Treatment for Dry Eyes
Dry eyes result from the chronic lack of lubrication and moisture on the surface of the eye, which can cause minor irritations, an inability to wear contact lenses, and an increased risk of corneal inflammation and eye infections.
Dry eye syndrome is a common condition, especially in women over age 40 and people who use computers for prolonged amounts of time. Carytown Optometry specializes in the care of Dry Eyes and Dr. Benjamin Gates, OD has many treatment options are available, such as Intense Pulsating Light (IPL) Treatment.
Signs and Symptoms of Dry Eyes
One of the most common symptoms of dry eyes is excessive tearing. While tearing may seem to be the opposite of dryness, excessive dryness works to over stimulate production of the watery component of your eyes’ tears. If your eyes are tearing, there are fewer tears in the eyes and the lack of lubrication causes irritation.
Persistent dryness, scratchiness, redness and a burning sensation on your eyes are other common symptoms of dry eye syndrome. Some people with dry eyes also experience a "foreign body sensation" - the feeling that something is in the eye. Others may experience episodes of transient blurriness.
OptiLight IPL Treatment for Dry Eye
At Carytown Optometry, we are one of the few providers in Central Virginia equipped to perform OptiLight Intense Pulsating Light Therapy (PIL), the first and only light therapy that is FDA-approved for dry eye management. OptiLight use precise, intense broad-spectrum light to address inflammation, one of the key underlying factors in dry eye disease. OptiLight is specifically developed to reach the delicate contours of the treated area safely, effectively, and gently. OptiLight sets new treatment standards and helps patients find a real solution for their dry eyes.
OptiLight treatment is safe and precise, and able to achieve optimal results in just a few short sessions.
- A course of treatment typically includes 4 sessions spaced 2-4 weeks apart
- Each session only takes 10-20 minutes
- During the treatment, Dr. Gates will apply a coupling gel on the treatment area and cover your eyes with shields
- You may experience a warm sensation as light is applied to the skin, but the treatment is gentle with minimum discomfort
- After IPL treatments, in addition to reduction of dry eye symptoms, patients often notice cosmetic enhancements such as smoother skin and reduction of redness and skin blemishes
OptiLight, along with other dry eye therapies, allows Dr. Gates to provide his patients with improved comfort, vision, and quality of life.
