TrueTear for Dry Eye Treatment

TrueTear®, by Allergan, is a drug-free, drop-free solution that temporarily increases tear production in adult patients. This technological device emits tiny pulsations of energy that prompt your eyes to produce their own tears, offering significant relief to those with severe dry eyes.

TrueTear is made for home use and can be purchased by prescription only. Speak with Dr. Schlussel to learn how this device can help alleviate dry, itchy and irritable eyes, and vastly improve the quality of your life.

How Does TrueTear Work?

The tiny pulsations of energy emitted by TrueTear induce neurostimulation — a natural response that leads your eyes to produce their own tears. The device stimulates a nerve in the nasal cavity and sends out signals to the brain, which, in turn, send nerve signals to the tear glands to temporarily increase tear production.

For it to work, the TrueTear tip needs to contact the nerves located under the bridge of the nose. Just insert the tip all the way to the top part of the nose, or as far as is comfortable. You will know you’re stimulating the correct spot once you feel a tingling sensation in your nose and your eyes begin to emit tears. In certain people, tearing happens almost immediately, though it really depends on one’s individual anatomy and tear deficiency.

The TrueTear is user-friendly, as it is made up of just a few parts and only two buttons. Moreover, it offers a free app that can be seamlessly paired with your smartphone to better monitor the usage of the device.

How Does TrueTear Feel?

People typically report a tingling or tickling sensation, though it really depends on the level of strength of the energy pulsations. It is generally not uncomfortable or painful.

How Often and For How Long Do I Need to Use TrueTear?

The amount of time you use the device can vary. The TrueTear device has a built-in timer allowing for a maximum of a single 1-minute use for each cycle. To further prolong its use, simply start another cycle and use it until you feel tears coat the surface of your eye, though not beyond 3 consecutive minutes. After that, wait 1 hour before re-inserting the device into the nose.

TrueTear can be used for a total of 30 minutes per day. For most patients, we recommend they use TrueTear at least twice a week.

How Long Can I Use One Tip and How Do I Clean It?

The tip must be replaced every 48 hours, as it contains a hydrogel that dries out after two days of use. Moreover, make sure to use the tip before the expiration date printed on the packaging.

To clean the device, use an alcohol pad to gently wipe the disposable tip, but be careful to steer clear of the hydrogel areas.

All About the TrueTear App

The free app, which can be easily paired with your smartphone, helps you track your device usage and battery level, as well as learn new ways of using TrueTear. The app also allows you to get assistance in the event that you encounter any problems with the device. Moreover, environmental conditions that can affect your eyes are displayed in the app, which includes humidity, temperature, pollen count, and pollution index.

Ask us about how TrueTear can alleviate your dry eye condition and enhance your quality of life. Dr. Schlussel and the caring and knowledgeable staff at Dr. Alan Schlussel & Associates are always here to help patients experience the best vision care and treatment possible.

What Treatments Can Relieve Dry Eye Syndrome?

An Overview of Dry Eye Symptoms and Causes

Dry Eye Questionnaire

What Can Cause Dry Eye?

The Link Between Dry Eyes and Depression

What’s The Link Between Dry Eye and Accutane (Acne Medication)

Blinking Exercises for Dry Eye

7 Ways to Wish Dry Eye ‘Goodbye’

Punctal Plugs

If you suffer from dry, burning, irritated or itchy eyes, you may have dry eye syndrome. Dry eye syndrome is a condition where your eyes either don’t produce enough tears or produce low-quality tears that can’t keep your eyes adequately hydrated. Sometimes the meibomian glands, which produce the oily layer of your tears, found inside your eyelid don’t function properly or are blocked, causing your tears to dry out.

If your tear ducts are blocked, your eye doctor may suggest punctal plugs.

What Are Punctal Plugs?

Punctal plugs are small devices that are inserted into the tear ducts — the puncta — of the eyelids. Another type of plug is inserted into the tear duct, the canaliculus, at a deeper level.

Puncta are small openings in your eyes that drain tears. The plug, which is about the size of a grain of rice, prevents fluid from flowing from the eyes. This ensures that the maximum amount of tears remain on the eyes at all times, resulting in less itching, burning, and redness.

