What is TearCare and How Do Dry Eye Patients Benefits?

Dry eye is a condition that affects a significant portion of the population. The primary cause is a lack of sufficient lubrication on the surface of the eye. This can be due to either reduced tear production or rapid tear evaporation. Dry eye symptoms include a stinging or burning sensation in the eyes, mucus in or around the eyes, light sensitivity, red eyes, and a sensation of something in your eyes. TearCare is a promising treatment for dry eye, offering a targeted, personalized approach that can provide immediate and long-lasting relief.

What is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)?

MGD is a common condition where the meibomian glands are blocked and do not secrete enough oil or the quality of the oil is poor. This leads to tear evaporation and subsequently dry eyes. In fact, MGD is now recognized as a leading cause of dry eye disease.

Symptoms of MGD are similar to those of dry eye and can include dryness, burning, itching, and a feeling of grittiness in the eyes. Some people may also experience blurred vision, particularly upon waking or after extended periods of screen time.

The condition is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam, which may include a LipiView exam, a special test that allows doctors to evaluate the meibomian glands and the tear film.

Common Treatments for Dry Eye

There are several common treatments for dry eye, ranging from over-the-counter solutions to prescription medications and therapies. Artificial tears and lubricating eye drops are often the first line of treatment. They provide temporary relief by supplementing natural tear production. For more severe cases, doctors may prescribe medications to reduce inflammation and increase tear production.

A New Approach to Dry Eye Treatment

While these traditional treatments can be effective, they are not without their limitations. TearCare is a new approach to dry eye treatment that specifically targets MGD.

TearCare is a wearable device that provides targeted and controlled heat to the eyelids, helping to unblock the meibomian glands.

The device delivers precise, controlled heat to the eyelids, softening the hardened meibum, or oil, in the glands. Then, using a small, handheld tool, the doctor manually expresses the glands, removing the softened meibum and unblocking the glands.

This targeted treatment approach allows for a high degree of customization, as the doctor can adjust the treatment based on the patient's specific needs and responses. Because the device is wearable, patients can keep their eyes open during the treatment, making for a more comfortable and less intimidating experience.

The Benefits of TearCare for Dry Eye Patients

The benefits of TearCare for dry eye patients are numerous. First, it provides immediate and long-lasting relief from dry eye symptoms. It does this by addressing the root cause of many cases of dry eye: blocked meibomian glands.

Because the treatment is targeted and personalized, it can be more effective than traditional treatments, which often take a one-size-fits-all approach. The TearCare system is also less invasive and more comfortable than many other treatments.

Another benefit is the speed and convenience of the treatment. The entire process takes about 15 minutes and can be done in your doctor's office.

Is TearCare the Right Solution for You?

You don't have to live with the discomfort of dry eye. TearCare is a promising new treatment for dry eye, particularly for those with MGD. It offers a targeted, personalized approach that can provide immediate and long-lasting relief.

If you're struggling with dry eye symptoms, consult with our professionals to determine if TearCare is the right solution for you. Visit Drs. Stein and Goldschneider in our Blackwood, New Jersey office. Call 856-408-1800 to schedule an appointment today.