Dry Eye Testing & Treatment

The Oculus 5 is a diagnostic tool that helps our team assess the tear film’s quality, stability, and thickness. By analyzing the tear film, we can determine if there are any underlying issues causing dry eye symptoms, such as a lack of tears or poor tear film quality.

The Oculus 5 works by using a noninvasive technique called interferometry to create a three-dimensional image of the tear film. This image allows us to measure the thickness of the tear film, which is important in diagnosing and managing dry eye.

InflammaDry is an in-office test that helps us determine if inflammation is contributing to your dry eye symptoms. Inflammation is a common cause of dry eye and can be caused by a variety of factors, including environmental irritants, autoimmune disorders, and chronic infections.  

The InflammaDry test is a quick and painless procedure that involves taking a small sample of tears from the lower eyelid. The sample is then analyzed to measure the presence of a protein called MMP-9, which is an indicator of inflammation in the eye.

Tear osmolarity is a measurement of the concentration of salts and other solutes in the tears. Tear osmolarity testing is a highly accurate diagnostic tool that helps us identify the severity of dry eye and develop a personalized treatment plan to address the underlying causes of symptoms. 

By analyzing the salt and solute concentration of tears, our team can determine if there are any imbalances that may be contributing to dry eye symptoms.

Dye staining involves using special dyes such as Lissamine, Fluorescein, and Rose Bengal to help our specialists observe the health of the eyes and to diagnose underlying conditions causing dry eye.

The dyes are applied to the surface of the eye, and the way they are absorbed can reveal information about the health of the cells in the ocular structures. 

For example, Lissamine green stains the areas of the eye where cells have died or been damaged, allowing our specialists to identify areas that require treatment. Fluorescein is used to identify abrasions or defects in the cornea, while Rose Bengal is used to evaluate the health of the conjunctiva.

OptiLight by Lumenis is a light-based, noninvasive treatment done in the area below the eyes to manage dry eye. The first and only IPL FDA-approved for dry eye management.

The treatment is safe, gentle, and is backed by more than 20 clinical studies.

OptiLight uses precise pulses of light to reduce the inflammation that is typically associated with dry eye disease, improve tear break-up time, and increase meibomian gland functionality. 

BlephEx is a procedure that uses a specialized instrument to clean and exfoliate the eyelids, which can reduce inflammation and improve gland function.

BlephEx removes bacteria, debris, and toxins from the eyelids, which are often the underlying causes of chronic dry eye symptoms. By removing these irritants, patients can experience improved tear production, and reduced inflammation, providing much-needed relief from dry eye syndrome.

LipiFlow is a treatment method that uses heat and pressure to unclog blocked glands in the eyelids, restoring proper oil flow and improving tear quality.

Blocked glands are one of the most common underlying causes of chronic dry eye symptoms. LipiFlow works by applying heat to the inner eyelid and gentle pressure on the outer eyelid, liquefying and removing blockages within the meibomian glands. 

LipiFlow can rejuvenate the glands, promoting healthy oil flow, and improving the quality and stability of tears.

Punctal plugs are small devices that are inserted into the tear ducts to conserve tears, keeping the eyes moist and reducing dry eye symptoms.

Tear ducts are responsible for draining tears from the eyes. Inserting punctal plugs can slow down this drainage process and allow tears to stay on the surface of the eye for longer periods of time. This process conserves tears, keeps the eyes moist, and reduces dry eye symptoms.

Selective Laser Therapy (SLT) is a treatment method that can help alleviate dry eye symptoms. The SLT procedure involves using a specialized laser to stimulate the production of new cells in the meibomian glands, which are responsible for producing the oil layer of tears. 

This treatment can also improve the overall health of the eyes by reducing inflammation and promoting healing. It is important to note that the SLT laser is only for current patients.

ResurFX is a laser treatment that can help in the treatment of dry eye syndrome. The ResurFX procedure involves using a specialized laser to stimulate collagen production in the skin around the eyes, improving elasticity and texture.

In addition to its cosmetic benefits, ResurFX can also have a positive impact on ocular health by reducing inflammation and promoting healing. This can help alleviate dry eye symptoms, especially those related to eyelid inflammation and meibomian gland dysfunction.

CryoDerm is an innovative cryotherapy treatment that can be used to help alleviate dry eye symptoms. The CryoDerm procedure involves using extreme cold to remove abnormal cells around the eyes, which can contribute to inflammation and dryness.

CryoDerm is a safe and effective treatment that has been used successfully in the treatment of a variety of ocular conditions, including dry eye syndrome. At Global Retina Institute, our board-certified specialists use CryoDerm as part of a comprehensive approach to treating dry eye symptoms.