Two Types of Punctal Plugs

Temporary/dissolving plugs

Temporary/dissolving plugs are made of a material, such as collagen, that the body absorbs over time. These plugs can last anywhere from a few days to several months in the eye. After refractive surgery, such as LASIK, temporary plugs are frequently used to keep the eye moist. They can also be used to test out punctal plugs to see if they provide dry eye relief.

Semi-permanent plugs

Semi-permanent plugs are composed of medical plastic, such as silicone or acrylic, that lasts longer. These plugs are made to stay in the eye for years. Your eye doctor can remove them, if necessary.

Another sort of semi-permanent punctal plug is inserted in the canaliculus, which is a deeper section of the tear duct. Once in the eye, these plugs are completely invisible.

How Are Punctal Plugs Inserted?

Your eye doctor will first inspect your eye to determine the optimum type and size of plug for your eyes.

Anesthesia may be used to numb your tear ducts. However, in some cases, you may not need to have your eyes numbed. As the punctal plug is inserted into your eyelid, you may feel some pressure.

After the plugs are inserted, you should be able to resume your normal activities at once.

When and How are Punctal Plugs Removed?

How to remove the plugs and when will depend on which plugs are inserted.

To remove silicon plugs from the tear ducts, your eye doctor will use forceps to gently pull the plugs out. Another option for removing these plugs is to use a saltwater solution to flush them out. The plugs are forced out of the tear ducts and into the nose or throat during this procedure.

Surgery is usually required to remove plugs that are deeper in the tear duct (in the canaliculus).

For most people, punctal plugs don’t cause any problems. However, if you have any eye pain, itchiness, or fear you have an infection, contact your eye doctor right away. The eye doctor will examine your eyes and remove the plugs if necessary.

Are Punctal Plugs for You?

Consult your eye doctor if artificial tears or other eye drops have failed to relieve your dry eye symptoms. If blocked tear glands are the culprit, your doctor might advise you to try punctal plugs. For more information regarding punctal plugs contact Dr. Alan Schlussel & Associates today!

What Treatments Can Relieve Dry Eye Syndrome?

An Overview of Dry Eye Symptoms and Causes

Dry Eye Questionnaire

What Can Cause Dry Eye?

The Link Between Dry Eyes and Depression

What’s The Link Between Dry Eye and Accutane (Acne Medication)

Blinking Exercises for Dry Eye

7 Ways to Wish Dry Eye ‘Goodbye’

How Does Inmode Forma Radiofrequency (RF) Treat Dry Eyes?

What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a common eye condition, affecting up to 50% of the population.

It occurs when the quantity or quality of the tears is compromised, and the eyes are unable to receive the nourishment and protection they need to remain healthy and hydrated.

While there are a number of conditions that can lead to DES, approximately 80% of dry eye cases are caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).

What Is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?

The meibomian glands are the oil-secreting glands that line the upper and lower eyelids. These tiny glands produce the oil (meibum) that makes up the lipid layer of the tear film — an essential layer responsible for preventing rapid tear evaporation.

Meibomian gland dysfunction occurs when these tiny glands become blocked or clogged with thick secretions, preventing the normal flow of oil into the tear film and affecting the quality and quantity of the tears.

MGD can occur due to a buildup of debris or eye makeup, as well as blepharitis (eyelid inflammation) and demodex mite infestations.

Common Symptoms of MGD

Meibomian gland dysfunction produces a range of symptoms, including:

• Dry eyes
• Itchy eyes
• Red eyes
• Crusty discharge in the corner of the eyes
• Burning sensation in or around the eyes
• Watery eyes
• Light sensitivity
• Blurred vision
• Chalazion/styes
• The feeling something is stuck in the eyes

How Does Inmode Forma Radiofrequency Help?

Inmode Forma Radiofrequency (RF) is an FDA approved, therapeutic dry eye treatment that has been proven effective in treating DES resulting from MGD.

This specialized treatment uses heat generated RF energy to open the clogged meibomian glands and improve oil flow — resulting in improved tear film quality and quantity and the elimination or lessening of dry eye symptoms.

What to expect during your treatment?

The RF treatment is a quick and painless in-office procedure that offers immediate symptom relief.

During the treatment, you will be asked to close your eyes as your eye doctor gently massages your upper eyelid and the skin underneath your lower eyelid with a specialized heat generating tool.

This heat triggers collagen formation in the skin around the eyes to reduce the inflammation that may be contributing to your MGD symptoms.

