Dry Eye Disease is when the eyes fail to produce tears that contain enough Meibum to hydrate and moisturize themselves. Hence, the dryness
sensation of the eyes.
There are many ways in which dry eyes may develop. One cause is from Meibomian gland dysfunction. This abnormality occurs due to the blockage of the meibomian glands, which therefore secrete insufficient amounts of oil. A second common cause of dry eyes is Inflammation around the eyelids, which can also cause further blockage of the Meibomian glands.
Note: Meibomian glands secrete meibum which is a type of oil in your tears responsible for keeping your eyes lubricated and moist.
What is RF?:
RF therapy involves the use of high-frequency electrical current which produces heat when applied to the skin.
How it works?:
It is a 30-minute treatment that uses a radiofrequency (RF) device, “Forma I”, to massage the areas around the eyes with a soothing gel. The electrical current produced from the RF device creates warmth underneath the skin which helps to melt the meibum, allowing the doctor to clear the blockage of the oil glands (meibomian glands). These glands will now be able to carry out their function of secreting oil (meibum), thus alleviating your dry eye symptoms.
What to expect?:
After the treatment, certain patients may find that they feel immediate relief from their dry eye symptoms. However, to maximize the results and obtain optimal, long-lasting relief, several treatment sessions are strongly recommended. It varies across patients, based on the severity of the case.
Are there any side effects?:
Right after treatment, the skin may appear flushed or red but shortly subsides. An additional, pleasant side effect of the treatment is a decrease in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
What is IPL?
IPL therapy is a treatment that uses a specific wavelength of light to reduce inflammation and therefore, promotes the free flow of the necessary oils (meibum) to improve dry eye symptoms.
How it works?
An IPL device called “Lumecca”, emits pulses of light targeted at areas of inflammation, and redness (such as ocular rosacea or telangiectasia) around the eyes. This procedure decreases inflammation. The heat from the light rays warms and softens the oil in the glands making it less prone to blockage.
Skin Criteria?
Due to the device using light waves that are absorbed by melanin, it is not safe for darker or tanned skin as there can be adverse reactions.
Other uses?
IPL can also be used for cosmetics. It can enhance skin complexion by eliminating sun spots, age spots, as well as other forms of hyperpigmentation.
If you’d like to explore radiofrequency or IPL or get more information to see if you are a good candidate for these dry eye treatment options, call us to book a dry eye assessment!
