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Proper diagnosis is the first step toward
relief. |
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Dry eye is one of the most under-diagnosed ocular diseases, but it
is the most common reason why patients see an eye care professional. |
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Dry eye is a
multifactorial disease of the tears and ocular surface that results in
symptoms of discomfort, visual disturbance, and tear film instability
with potential damage to the ocular surface. It is accompanied by
changes in the normal tear film and inflammation of the ocular
surface.
In fact, dry eye disease
occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or produce poor
quality tears. That's why it's essential you get your tears analyzed by
your eye doctor. Only an eye doctor can properly diagnose your problem
and treat it appropriately.
With each blink, tears
spread across the cornea (front surface of the eye) providing lubrication, reduced
risk of eye infection and removing foreign material. Excess tears drain into small drainage ducts in the inner corners of the eyelids. Dry eyes can occur when
the tear production and drainage is not in balance.
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Untreated Dry Eye can lead to other complications including loss of sight, so
delaying treatment is not recommended. |
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An Answer for Millions with Dry Eye
There are over 340 million people worldwide who suffer from dry eye.1 Many have learned to live with eye discomfort and have become dependent on drops or other treatment methods that offer short- term relief. This has been due to a lack of understanding that a leading cause of dry eye is now understood to be Meibomian Gland Dysfunction or MGD.
MGD
(Meibomian Gland Dysfunction)
Understanding MGD
Many commonly attribute their eye discomfort to dry eye, when a leading cause of the burning, scratching and redness is MGD.
MGD occurs when there is compromise to the function and/or structure of the Meibomian glands. These glands, located in the eyelids produce the protective oily (lipid) layer of the tear film. This oil helps protect the surface of the eye from disease and prevents the watery part of the tears from evaporating when your eyes are open. Without these oils, the eyes become more susceptible to the negative effects that dry climates, air conditioning, computer use, reading and other daily activities can have on the long-term health of our eyes.
MGD is a prevalent, chronic and progressive disease. MGD can be asymptomatic, particularly in its early stages.6 Routine assessments of meibomian gland function and structure may facilitate early intervention and minimize the negative impact of MGD on patient quality of life.
86% of Dry Eye Patients
are affected by MGD
Treating MGD with LipiFlow®
LipiFlow® is a 12-minute treatment performed in your doctor’s office designed to remove blockages from the Meibomian glands, allowing them to properly function and produce the oils that make up the top protective lipid layer of the tear film.
LipiFlow® Activators are single-use sterile devices that safely and comfortably deliver a combination of heat to the inner lids and
simultaneous therapeutic motion to the outer lids, removing blockages from the Meibomian glands.7 The Activators are contoured to avoid contact with the cornea, protecting the delicate structures of the eye.
After initial numbing drops, the LipiFlow® procedure offers a drug-free mechanism of action. Removing blockages allows the glands to resume production of oil or lipids. This oil is essential for a healthy tear film and ocular comfort. Maximum results are usually experienced 6-8 weeks after treatment.
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Mccormack Optometric Centre's Eye Doctors and Staff Provide
Quality Eye Care and Personalized Service You Can Trust