Dry Eye Treatment

What is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Let’s talk about a common but often underestimated issue – dry eye syndrome. It’s more than just occasional discomfort; it’s a condition where your eyes might feel gritty, red, or even overly teary (yes, paradoxically!). When your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when those tears lack the right balance, it can impact your vision and overall eye health. 

Now, here’s the thing: it’s not just about the discomfort. Dry eyes can affect your daily life, making tasks like reading, working on a computer, or just enjoying a sunny day more challenging. The good news? There are plenty of options to treat this condition.


Meibomian Gland Dysfunction diagram

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

Picture this: your eyes have tiny Meibomian glands that release a special oil to keep your tears from evaporating too quickly. Now, with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), these glands get a bit finicky, and the oil they produce becomes thicker or even blocked. It’s like a tiny traffic jam on your eyelids! MGD is a leading cause of Dry Eye Disease and can be the source of symptoms such as burning, stinging, and itching. If left untreated Meibomian Gland Dysfunction can worsen over time.

Personalized Relief: Dry Eye Care Tailored to You

We’ve got an arsenal of treatments ready to help. From trusty artificial tears and warm compresses to more advanced options like OPE® IPL, LM® LLLT, LipiFlow®, and NuLIDS the goal is to keep your eyes hydrated and happy. Our eye doctors are here to create a personalized treatment plan that will help you see and feel your best.


Optimal Power Energy® IPL

OPE® IPL uses advanced Intense Pulsed Light technology to treat dry eye disease by targeting inflammation in the skin around the eyes. This treatment goes beyond the eyelids—delivering precise light energy that reduces abnormal blood vessels, clears inflammatory buildup, and helps restore healthy function to the Meibomian glands.

It’s a quick, in-office procedure that feels like a series of warm flashes beneath the eyes. IPL is especially effective for patients with signs of rosacea, ocular surface inflammation, Demodex mites, and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction—common causes of chronic dry eye and irritation.

If you’re ready for lasting relief, ask us if OPE® IPL is the right next step for your dry eye recovery.

Light Modulation® LLLT

Soothe dry, irritated eyes with LM® LLLT, a gentle, non-invasive Low-Level Light Therapy. This relaxing treatment uses a comfortable mask that delivers low-level red light to target inflammation and improve the function of your Meibomian glands—key for keeping your eyes naturally hydrated.

LLLT works beneath the surface to boost circulation, reduce inflammation, and stimulate oil flow, helping relieve symptoms of dry eye disease, Blepharitis, and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. There’s no pain, no downtime—just sit back and let the light do the work. LM® LLLT offers a simple, soothing way to get real relief.

LipiFlow® Thermal Pulsation System

LipiFlow® – the game-changer in the world of eye care. So, what’s the buzz all about? LipiFlow® uses innovative technology designed to address the root cause of dry eye syndrome.  This cutting-edge procedure applies gentle heat and pressure to the oil-producing Meibomian glands in your eyelids, jumpstarting the flow of natural oils crucial for tear stability. It’s the ultimate reset button for your eyes, providing long-lasting relief from the discomfort of dry eyes.  

 Many patients experience a significant reduction in the symptoms associated with dry eyes. The improved function of the oil-producing glands leads to enhanced tear quality, increased tear film stability, and reduced evaporation. This, in turn, translates to greater overall eye comfort. It even increases the length of time that you can comfortably wear soft contacts, by up to 4 hours, making it an excellent treatment option.

NuLIDS System

Healthy eyelids are the key to comfortable, hydrated eyes. Without proper eyelid hygiene, you may experience issues like dry eyes, Blepharitis, or Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. That’s where NuLIDS comes in—a safe, chemical-free treatment that gently exfoliates and stimulates the eyelids.

It removes biofilm, scurf, and debris while helping unclog Meibomian glands—the oil glands that keep your eyes moisturized. It even targets Demodex mites, a common cause of inflammation, irritation, and chronic dry eye.

Whether you’re already managing dry eyes or want to prevent future problems, regular eyelid hygiene with NuLIDS supports long-term eye comfort and health. Clean eyelids, clear vision—it all starts here.

Call Our Office to Learn Which Treatment is Right For You! (619) 222-2020

10 Dry Eye FAQ’s

Dry eyes can be caused by aging, screen time, contact lens wear, certain medications, environmental factors, hormone changes such as menopause, or underlying health conditions like autoimmune diseases.

Symptoms include eyestrain/fatigue, burning, stinging, redness, gritty sensation, watery eyes, blurry vision, and discomfort after screen use or reading. Since dry eye can have multiple causes, it’s important to be seen by an eye doctor for a proper assessment and personalized treatment plan.

Dry eye comes in two main types: evaporative, caused by oil gland dysfunction, and aqueous deficient, where the eyes don’t produce enough tears. To determine your specific type of dry eye, we ask that you schedule a dry eye evaluation with us. At this visit we will assess your tear quality, take scans of your eyelids, and use special dyes to make a determination and create the best treatment plan for you.

It depends. Some cases are temporary (e.g., caused by seasonal allergies or screen use), while others are chronic and require ongoing management.

It depends on severity. Some people need them only once per month, while others use preservative-free drops more frequently. It’s best to check with your eye doctor to determine the right type and frequency for your specific condition.

Staying hydrated can help, but it’s not a cure-all. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish and flaxseed) may also improve tear quality. We recommend EyePromise EZ Tears as an excellent source of these fatty acids. This product is so effective, that the brand even offers a 30-Day money-back guarantee!

Yes, for many people. However, some contact lenses (like silicone hydrogel or daily disposables) are better suited for dry eye sufferers.

Absolutely! Blinking less while using screens can dry out your eyes and lead to chronic dry eye disease. The 20-20-20 rule (taking a break every 20 minutes to look 20 feet away for 20 seconds) can help.

If over-the-counter drops aren’t helping, symptoms are persistent, or if you experience pain, extreme sensitivity to light, or vision changes you should be seen by your eye doctor. Call the office to schedule a dry eye evaluation. At this visit we will image your Meibomian (oil) glands and check your tear evaporation to determine the right treatment for you.

There are several treatments to choose from, such as artificial tears, warm compresses, blinking exercises, prescription eye drops (like Restasis, Meibo, or Xiidra), and omega 3 supplements.

At Invision Optometry, our Dry Eye Recovery Program offers advanced treatments like OPE® IPL (gentle pulses of light to treat inflammation and improve tear gland function), LM® LLLT (red light therapy that unclogs glands and boosts natural tear flow), LipiFlow® (thermal pulsation to clear blocked oil glands), as well as NuLIDS (in-office exfoliation to improve tear quality) and Punctal Plugs (collagen or silicone inserts that prevent tears from draining). Ask your eye doctor which treatment is right for you!

If dry eye is affecting your daily life, call us at 619-222-2020 to schedule an appointment and explore the best treatment options for you!

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