Say Goodbye To Dry Eye And Hello To Relief With Forma-I And Lumecca

Dry eye disease, also known as dry eyes, is becoming increasingly common, affecting millions of people worldwide. This chronic condition can significantly impact your quality of life, making everyday activities such as reading, driving, working on a computer, or wearing contact lenses uncomfortable. If you experience eye discomfort, blurry vision, or eyes that feel unusually dry or watery, you may have dry eyes.

A comprehensive eye exam can identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and help your eye doctor develop a personalized treatment plan to provide lasting relief.

If you’re preparing for cataract surgery, treating dry eyes beforehand is especially important. A healthy ocular surface allows for more accurate preoperative measurements, improving lens selection and helping achieve the best possible visual outcome.

10 Common Symptoms Of Dry Eyes:

• A burning or scratchy sensation
• Stringy mucus in or around the eyes
• Irritated eyes
• Excessively watery eyes/tearing
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Red eyes
• Blurry fluctuating vision
• Eye fatigue (tired eyes)
• The sensation of having something in the eye
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses

What Is Evaporative Dry Eye (EDE)?

One of the leading causes of dry eyes is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), leading to evaporative dry eye (EDE). This is a condition in which the oil-producing glands along the eyelids become blocked or do not function properly. It occurs when your tears lack enough of the protective oil layer that slows evaporation, causing the surface of the eye to become dry and irritated. Without enough oil, tears evaporate more quickly, leading to dry eye symptoms.

Treatment Options for Dry Eyes

Treatment depends on the severity and underlying cause of your condition. Initial treatment may include artificial tears, warm compresses, eyelid hygiene, or nutritional supplements. There are also a number of prescription medications that can be effective.

For patients with MGD, advanced in-office treatments such as Forma-I and Lumecca-I (IPL) can provide long-lasting relief. These non-invasive procedures use handheld technology to improve meibomian gland function, reducing tear evaporation and relieving symptoms. A series of four or more treatments is typically recommended for the best long-term results.

By combining these two U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved technologies, many patients experience significant improvement in their dry eye symptoms, often reducing their reliance on artificial tears and lubricating ointments. An added benefit is improved skin tone around the eyes, with many patients also noticing a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles.

If you think you may benefit from dry eye treatment, schedule a consultation with your eye doctor. While the consultation is typically covered by insurance, the procedures themselves are paid out of pocket. However, many patients can use flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) funds to help cover the cost.

Find Relief Today

You don’t have to live with the discomfort of dry eyes. To learn more about treatment options, call Anne Arundel Eye Center at 410-224-2010.