Introduction: Relief for Chronic Dry, Irritated Eyes
Dry eye is one of the most common reasons patients seek eye care, and for many people, over-the- counter drops are not enough to control the burning, grittiness, or fluctuating vision that comes with it. Ace Medical Care offers a range of in-office dry eye procedures designed to address the underlying causes of dry eye rather than just masking the symptoms.
What Causes Chronic Dry Eye?
Dry eye can result from not producing enough tears, tears that evaporate too quickly, or a combination of both. A common underlying cause is meibomian gland dysfunction, where the small glands along the eyelid margin that produce the oily layer of the tear film become blocked or function poorly, allowing tears to evaporate faster than they should.
Procedures We Offer
Punctal Plugs
Small, biocompatible plugs are placed in the tear drainage ducts (puncta) to slow how quickly tears drain away from the eye, keeping the eye's surface moist for longer. The procedure is quick, performed in the office, and can often be tried on a temporary basis before a longer-lasting option is used.
Meibomian Gland Expression
When the oil-producing glands along the eyelids are blocked, gentle, controlled pressure is used to clear the blockage and help the glands function normally again, improving the quality of the tear film.
LipiFlow
LipiFlow is an in-office treatment that applies gentle heat and pressure to the eyelids to clear blocked meibomian glands, helping restore the natural flow of the oils that keep tears from evaporating too quickly.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy
IPL uses targeted light pulses applied near the eyelids to reduce inflammation and improve meibomian gland function. It is typically done as a short series of in-office sessions.
Signs You May Benefit from a Dry Eye Procedure
- Persistent burning, stinging, or gritty sensation in the eyes
- Eyes that water excessively, which can be a response to underlying dryness
- Fluctuating or blurry vision that improves with blinking
- Redness or irritation that worsens by the end of the day
- Limited or no relief from artificial tears and over-the-counter drops
What to Expect at Your Visit
Evaluation
Your provider will examine your tear film, eyelids, and meibomian glands to determine what is driving your symptoms and which procedure, or combination of procedures, is most appropriate for you.
Treatment and Follow-Up
Most dry eye procedures are performed in the office in a single visit, with some, like IPL, done as a short series over several weeks. Many patients notice improvement in comfort and vision stability as treatment progresses, and follow-up visits help confirm the plan is working.
Our Team
Dry eye evaluations and procedures at Ace Medical Care are provided by our ophthalmology team, including Dr. Edward Braunstein, MD, and physician assistant Lilit Vardina, PA-C, who work together to build a treatment plan suited to your symptoms.
Ready to Schedule a Consultation?
If dry eye symptoms are affecting your daily comfort or vision, contact Ace Medical Care to schedule an evaluation.