If you suffer from moderate to severe dry eyes, you know by now that there is no magic bullet or miracle cure for this disease. But a combination of the latest professional treatments, the right therapeutic agents and at-home maintenance can bring a marked improvement in symptoms. This post looks at the latest innovative treatments in dry eye therapy and technology that The Eye Practice will be introducing in 2020.
Lumenis IPL for redness and dry eyes
Ocular rosacea is a common skin condition associated with facial rosacea where the eyelids become red and inflamed due to the development of tiny new blood vessels just under the skin. This inflammation can trigger dry eyes and Meibomian gland dysfunction.
Relief from ocular rosacea is available through IPL (intense pulsed light) treatment.
The Lumenis IPL is world-class when it comes to effective treatment of redness in the eyelids. It has been widely studied and approved in clinical trials. The Eye Practice continues to invest in premium technology by acquiring the Lumenis IPL and this treatment is available when appropriate for the removal of fine spider vessels and redness in the skin surround the eyes. This is a gentle in-house therapy usually consisting of 1 to 3 treatment sessions.
Regener-Eyes – Biological eye drops by prescription only
The latest eye drops for dry eyes are far from simply moisturising or lubricating.
Regener-Eyes is an innovative treatment that uses the biochemical pathways of the body’s own immune system to bring about healing and repair. These drops contain proteins that are also produced naturally in the body to deal with inflammation. They reduce redness, swelling and pain and assist your eyes in regenerating healthy surface cells.
These drops don’t simply rely on the biological ingredients in them to do this work; they also signal to your body to send in its natural anti-inflammatory and healing agents. All of these components are present in one hydrating, lubricating drop. The lubricating agent is hyaluronic acid, which occurs naturally in your joints to allow them to move smoothly.
This formula is currently available to order directly from the USA by prescription from our therapeutically-endorsed optometrists.
Rexon Eye and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
Rexon Eye is a painless and non-invasive treatment that stimulates the metabolism and natural regeneration of cells in the oil glands.
Does it work? The scientists seem to think so! Clinical trials show that this technology, which is called Quantum Molecular Resonance, may have a relvant role in dry eye treatment and, according the findings, ‘appears to be safe and significantly reduces symptoms and signs associated with (meibomian gland dysfunction) MGD.
Oral Azithromycin and dry eyes
Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is one of the biggest causes of dry eye disease. The oil produced in these glands plays a key role in preventing evaporation of the lacrimal (watery) tears on the surface of your eye.
Natural inflammatory products released into the tissues of the eyelids lead to thickening and hardening of the skin at the entrance to these glands, resulting in blockage. The oil cannot be released and builds up inside the glands.
Traditionally, the mainstay of treatment has been warm compresses and eyelid massage, performed either as an in-house treatment or regular home treatment. But some dry eye disease is so severe that we need to bring out the big guns. This is where oral antibiotics can be very effective at treating MGD.
Doxycycline as a treatment for dry eyes
Doxycycline (a tetracycline antibiotic) has been prescribed for decades in low doses for the treatment of this condition. Although it is effective in reducing production of the inflammatory agents that lead to MGD, it has to be taken for a long period (usually several months) and has a number of side effects include light sensitivity and dangers during pregnancy.
An alternative oral antibiotic called Azithromycin is gaining in popularity as it is used at very low doses and a much shorter period. Clinical studies are looking at the comparisons of these two therapeutic agents and The Eye Practice is closely following the results. Our therapeutically-endorsed optometrists prescribe both and have had success with both treatments. They can be used in conjunction with topical drops and other treatments for effective relief from dry eyes.
