Importance of a Dry Eye Evaluation explained:
Written by Josephine Ko, OD, FAAO. Published November 6, 2022.
Northeast Optometry, 60 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, MA 02474
Many patients suffer from dry eye and are not informed about the long term consequences of not having it evaluated by an optometrist. Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is becoming more prevalent to those who spend many hours staring at computer screens for work or school. Long term blockage of the oil glands within the eyelids can lead to gland atrophy and death. We want to keep the meibomian glands healthy in order to promote a good ocular tear surface and prevent long term irritating and intolerable dry eye symptoms. MGD is a form of evaporative dry eye where the tears evaporate too quickly due to lack of oils releasing into the tear film layer. Sometimes using warm compresses and artificial tears is not adequate enough for treating dry eye symptoms.
The gallery below illustrates the eye anatomy, different levels of severity of meibomian gland atrophy and secretion of unhealthy oils. Healthy eyelids oils should present as a clear liquid, while unhealthy eyelid glands have thick, cloudy, inspissated oils. Sometimes patients are asymptomatic of meibomian gland dysfunction which is why it’s important to get evaluated on your routine eye exam.
Watch the video below, a patient is treated for obstructed oil glands within the eyelids with the ILux2 at Northeast Optometry. The goal of this procedure is to evacuate the blocked glands to prevent progression of gland atrophy and loss. This procedure will also help alleviate dry eye symptoms.
Northeast Optometry video: Dr. Josephine Ko, Optometrist, performs a dry eye specialty procedure, ILux2, on a patient in Arlington, MA.
How the ILux2 device works: ILux2 is a thermal expression device that uses light based heat technology to warm up the oil glands within the eyelids to their melting temperature of 42 degrees celsius. The softened oils are then expressed by gentle compression. ILux2 is a great option to treat meibomian gland dysfunction because its design allows customizable treatment to specific glands that require more attention if needed. The gentle expression mechanism unclogs the glands allowing new healthy oils to produce and secrete, and while also preventing the progression of meibomian gland death and atrophy.
Note: The ILux2 procedure is not covered by insurance and is considered a specialty dry eye procedure.