The RF treatment is beneficial for chronic MGD, as it facilitates effective meibomian gland expression, tightens the collagen in the skin around the eyes to reduce inflammation, and stimulates the collagen production in the deeper layers of the skin for longer-lasting treatment results.

Can You Benefit from Inmode Forma Radiofrequency?

If you or a loved one is suffering from chronic dry eyes, schedule an eye exam to determine whether MGD is causing your symptoms. Our practice uses Inmode Forma RF to help patients with MGD achieve optimal results and longer-lasting symptom relief.

If you wish to learn more about this effective treatment, and to find out whether you could benefit, contact Dr. Alan Schlussel & Associates today!

What Treatments Can Relieve Dry Eye Syndrome?

An Overview of Dry Eye Symptoms and Causes

Dry Eye Questionnaire

What Can Cause Dry Eye?

The Link Between Dry Eyes and Depression

What’s The Link Between Dry Eye and Accutane (Acne Medication)

Blinking Exercises for Dry Eye

7 Ways to Wish Dry Eye ‘Goodbye’

Heat Therapy for Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that occurs for a variety of reasons. The leading cause of dry eye is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), which affects the essential oil layer of the eye’s tear film and causes the tears to evaporate too quickly. Mild to moderate cases of dry eye causes discomfort, while severe dry eye can result in permanent damage and scarring of the cornea.

More than 85% of patients who visit their eye doctor due to dry eye symptoms are diagnosed with meibomian gland dysfunction. MGD is chronic and the symptoms generally worsen when left untreated.

Fortunately, a certain procedure, called meibomian gland expression, uses heat to unblock glands in the eyelids to relieve the itchy, gritty feeling caused by MGD.

What Is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)?

The meibomian glands are located along the outer edges of your upper and lower eyelids, where they produce complex oily fluid that stabilizes the tear film and slows the evaporation of your tears. This is an essential function, as tears ensure your cornea lubricated for comfortable and clear vision.

When the meibomian glands don’t function properly or are blocked, the oil layer of your tear film isn’t thick enough to keep your eyes moist. In addition to the rapid evaporation of tears, this creates greater friction between the cornea and eyelids, resulting in eye irritation.

What Is Meibomian Gland Expression?

Just like the pores in our skin, the tiny meibomian glands can be blocked with thickened oil residue. Meibomian gland expression is a procedure that unblocks the gland by squeezing out a tiny amount of oil from the glands. This also allows your eye doctor to determine how to best open the glands permanently.

The process is not only a method for diagnosing MGD, but also a therapy that can remove the blockage and reduce MGD symptoms.

How Does It Work?

Meibomian gland expression involves gently expressing and squeezing out the oils of the glands by applying pressure to the eyelids.

The eye doctor uses tiny forceps or paddle-like instruments to compress the lower and upper eyelids. The doctor may also apply a warm compress before the expression of the gland for the smooth secretion of the hardened oils that clog the glands.

Depending on the severity of your MGD, your doctor may suggest other types of heat therapies or treatment.

Other Heat Therapies for Dry Eye

Intense Pulsed Light

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) heats the skin around the eye area and dislodges the oil build-up. This treatment targets the source directly – the blood vessels that surround the glands. Once this occurs, the glands can once again secrete the oils naturally, resuming their moisturizing effects.

LipiFlow

LipiFlow is a device that applies warm and gentle pressure directly to the meibomian glands, liquefying the blockage. Your eye doctor will then be able to remove the blockage from the area, flushing out any dead cells, leaving your glands clear and comfortable.

The Bruder Mask

The Bruder Mask is a heated compress that sits over your eyes, almost like a large, soft beauty mask. The mask is made up of many tiny beads which, when warmed, release heat. This heat gently opens the oil glands and helps restore the oil secretion back into the eyes.

Meibomian gland expression promotes healthy secretion of oil to the eyes’ surface and provides excellent long-term results. All successful meibomian gland expression treatments decrease dry eye symptoms by increasing the glands’ quality of oil production. Usually, a single session is sufficient, but many people benefit from regular treatments.

If not treated early and properly, meibomian gland dysfunction can cause severe damage to your eyes and vision. Contact Dr. Schlussel to learn more about meibomian gland expression and attain the dry eye relief you seek.

What Treatments Can Relieve Dry Eye Syndrome?

An Overview of Dry Eye Symptoms and Causes

Dry Eye Questionnaire

What Can Cause Dry Eye?

