Open Your Eyes to Dry Eye Relief
The TearCare system by Sight Sciences is a blink-assisted device used to treat dry eye. Unlike similar treatment devices, you can keep your eyes open during treatment and numbing eye drops are not required.
TearCare is often recommended for patients who can’t find lasting relief from at-home treatments like warm compresses and over-the-counter eye drops. TearCare can reduce dry eye symptoms caused by conditions affecting the eyelids, including blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
See if you’re a good candidate for TearCare. Contact us at one of our Golden Vision Optometry locations in Arcadia, Cupertino, Dublin, Irvine, Milpitas, Rowland Heights, San Francisco, San Gabriel, and San Diego Plaza today!
We offer free dry eye consultations. Text us for an appointment.
How Does TearCare Work?
The TearCare System delivers targeted thermal energy to the eyelids while allowing patients to blink naturally. The applicators placed over each eyelid are made from a thin, flexible material. The heat melts and releases oil clogged in the meibomian glands to improve tear composition.
TearCare treatment is often used in conjunction with manual meibomian gland expression. Massaging the eyelids can further stimulate the meibomian glands to help increase oil flow. TearCare works to treat evaporative dry eye typically caused by eyelid conditions, including meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and blepharitis.
What Is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?
Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is when oil glands in the eyelids, called the meibomian glands, cannot function effectively.
Meibomian glands line the edge of the eyelids near the eyelashes. There are approximately 25–40 meibomian glands in the upper eyelid, with 20–30 lining the lower lid. When the meibomian glands are blocked it changes tear composition and causes tears to evaporate too quickly.
Typically, meibomian gland dysfunction symptoms include:
- Burning or itchy eyes
- Fluctuating blurry vision
- Light sensitivity
- Feeling a foreign body stuck in the eye
- Redness
- Watery eyes
Meibomian gland dysfunction can also lead to additional eye problems, including a hordeolum (stye) or chalazion. MGD can also cause meibomian blepharitis when meibomian gland blockage leads to eyelid inflammation.
What Is Blepharitis?
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids in which they become red, irritated, and itchy with dandruff-like scales that form on the eyelashes. There are 2 classifications of blepharitis: anterior blepharitis ad posterior blepharitis.
- Anterior blepharitis occurs at the outer front edge of the eyelid. The condition is commonly caused by bacteria (staphylococcal blepharitis) or dandruff (seborrheic blepharitis).
- Posterior blepharitis occurs at the inner eyelid edge, touching the eyeball. The condition can occur because of irregular meibomian gland production leading to increased bacterial growth. Additionally, skin conditions such as rosacea and scalp dandruff can cause inflammation.
The severity of symptoms for blepharitis can vary. While some people only experience mild symptoms, if left untreated, more severe symptoms can develop. People with the condition are also more tempted to touch or rub the irritated area, which can increase the risk of infection and lead to additional symptoms.
Common blepharitis symptoms include:
- Blurry vision
- Dry eye or excessive tearing
- Crusty eyelids
- Eyelid redness & swelling
- Eye tissue inflammation
- Gritty or itchy eyes
- Missing or misdirected eyelashes
Dry eye treatments such as TearCare can help control dry eye symptoms. However, eye hygiene is also crucial in reducing blepharitis symptoms and protecting eye health. Your eye doctor at Golden Vision Optometry can help you develop an individualized plan to improve comfort.
Book a TearCare Consultation
Is TearCare the best solution for you?
TearCare can be a more comfortable in-clinic treatment to relieve dry eye. Find out if TearCare is a dry eye solution appropriate for your unique eye care needs. Text us at Golden Vision Optometry to book a virtual consultation today.
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