat therapy to the eyelids followed by massaging of the eyelids to get the melted oil out of the glands.
The Systane iLux MGD treatment is a portable, hand-held device which utilizes an LED heat source to warm both the inner and outer surfaces of your eyelids. This melts away waxy secretions which can be trapped in the meibomian glands. Once the secretions have been melted, the doctor will apply compression to your eyelids to express the clogged glands while also observing the process to assess your current condition. This treatment process is typically quick, taking less than ten minutes in the office.
Studies show that this treatment generally results in major improvements in the symptoms of MGD and dry eyes from about two to four weeks after treatment.
TearCare is another treatment for MGD that is done in-office. This system works by using single use adhesive heating patches which are applied to the outside of the eyelids. These patches are in turn connected to a small and reusable heating unit. The heating is applied for 12 minutes, after which the doctor will squeeze the lids to open and drain the clogged glands.
A recent study on TearCare showed that it was an effective treatment for both MGD and dry eye, resulting in symptom reductions that lasted at least six months.
LipiFlow is another in-office medical device for treating MGD. It attaches to the eyelids for 12 minute treatment sessions, and applies heat and pulse pressure to simultaneously melt the waxy deposits in the meibomian glands, and to open and express the glands.
Research has found that a single LipiFlow treatment significantly improves meibomian gland secretions and dry eye symptoms for as long as three years.
This device, manufactured by Mibo Medical Group, uses a probe applied to the eyelids to apply heat. To soften and express meibomian material, the probe gently massages the lids with 108 degrees of heat.
The EyeXpress device from Holbar Medical Products is a heat mask with a soft gel insert attached to a heating element. Using a mask that is applied to the anterior surface of the patient's lids and heated to 110 degrees, the meibomian tissue is softened. Afterward, the clinician expresses material manually from the glands.
Although IPL has been used in dermatology for over a decade, it is a newer approach for eyecare. Dry eye is treated by addressing its multiple causes. The short flashes of light cause the blood vessels in the lids to dilate and the skin temperature to rise. As a result, the meibum will become softer and can be expressed manually by clinicians or naturally by blinking. IPL therapies are usually performed in several sessions spaced over weeks or months. For continued results, patients may require maintenance appointments every six months or annually.
Today, there are several effective treatment methods for meibomian gland dysfunction. If you are suffering from dry eye caused by meibomian gland dysfunction, contact us at (212) 752-6930 to schedule a dry eye exam. Patients with dry eyes visit our clinic from all over New York, and we are proud to be a leading provider of dry eye care for patients from New York, Queens, Brooklyn, and Long Island.
At Amplify with Dr Wernick I was seeking help for seemingly intractable, probably age-related dryness. I've seen other doctors about it, and that has been helpful, but what he explained to me about it and the careful way he answered all my questions gave me so much more of a clear understanding of what is going on (and is not) that I am more able to implement all his and others' recommendations than I was before. And he gave me additional resources for further follow-up. I am most grateful.
Wow! This is a great Eye Care medical facility. I was thoroughly examined by Dr. Pinkhasov for over 2 hours. She made sure to check my eyes for pretty much everything and patiently explained proper care for my eyes. They definitely know how to provide great care and treat their patients right. Now I know why they have such a great reputation and been around for so long.
Dr. Kavner is a gifted diagnostician and orthoptic therapist. He treated me several decades ago for a condition similar to dyslexia. I was having migraines five times per week. I worked with him for about a year and I experienced tremendous improvement (down to 3-4 per year) that has lasted.
Dr. Kavner recommended two types of eye therapy for my daughter. One of them using bio-feedback. In just three sessions she is seeing considerably better. She shouted this morning: Ooh my God! I could not see these letters with my glasses on, and now I can see them without my glasses. If you are willing and able to invest in improving your vision, this is a good place to go to!
Dr. Kavner recommended two types of eye therapy for my daughter. One of them using bio-feedback. In just three sessions she is seeing considerably better. She shouted this morning: Ooh my God! I could not see these letters with my glasses on, and now I can see them without my glasses. If you are willing and able to invest in improving your vision, this is a good place to go to!
I have always found Dr Kavner's work, expertise and wisdom of the highest caliber. As one of the fathers of OT, occupational othomology, his depth and breadth of knowledge about the eyes' health and wellbeing of the patient is exemplary. Cannot say enough good things about him.
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