WHAT IS DRY EYE?

Dry Eye Treatment in St. Petersburg, FL

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What is Dry Eye?

Dry Eye Disease is a chronic condition that occurs when our tears are unable to provide our eyes adequate moisture. Millions of people worldwide suffer from Dry Eye, enduring symptoms of burning, irritation, a sandy gritty sensation, or fluctuating vision. These symptoms can be so bothersome that they can certainly affect our ability to perform the simplest of tasks.

There are various causes of Dry Eye Disease including:

●    not blinking enough with extended computer use

●    environmental factors

●    hormonal changes

●    side effects of medications

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 A major factor in Dry Eye is the structural health and function of our meibomian glands.Meibomian glands are oil glands that reside along the edges of our upper and lower eyelids. They are responsible for supplying oil - Meibum - to the outer layer of our eyes’ tear film, which is a layer in front of our cornea that prevents moisture from evaporating too quickly. When these glands are not working properly, either by not producing high-quality or not enough quantity of oil, it is known as a condition called Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). This inevitably sends us in a downward spiral of Dry Eye Disease, eyelid inflammation, styes and risk of infections. Literature suggests that up to 86% of Dry Eye patients present with some level of MGD that either causes or exacerbates their condition.

How Do We Treat MGD?

We have options!

When our meibomian glands are not working well, it requires continuous heat in order to unclog the glands and reset proper function. Your optometrist may recommend applying a heat mask several times a day at first, but the mask only acts as a temporary bandage.

Medical technology has advanced in creating treatment options that can effectively target MGD. The Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) device uses light to generate continuous heat, working to melt clogged oils and revive the deteriorating meibomian glands on a cellular level. The Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy uses light pulses on the skin to break down hardened oils obstructing the meibomian glands and inhibit the growth of inflammatory blood vessels. When used together, these state-of-the-art tools target the root cause of Dry Eye Disease by restoring proper function to our meibomian glands. This process re-enables their ability to lubricate our eyes with quality oil and retain moisture once again.



Finding the right solution for your Dry Eyes can make a tremendous impact on your quality of life. During your visit at Bay Vision, our team will assess your Dry Eye condition to better assist us in creating a customized treatment plan catered to your needs!

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