We get it.
Dry eye is an extremely frustrating disease commonly referred to as DED (dry eye disease). But the good news is you came to the right place.
DED affects hundreds of millions of people, producing irritating symptoms that negatively impact quality of life every day. In fact, it is one of the most frequently cited patient issues and a top cause of patient visits in general.
Common Symptoms
Redness
Stinging or Burning
Blurred Vision
Sensitivity to Light
Excessive Tearing
Foreign Body Sensation
Itchiness
Eyelid Symmetry
Our Treatment Approach
We offer the most advanced and effective form of dry eye treatments that include traditional and the most technologically advanced treatments. The treatments include Intense Pulse Light (IPL) and Radiofrequency (RF).
Dry Eye Treatment Options:
- Intense Pulse Light (IPL)
- Radiofrequency (RF)
- Punctal Plugs
- Anti-inflammatory medications: Restasis or Xiidra
- iLux treatments: Therapeutic heating of eyelids to unblock oil glands
- Prokera Amniotic Tissue treatment
- Autologous Serum eye drops
- Scleral Contact Lenses
- Artificial Tears
- Warm Compress at home therapy
IPL for Dry Eye Syndrome
IPL uses gentle pulses of light targeting skin and eyelid meibomian glands. These glands are essential in producing the oil component of the tear film, which prevents tears from evaporating from the eye. IPL treats eyelid inflammation, reduces bacterial overgrowth, and prevents buildup of debris blocking meibomian glands.
HOW DOES IPL WORK?
Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy is an innovative non-invasive treatment for dry eyes that patients describe as “life changing.” Traditionally, dry eyes is treated with warm compresses, over the counter artificial tears, or prescription medications. Many patients struggle to take so many drops every day and try to avoid medication. For other patients, insurance does not cover medication and can lead to large out of pocket expenses. IPL offers a “root-cause” treatment that can be done in the office at scheduled intervals instead of daily management. Most patients see and feel results after a few sessions, and don’t have to rely on drops and medications. IPL can also provide aesthetic benefits including reversing sun damage or age spots on the skin. IPL significantly improves redness, burning, irritation, and is a mainstay in the treatment of Rosacea. We use the Optilight IPL system by Lumenis. It is the most advanced technology available and is FDA approved for dry eye management.
IPL FOR OTHER CONDITIONS
In addition to treating dry eyes and blepharitis, talk to your ophthalmologist or optometrist if you have any of the following conditions:
- Bags under eyelids
- Redness from rosacea
- Brown spots (liver or age spots)
- Freckles
- Spider veins
WHAT TO EXPECT
The treatment plan typically consists of 4 sessions, spaced 2-4 weeks apart. Each session usually takes 30 minutes. Patients often feel it is a “spa-like” experience and report improvement by the 2nd or 3rd session.
During the Optilight treatment session, a clear gel will be applied on your eyelids and face, and your eyes will be covered with a special eye shield.
You may experience a warm, therapeutic sensation as treatment is applied to the skin. The treatment is gentle, without any pain or discomfort.
After the treatment session, gentle Meibomian gland expression is performed.
You can quickly return to daily activities post treatment, but will be advised to stay out of direct sunlight for a few days and apply sunscreen.
Once you complete your treatment plan, maintenance treatment may be recommended every 6-12 months to ensure the best long-term results.
Locations
Lake Forest Eye Care - Lake Forest
825 S Waukegan Rd C1
Lake Forest, IL, US
Lake Forest
Franklin