Dry Eye Management

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 a bit challenging. The good news? There are plenty of options to treat this condition.

Dry Eye Self-Test

Are you a good candidate for dry eye treatment? Take our self-test and find out!


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.

Effective Dry Eye Treatment

We’ve got an arsenal of treatments ready to help. From trusty artificial tears and warm compresses to more advanced options like LipiFlow®, TearCare®, and NuLids™ the goal is to keep your eyes hydrated and happy. We’re here to create a personalized treatment plan that will help get you smiling again.


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 uses a combination of 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.

TearCare® System

TearCare is a unique software-controlled, wearable technology that provides targeted and adjustable heat to the eyelids.  It helps to open and clear the oil-producing Meibomian glands, which promotes a healthier tear film.  This leads to improved tear stability and reduced evaporation, allowing patients to commonly experience a significant reduction in the discomfort associated with dry eyes.

NuLIDS PRO System

Healthy eyelids are the foundation of comfortable, hydrated eyes, and maintaining proper eyelid hygiene is crucial for preventing issues like dry eyes, Blepharitis, and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. NuLIDS PRO is designed to exfoliate and stimulate your eyelids, ensuring they stay clean and functional for your everyday activities. In just a few minutes, this innovative treatment removes biofilm and scurf while opening blocked Meibomian Glands, which are essential for producing the oils that keep your eyes moisturized and comfortable.

Neglecting eyelid hygiene can lead to a buildup of debris, bacteria, and even Demodex mites—microscopic parasites that live on the eyelids and can worsen conditions like Blepharitis and dry eye disease. The NuLIDS PRO system addresses these issues by gently cleansing and revitalizing the eyelids. It not only removes scurf and biofilm but also helps eliminate Demodex mites, reducing inflammation and irritation while promoting better oil flow and overall eyelid health. This safe, chemical-free treatment is an essential part of maintaining healthy eyes.

Regular eyelid hygiene isn’t just for those with existing eye issues—it’s essential for everyone. By prioritizing the health of your eyelids with treatments like NuLIDS PRO, you can reduce your risk of developing dry eyes and other uncomfortable conditions. Take the first step toward healthier, more comfortable eyes with NuLIDS PRO, the proven solution for regular eyelid care and optimal eye health.

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 (yes, paradoxically!), 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 LipiFlow (thermal pulsation to clear blocked oil glands), TearCare (targeted heat therapy for gland function), 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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