25 Marston Street, Suite 303 Lawrence, Massachusetts 01841, United States
Appointments: (978) 682-4040
Welcome to the dry eye center
Now Offering OCuSOFT® Thermal 1-Touch™ for Dry Eye
The Thermal 1-touch is used to treat the most common form of dry eye called evaporative dry eye disease. Normally, one’s tears rely on a delicate balance of nutrients and oils to coat the eye. The oils are product through the meibomian glands, but when your glands get clogged, your tears no longer receive these essential oils. Thus, your tears become overly watery and will evaporate before they reach the eye.
In order to declog your meibomian glands, the Ocusoft Thermal 1-touch is the ideal solution. By reaching a certain temperature, the device can safely and comfortably express the glands, to allow your oils to pass through normally. Within days, patients experience will notice less dry eye symptoms.
What is Dry Eye?
Dry eye is a common condition that can cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as burning, itching, redness, and blurred vision. It occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears to keep the surface of your eyes moist enough. Left untreated, chronic dry eye can lead to long-term damage to the cornea or other parts of the eye.
Fortunately, there are a variety of treatments available to help manage your symptoms. Your ophthalmologist can recommend the best treatment for you, based on the severity and duration of your condition.
Common treatments for chronic dry eye include:
- Artificial tears and lubricants: These are typically used as the first line of defense against dry eye. These liquids can provide temporary relief from symptoms, but should not be used as a permanent solution.
- Ointments: These are available both over the counter and by prescription. They help to reduce irritation and soothe discomfort caused by dry eye. However, ointments can cause blurry vision and are therefore not recommended for people with frequent need of clear vision.
- Heat and cold compresses: These can be used to relieve irritation caused by dry eye. A warm compress can help reduce the symptoms of inflammation, while a cold compress can provide relief from itching or burning sensations.
Your doctor may also suggest nutritional supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids and flaxseed oil, which have been shown to improve symptoms of dry eye. Additionally, be sure to stay hydrated and reduce your consumption of caffeine and alcohol, as these can worsen the condition.
If you have chronic dry eye, it’s important to speak with your doctor about how best to manage your symptoms. With proper treatment, you can keep your eyes healthy and comfortable.