“There are over 340 million people who suffer from Dry Eye.”

Do you suffer from Dry Eye Syndrome in the Pensacola, Navarre, Gulf Breeze or Perdido Key area?

Dry Eye Syndrome, refers to clinical signs and symptoms that occur when the surface of the eye is not producing a healthy tear film. More than 20% of the U.S. population, including 3.2 million women of all ages, suffers from chronic Dry Eye Syndrome. It is estimated that less than half of those suffering from dry eye have been properly diagnosed by an eye doctor.

Normal tears are composed of water and naturally produced oil and mucous secretions, as well as, over 120 complex proteins and enzymes that are produced by glands around the eye. There are many components responsible for maintaining the health of our ocular surface, our eyes’ comfort, and clear vision. When a balance of these components is abnormal, Dry Eye Syndrome can result. If left untreated, Dry Eye Syndrome can result in chronically irritating symptoms, increased risk for infection, and decreased quality of vision.

Symptoms may vary for each person depending on the cause, severity, and stage of the disease. Early Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome can include:

  • An irritating stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation
  • Gritty or sandy sensation in your eyes
  • Decrease in your quality of vision
  • Eye “fatigue” with prolonged reading, computer or television use
  • Excessive watering of the eyes
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Discomfort in contact lenses

Click here to schedule an appointment with Dr. Concool to discuss how we can provide LONG-TERM relief for Dry Eye and MGD, or read more below about some of our Dry Eye treatments.

LipiFlow for Dry Eye in Pensacola

Panhandle Laser Vision Institute offers one of the most revolutionary treatments for the leading cause of dry eye disease. LipiFlow® is a fast, in-office treatment designed to remove blockages from the Meibomian glands, allowing the glands to resume production them of the oils that makeup the protective layer of tear film on your eyes. Once the glands begin to reproduce, you will form a healthy tear film, stable vision and ocular comfort. Maximum results are usually experienced 6-8 weeks after your treatment.

Schedule an consultation with us today to see if LipiFlow® is right for you.

 

How Does LipiFlow Work?

The LipiFlow® system has helped to change the way MGD is treated. The procedure is virtually painless and can be done in our office within your lunch break.

At your appointment, we will scan your eyes to examine your Meibomian glands. Occasionally, additional testing may be involved. If you have MGD, we can then proceed with the LipiFlow treatment, which approximately lasts 12-15 minutes. The LipiFlow’s activators will be placed on your eyes, and using Vector Thermal Pulsation technology, the activators will warm the meibomian glands inside your eyelids. When the heat and pressure are combined, it will massage blockages, liquify and clear any obstructions that are causing dryness and discomfort in your eyes.

What To Expect?

We will use numbing eye drops to help ease any potential discomfort. Studies have shown that  some patients have experienced some discomfort, most find the procedure very tolerable and have minimum discomfort.

Maximum results from the treatment are usually experience six to eight weeks following your initial treatment.

IPL for Dry Eye in Pensacola

Panhandle Vision Institute M22 IPL2IPL is Intense Pulsed Light, a technology used for various skin treatments. Lumenis Optima IPL revolutionary  treatment gently and effectively treats your skin and eyelid inflammation with maximal safety, comfort and fully customization to your skin type and condition.

If you’re wondering if it’s safe, Lumenis IPL is trusted by leading leading professionals around the world and is FDA cleared for over 20 different skin indicators. Lumenis energy-based treatments must be performed by a authorized treatment provider – Panhandle Vision Institute.

“Over 85% of skin and eyelid inflammation patients also suffer from inflammatory ocular conditions, such as dry eyes.”

How Does Lumenis IPL Work?

The Lumenis Optima™ IPL laser creates light pulses that penetrate the tissue and create heat, targeting the abnormal vessels that are the root cause of the inflammation. The body’s natural reaction to the treatment removes the abnormal vessels and heals the inflammation threatening the skin  and eyelid. IPL technology treats your skin and eyelid inflammation while improving overall skin appearance.

To ensure utmost comfort, Dr. Concool will apply coupling gel on the treatment area. For the safety of your eyes, you will be wearing IPL protective goggles/pads during the whole treatment session. Each session lasts approximately 15 minutes. During the treatment, you might experience a warming sensation as light is applied to the skin, but the treatment is gentle and should not feel uncomfortable. Following the IPL treatment, Dr. Concool may perform meibomain gland expression, which is an optional procedure to accelerate your skin and eyelid healing process.

What Should I Expect?

Immediately following treatment, you may experience some redness around the treated areas that will usually disappear within a few hours. In most cases, makeup may be applied immediately, and daily activities can be resumed the same day. Dr. Concool will advise you to stay out of direct sunlight for a few days following the treatment and apply sunscreen.

Skin and eyelid inflammation can be relieved with as few as 1-2 treatments. Typically 4 sessions with 3-4 weeks in between are needed to achieve optimal results. Following the full treatment session, it is recommended to consult Dr. Concool on maintenance treatments for optimal long term results (usually once every 6-12 months).