Dry Eye Spa

We use the term dry eyes to describe a state where the person has chronic symptoms related to a deficiency in the volume or quality of tears. Dry eye affects 5-15 percent of the US population which equates to 16-49 million people who suffer from some degree of chronic dry eye symptoms.

Common Symptoms Of Dry Eyes Are:

• Stinging
• Burning
• Redness
• Foreign body sensation
• Tired eyes
• Sore Eyes
• Excess Tearing
• Sticky eyes
• Sharp intermittent pain
• Light sensitivity
• Fluctuating or hazy vision
• Unable to wear contact lenses comfortably

Non-modifiable Risk Factors

• Age
• Gender(female)
• Sjogren's Disease
• Race(Asian)
• Autoimmune Disorders

Modifiable Risk Factors

• Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
• Electronic Device Usage
• Environment
• Hormone Imbalance
• Medications
• Smoking

One of our expert technicians will gently fit a disposable mask over your eyes then place the heat and massage mask over top. Please make sure that you are completely comfortable. You are able to recline the seat and put your feet up if desired. The mask may be adjusted for comfort. Let the technician know if there are any comfort issues. The mask will heat and gently massage your eyelids for 15 wonderful, relaxing minutes.

Following this, Dr. Peltzer will prep your lids for clearing which may include an antibacterial spray, anesthetic drops, or anesthetic gel. Then, using one of several sterile, smooth tools, Dr. Peltzer will check and express each of the 25 glands on the lower lids and the 30 glands on the upper lid. The heat and massage soften the trapped and unhealthy material in the meibomian glands within the lids. Gentle pressure applied to each gland will eliminate this unhealthy material in glands that do not have scar tissue blocking the gland. Finally, a soothing and clarifying set of drops is instilled before you leave.

Aftercare

There are a range of initial normal responses to the treatment. The eyes may feel somewhat irritated for a few hours or days following the first appointment but then you should feel a degree of relief. The amount of relief depends on how severe the condition is to begin so severe cases may only get a few days of relief before symptoms return. This is why severe cases the doctor may recommend retreatment in 1-2 weeks instead of the more standard 4-6 weeks. Each treatment lengthens the time before discomfort returns and reduces its severity.

Spa treatments work best if augmented by a simple daily lid care regimen. Patients are given a starter kit at visit number one which contains three products.

1. HCA Spray: This product is an antibacterial that is sprayed on closed lids twice daily.
2. Heat Mask: Mask is best used once daily in moderate and severe cases, less
frequently in mild cases.
3. Ocusoft Lid Scrubs: These medical grade scrubs used daily will help to clean lid,
lash, and gland surfaces and help normalize the oil flow from meibomian glands.
4. Your doctor may recommend prescription or over-the-counter drops, and/or oral
antibiotics as well.

Spa Visit 2

Visit two may be similar to visit one, or if Dr. Peltzer has determined that your meibomian gland dysfunction is severe and needs a more intense heat treatment, he will recommend setting you up for a TearCare session which will be detailed later.

Healing the Hurt

By starting these Spa treatments you are slowing, then halting, then reversing years of damage to the ocular and lid tissue. This process takes time. While most patients find significant improvement after the first visit, do not be discouraged if your recovery takes longer. As the lids are treated and healed, the ocular surface damage and inflammation also begin to heal and the eyes will begin to feel better. Envision a day when you are not conscious of every blink you make and your eyes feel good or feel nothing at all. This is achievable for most people. Patients who have suffered from chronic dry eye for years begin to lose hope because doctor after doctor have made recommendations that offered little or no relief.