Dry Eye Treatments in West Orange and Verona
Do you have teary or watery eyes?
Burning, itchiness, or a sandy feeling around your eyelids?
You might have dry eye syndrome.
What Is Dry Eye Syndrome? (DES)
Dry eye syndrome occurs when tear production and drainage are not in balance. People with dry eyes either do not produce enough tears or their tears are of poor quality. The result? Unpleasant symptoms, including itching, burning, redness, watery eyes, excessive tearing—and even eye pain. Dry eye syndrome can also increase your risk for more serious eye problems like corneal ulcers.
Without treatment or proper medication, DES can worsen over time.
What Causes Dry Eyes?
While over 80% of dry eye cases are due to blocked oil glands in the eyelids — a condition called meibomian gland dysfunction or evaporative dry eye — other factors can also cause this syndrome. These include:
- Gender – the majority of dry eye sufferers are women. This tends to be caused by hormonal changes, whether through the use of contraceptives, pregnancy or menopause.
- Age – there’s a higher prevalence of DES in those over 50 years of age
- Environment – dry wind, dry air and dry climates can evaporate the tears. Home and car heaters, air conditioners, fans and hair dryers also cause tears to evaporate.
- Medication – these include antidepressants, decongestants and blood pressure medications.
- Auto-immune disorders – Sjogren’s disease and arthritis, among others.
How Do I Know If I Have Dry Eye Syndrome?
Do any of these symptoms seem familiar?
- Gritty, itchy, or stinging eyes
- Excessive tearing and discharge
- Eyes that feel tired or dry
- Increased light sensitivity
- Regularly using eye drops
- Discomfort that worsens as the day progresses
If so, you may have dry eye syndrome. Take our dry eye quiz to find out!
What Others Are Saying About Us
Lasting & Effective Dry Eye Treatment
Our dry eye treatment program is tailored to each patient’s individual needs, addressing the root cause.
We aim to restore or maintain the normal amount of tears in the eye to minimize dryness and discomfort. Book a consultation with one of our eye doctors, who can prescribe a customized treatment plan to keep your eyes healthy and comfortable all day, every day.
OptiLight IPL by Lumenis
If your dry eye symptoms stem from inflammation and clogged oil glands (which is common in meibomian gland dysfunction), OptiLight may be the proper treatment for you. It uses gentle pulses of light to reduce inflammation along the lower eyelid and surrounding skin. The light breaks up blood vessels that contribute to inflammation and restores healthy gland function, helping your eyes stay comfortably hydrated.
OptiLight treatment is quick, with most sessions lasting around 15 minutes. There’s no downtime, and most people notice gradual improvement after just a few sessions spaced over several weeks.
Why we like it: It’s safe, FDA-approved, and supported by extensive clinical research. It’s a great option if you’ve tried eye drops and warm compresses without long-term relief.
ThermiRF
ThermiRF uses controlled radiofrequency energy to gently warm the skin around your eyes and stimulate collagen production. This heat helps loosen oil blockages in your meibomian glands, making it easier for your tears to hold moisture on the surface of your eye.
During treatment, we use a handheld device to deliver soothing warmth to the treatment area. You’ll feel a warming sensation, but no pain. Most sessions last less than 30 minutes, and many patients describe it as feeling like a spa treatment for their eyes.
Why we like it: ThermiRF not only supports tear stability but also tightens the skin around the eyes, making it a good choice for those seeking both relief and a refreshed appearance.
Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT)
Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) is a gentle, relaxing treatment that uses red LED light to reduce inflammation and support the function of the oil glands in your eyelids. This technology has been used for decades in wound healing and pain management, and now, it’s proving to be a reliable option for treating dry eye disease.
We apply soft eye pads that emit light while you lie back and relax. Each session lasts about 15 minutes, and there’s no discomfort or downtime. LLLT can be used alone or as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Why we like it: It’s completely non-contact and safe for both adults and children. It’s ideal for those with sensitive eyes or skin.
Do You Have More Questions About Dry Eyes? | FAQ
Don’t wait for dry eye syndrome to deteriorate. Take action today by booking an appointment with Professional Eye Care of West Orange.
