Dry Eye Clinic

Advanced dry eye syndrome demands specialized attention due to its complex nature. It goes beyond occasional discomfort, often causing persistent irritation, fluctuating vision, and a reduced quality of life. Factors such as environmental conditions, prolonged screen time, aging, and specific medical conditions can exacerbate these symptoms.

Our Approach to Dry Eye Treatment

At our facility, we employ a holistic approach to treat advanced dry eye, focusing on both symptom management and long-term improvement. Our experienced team conducts thorough evaluations to pinpoint the underlying causes of your condition. Utilizing cutting-edge diagnostic tools, we assess tear quality, quantity, and ocular surface health to devise a personalized treatment plan.

Treating Dry Eyes with Lumecca IPL and Forma-I

When it comes to treating dry eyes and similar conditions, Inner Harbour Optometry uses a couple different solutions.

The first treatment is called Lumecca IPL. This option is completely pain-free and non-invasive, and uses pulsating light therapy designed specifically to treat dry eye syndrome, blepharitis, ocular rosacea, and Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). But how does it work? The high-intensity light is able to reach and stimulate the meibomian gland and cauterize abnormal blood vessels, which then causes inflammation to subside and tear production to regenerate. This therapy is a great option and one of your best chances at experiencing long-term relief from a dry eye condition.

The second treatment, which is usually paired with the first treatment, is called Forma-I, developed by MedTech leader InMode. Instead of light, the Forma-I treatment uses radiofrequency to tackle dry eyes. Also pain-free and non-invasive, it works by heating the meibomian gland to a specific temperature which allows for the release of a waxy build up. It also stimulates collagen synthesis which allows the glands to work better resulting in decreased inflammation and long-awaited eye comfort.

Treating Blepharitis with BlephEx

Blepharitis is a common and chronic condition that affects the eyelids. If you have Blepharitis, you’ll notice your eyelids getting red, swollen, irritated, and itchy, plus there may even be dandruff-like flakes on your lashes. In more serious cases, you’ll become more sensitive to light, and you’ll feel a burning sensation under your eyes. Eventually, if left untreated, eyelashes can fall out or grow in the wrong direction, vision can blur, and swelling will affect other parts of your eye.

The best way to treat Blepharitis is with BlephEx®. Your optometrist will use this product to clean your eyelid margins, removing buildup and restoring the health of tear glands. After just one Blephex® treatment, you’ll notice an improvement in your symptoms.

Unsure if you have Blepharitis? The best way to find out is by scheduling a comprehensive eye exam. An optometrist will be able to identify this condition and many others, helping prevent long term damage and maintain the health of your eyes.

Call Inner Harbour Optometry today and book an appointment.

PRP Drops for Dry Eyes

PRP drops, also known as platelet-rich plasma, is a promising dry eye treatment that has been found to relieve moderate to severe cases of dry eye. PRP drops are a special biological treatment that use growth factors, proteins, and anti-inflammatory agents to promote healing.

How does it work? PRP drops are a uniquely personalized treatment because they come from the patient’s own blood. An on-site nurse will be there to draw blood and obtain the plasma, which is then converted into drops. But don’t worry – despite the presence of blood, the procedure is not bloody or painful. We only need a small blood draw.

Also known as thrombocytes, platelets are the secret sauce in PRP drops. These disc-shaped cell fragments are produced in our bone marrow, and are vitally important for healing, clotting, and stopping any bleeding. When it comes to healing dry eyes, the platelets in the PRP drops help regulate inflammation, help tissues heal, and repair the damaged corneal and conjunctival epithelium.

The healing properties of PRP drops is often compared to that of autologous serum drops or even artificial tear drops. PRP drops are superior to both. Artificial tears lack nutrients to maintain a healthy team film. Autologous serum drops (also known as ASEDs) are closer since they use blood, but the process of making ASEDs completely eliminates the platelets.

At Inner Harbour Optometry, we offer PRP drop treatment along with our RF/IPL service. But if a patient has no remaining meibomian gland tissue, PRP drops will be offered on their own.

Before and After

These treatments are an effective way of getting rid of eye styes and eye chalazions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Forma-I?

Forma-I is a Health Canada certified treatment to address the symptoms of dry eye disease caused by Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). It is intended for use in the periorbital area and eye lids and relieves inflammation of meibomian glands and eye irritation. This is an innovative non surgical procedure that delivers bipolar radio-frequency(RF) technology to smaller, more delicate subdermal layers. Designed with unprecedented ocular safety, the small size applicator, precision RF depth control, and intelligent temperature monitoring, ensure a safe non-drug alternative for dry eye and MGD sufferers.

What is Lumecca-I?

Lumecca is the most powerful intense pulsed light(IPL) designed to treat pigmented and vascular lesions. Lumecca-l uses photothermolysis, which provides a photo facial through the delivery of a comfortable light treatment. IPL has been FDA approved for more than 15 years to remove superficial skin lesions. Increasingly, it has been shown to have a positive effect on tear film characteristics and patients with dry eyes.

What are PRP Drops?

PRP drops, short for platelet-rich plasma, is an effective dry eye treatment that has been found to work against moderate to severe cases of dry eye. PRP is a unique biological treatment that use growth factors, proteins, and anti-inflammatory agents in the patient’s blood to promote healing. The platelets in blood have powerful healing properties, like the ability to regulate inflammation, help tissues heal, and repair the damaged corneal and conjunctival epithelium.

How does Forma-I work?

Forma-I feels like a warm massage in the eye area, improving blood circulation. By directly treating the periorbital region and eyelids, Forma-I can help you achieve more defined characteristics, while alleviating other issues such as red burning itchy eyes. Heat is delivered during the procedure to ‘melt’ the oils clogging your glands, and pressure from the movement of the applicator allow for the oils to be expressed. The small size applicator and precision RF depth control allow for treatment in the small and delicate eye area.

How does Lumecca-I work?

Lumecca-I creates tissue heating which helps to reduce inflammation. During treatment there will be a bright flash of light and a sensation on your skin that feels like a light snap from an elastic band. Redness and a slight warming of the skin are normal after treatment and usually subside within an hour.

How do PRP Drops work?

The PRP drop treatment for dry eyes begins with the patient’s own blood. An on-site nurse will be there to draw blood and extract the plasma, which is then converted into drops. Regardless of the presence of blood, the procedure itself is not bloody or painful. All that’s required is a small blood draw.

What can I expect?

All treatments are performed right in your physician’s office. As a result, there is no general anesthesia, no incisions, or downtime that is associated with excisional interventions. Most clients find the treatments very comfortable. Your eye care provider will discuss in detail with you the specifics of your customized treatment plan and how it will address your individual condition.

How safe are these treatments?

These treatments are recommended for patients who are seeking non-invasive procedures to address their symptoms. The small size applicators allow for treatment in the small and delicate eye area. These are very safe and effective procedures that can be used on all skin types and skin tones.

Contact Inner Harbour Optometry today for a free dry eye consultation.

Get Dry Eye Treatment

Schedule your eye care appointment today and experience the difference of personalized, comprehensive eye care.