Dry Eye and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

Dry Eye is one of the most common ophthalmic conditions affecting people of all ages and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction is usually the underlying problem. For moderate and severe dry eye,  Dr. Banik uses advanced technology to help make the correct diagnosis. 

There are two forms of Dry Eye disease. Dr Banik first determines what is the true underlying cause and then she tailors appropriate treatment strategies. 

Dry Eye occurs when the eyes do not produce sufficient tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. Without proper treatment, inadequate tears can make daily activities frustrating, affecting your personal and professional life, from reading to watching TV, to driving or working on the computer. 

The most common form of Dry Eye is Evaporative Dry Eye, which affects 9 out of 10 Dry Eye cases. This form results from a shortage of oil in your tears, leading to your tears evaporating faster than normal.

Tears are made up of three layers: the surface outer layer is the oily, or lipid layer, which lubricates and prevents tear evaporation.  The middle layer, called the aqueous, is made of water and nourishes and protects the surface of the eye, the cornea. The inner layer is called the mucin layer, and this helps the tear film adhere to the eye.

This lack of tear oil is often referred to as Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). Meibomian glands are tiny oil-secreting glands in your upper and lower eyelids, right next to your eyelashes. These glands can become blocked and not release the oils necessary to produce a healthy tear film. To watch a video on the cause of Dry Eye, click HERE.

Common symptoms of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) include:

  • Burning
  • Dryness
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Blurred vision
  • Discomfort in windy or dry conditions

Using breakthrough advanced technology, Dr Banik is able to first image your Meibomian Glands to see if they are healthy or damaged.  She uses a non-invasive device called Lipiscan® which helps her analyze the tiny oil glands within your eyelids. 

Dr Banik uses this diagnostic imaging routinely in the care of her Dry Eye patients to see if MGD is really the issue. Knowing what is causing your Dry Eye will help her determine the best treatment option.

Treatments for Dry Eye

In cases of mild Dry Eye, treatment options include lubrication with artificial tear drops, humidification, sunglasses, warm compresses, and omega-3 fatty acids.  

For moderate or severe evaporative Dry Eye, more aggressive therapies are required to treat meibomian gland dysfunction.

 

LipiFlow® is a procedure designed to treat the root cause of Evaporative Dry Eye, blocked Meibomian glands.

LipiFlow® works by applying directed thermal pulsation energy to the eyelid near the affected glands — precisely targeted warmth from the back of the eyelid, and slight pressure from the front. This treatment is performed right in our office. Watch the video below on Lipiflow® treatment.

The LipiFlow® treatment can unblock glands, interrupt physical deterioration and, in most cases, provide symptom relief for long-term benefits.

Whether Rudrani Banik, MD is the first doctor you are visiting for dry eye treatment, or simply the last one, Dr Banik will make sure she does everything in her power to find an effective treatment to help you see and feel better.

Take The First Step Towards Better Eye and Brain Health

Maybe you have some questions you’d like to ask before you make a decision on becoming a patient.

Dr. Banik is happy to answer any questions you have to see whether or not her practice is right for you.