The Link Between Dry Eyes and Depression

What’s The Link Between Dry Eye and Accutane (Acne Medication)

Blinking Exercises for Dry Eye

7 Ways to Wish Dry Eye ‘Goodbye’

Blephex for Blepharitis

Dr. Alan Schlussel & Associates is pleased to offer advanced treatment for blepharitis, BlephEx™. This device provides powerful, painless and effective treatment for those suffering from an inflammation of the eyelids that causes red, irritated and swollen eyes. If you have been diagnosed with blepharitis, or suspect you may have it, get in touch with us and we’ll provide you with the relief you need.

What is Blepharitis?

Blepharitis (blef-uh-RYE-tis) is a common eyelid inflammation that can develop at any age. Blepharitis typically occurs when tiny oil glands located near the base of the eyelashes become clogged, leading to swollen, irritated and red eyes. Several diseases and conditions can cause blepharitis, such as dry eyes. Blepharitis doesn’t result in permanent vision damage and is not contagious.

What Are the Symptoms of Blepharitis?

A few typical symptoms include:

• itchy, sore and red eyelids that stick together
• crusty or greasy eyelashes
• a burning, gritty sensation in your eyes
• increased sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• swollen eyelid margins
• wearing contact lenses become unbearable
• abnormal eyelash growth or loss of eyelashes in severe cases

How Does BlephEx Treat Blepharitis?

When properly performed, BlephEx reduces and alleviates uncomfortable blepharitis symptoms. The treatment is repeated at regular intervals depending on the severity of the condition. By eliminating the root cause of blepharitis, the overall health of the eyelid will be significantly improved and will allow you to produce more tears and enjoy life without the chronic and irritating symptoms associated with blepharitis.

How Does Blephex Work?

BlephEx is a painless in-office procedure performed by Dr. Schlussel. It works by removing excess bacteria and toxins that live along the lash margin that cause inflammation and eyelid disease. The BlephEx handpiece precisely and carefully spins a medical-grade disposable micro-sponge along the edge of your eyelids and lashes, discarding any debris and exfoliating your eyelids. A micro-sponge is used for each eye individually, so as not to spread bacteria between the eyelids. The procedure takes about 6-8 minutes to complete and is well-tolerated by the patient. Numbing drops are placed in the eyes prior to treatment for increased comfort. After the procedure, the patient will be instructed on ways to maintain clean eyelids by following nightly eyelid hygiene.

How Many Times Must BlephEx Be Performed?

The eyelids require a regular hygiene practice to prevent blepharitis and dry eye disease from recurring. It is recommended that BlephEx be administered every 4 – 6 months in order to keep bacteria to a minimum and to prevent the biofilm from developing again. Once the treatments are stopped, the biofilm will typically redevelop, leading to inflammation and damaged tear glands all over again.

Does Insurance Cover the Cost of BlephEx?

BlephEx is a relatively new treatment for dry eyes and is not typically covered by insurance, though you can certainly try to submit it. Even when paying privately, it is still less costly than a years’ worth of eye drops, artificial tears, ointments, and so on.

How Soon Will I Notice a Difference?

Depending on the stage and severity of the condition, patients tend to feel a difference right after the treatment. However, if you’ve experienced significant damage to your tear glands due to blepharitis, it may take several months before observing any changes in your condition. Certain people may require multiple treatments before they begin to heal. Nightly hygiene and repeat treatments will treat, cure and prevent a recurrence.

Does Blephex Have Any Side Effects?

There will only be positive effects following the treatment. You will have removed years, if not decades, of biofilm from your eyelids and will be able to comfortably blink without having your eyelids feel sticky. Contact us to schedule your BlephEx appointment at Dr. Alan Schlussel & Associates and to consult with Dr. Schlussel for a proper eyelid evaluation.

Our practice serves patients from Manhattan, New York City (NYC), New York, and Tri-State Area, New York and surrounding communities.

What Treatments Can Relieve Dry Eye Syndrome?

An Overview of Dry Eye Symptoms and Causes

Dry Eye Questionnaire

What Can Cause Dry Eye?

The Link Between Dry Eyes and Depression

What’s The Link Between Dry Eye and Accutane (Acne Medication)

Blinking Exercises for Dry Eye

7 Ways to Wish Dry Eye ‘Goodbye’