Frustrated With Dry Eye Symptoms? New Technology Cracks The Code For A Cure

Are you constantly battling dry, scratchy eyes or struggling to wear contact lenses comfortably? Have you also found over-the-counter eye drops don’t bring relief? Then a different approach to dry eye treatment and new technology could change your life.

According to Key-Whitman Eye Center’s President and Chief Surgeon Jeffrey Whitman, “In order to treat dry eyes, an eye doctor needs to uncover the root cause of your symptoms first. Fortunately, we now have a game-changing tool – the new LipiScan^TM device with Dynamic Meibomian Imaging^TM – that makes diagnosing that root cause so much easier.”

Dr. Whitman explains how LipiScan HD imaging works and helps improve treatment of dry eye.

Different Causes Of Dry Eye Symptoms Require Different Types Of Treatment

To understand why so many people struggle to overcome dry eye symptoms, it’s important to know that there are three different layers of tears in the eyes. Further, if you treat the wrong layer, your eyes will continue to feel dry and uncomfortable.

“We have three layers of tear film – a mucin or mucous layer up against the eye, a lipid or oil layer on the outside, and an aqueous or water layer sandwiched in between. All three layers need to work in harmony to prevent the eyes from drying out. It’s ingenious, really, because the oil layer prevents evaporation of the water layer,” explains Dr. Whitman.

The LipiScan device reveals whether the oil-producing meibomian glands are functioning properly. As Dr. Whitman explains, “Before we had LipiScan at our
Dry Eye Center in Dallas, our equipment showed the level of oil in the tear film, but didn’t provide an up close view of the meibomian glands. Now, with LipiScan, we can clearly see the glands and what condition they are in.”

For Most Patients, Dry Eye Is Caused By An Oil Gland Problem

Most people assume that the water layer of the eye is to blame for dry eye symptoms, so they head to the drug store and stock up on over-the-counter (OTC) artificial tears. “Unfortunately, this results in frustration for many people, because OTC artificial tears won’t alleviate symptoms in the 89 percent of dry eye patients who have a meibomian gland problem.

“At Key-Whitman, we prescribe targeted tear therapy, so the therapy will specifically address aqueous, mucin or oil deficiencies – or a combination of those deficiencies. Some patients also benefit from professional-grade nutraceuticals or eye vitamins. For example, nutraceuticals with omega 3s and flax oil can be really helpful for patients who have issues with the oil layer of their tears,” Dr. Whitman says.

The LipiFlow^® Treatment For Dry Eye Can Provide Months Of Relief

Since 2013, Key-Whitman has offered LipiFlow, a breakthrough treatment for patients with problematic meibomian glands. The LipiFlow device warms up and massages the eyelids to unclog the oil glands in the eyelids and get the oil flowing freely again.

Treating Meibomian Gland Issues Early Is Critical,

because if left untreated, those glands will eventually cease to function altogether. Fortunately, LipiFlow specifically addresses problems with the oil-producing glands and provides long-term relief.

According to Dr. Whitman, “When diagnosed with dry eye disease due to meimbomian gland issues, most patients who undergo the LipiFlow treatment can expect relief from itchy, achy, burning eyes for an average of 12 months. I can attest to this myself. I’ve had LipiFlow, and relief from those symptoms has been life-changing. Athletes we’ve treated also love LipiFlow, because they don’t have to worry that dry eyes will be a distraction on the playing field, tennis court or golf course.”

Dr. Whitman shares feedback he’s received from semi-pro and professional athletes about LipiScan and LipiFlow technology.

Ready To Banish Dry Eye Symptoms For Good?

We can help! If you live in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolex, contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our dry eye specialists at Key-Whitman’s Dry Eye and Allergy Center in Dallas. Our patient support representatives can answer questions about the procedure, costs and financing options.

To learn more about LipiScan and LipiFlow, give us a call (214) 220-3937. If you prefer to connect with us online, please feel free to set up an appointment here.

ABOUT DR. WHITMAN

Jeffrey Whitman, M.D., is a nationally renowned eye surgeon, board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. He has been the President and Chief Surgeon of Key-Whitman Eye Center in Dallas since 1996 and is currently President of the Outpatient Ophthalmic Surgery Society. Dr. Whitman is a frequent participant in clinical trials and is known as a respected researcher, innovator and leader in refractive cataract surgery, LASIK eye surgery and for his extensive experience implanting high-technology lenses. He is frequently called upon to serve on the boards of local and national medical associations and organizations. Dr. Whitman and his wife reside in Dallas and enjoy fitness, playing tennis, snow skiing and traveling.

Photo Source: Adobe Stock