Dry Eye Clinic in Cambridge

Three different layers make up the tear film: a mucus layer, a water layer, and an oil layer.

The mucus layer helps keep the tear on the surface of the eye, the oil layer prevents the tear from evaporating too quickly, and the water layer provides hydration.

The tear film protects the surface of the eye from microbes and
helps you see clearly. Its dynamic nature is the reason that contact lenses are able to be worn, allowing for convenient vision correction.

If any of the tear film’s 3 layers are out of balance, you may experience dry eye. To learn more about dry eye, request an appointment with one of our optometrists.

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Meibography is an imaging study used to detect symptoms of MGD. Though it can’t help directly treat the problem, it can give your optometrist insight into the structure of your meibomian glands, and how well they are working. With this information, your optometrist can help create a suitable management plan.

Osmolarity is a diagnostic test of your tears to help determine the cause of any tear film imbalance and the severity of your dry eye disease. The information found can help your optometrist come up with a management plan to restore balance to your tear film.

Intense pulsed light therapy (IPL) is an effective non-invasive treatment to alleviate dry eye symptoms. The device uses light energy to target specific areas of the skin around the eyes to reduce inflammation. This allows the meibomian glands to produce more oil to lubricate the eyes and reduce the uncomfortable effects of dry eyes.

Radiofrequency (RF) is a non-surgical treatment for dry eye. The device delivers a high-frequency electrical current to the skin to generate heat and help melt the thick oil secretions clogging the meibomian gland. More oil means the quality of your tears improves. RF can also reduce inflammation around your eyes that could be contributing to your dry eye symptoms.

Meibomian gland expression is a therapeutic technique used by your optometrist to help clear blockages in your meibomian glands, usually caused by MGD. The treatment applies therapeutic heat and pressure on the meibomian glands.

• Artificial tears – provides added moisture with the same elements your natural tears have. We are happy to walk you through the available options and recommend a brand unique to your needs.
• Hot compress – the heat helps open up the meibomian glands to improve oil gland function and slow down tear evaporation.
• Hypochlorous acid spray – an effective treatment against bacteria and can contribute to better eyelid hygiene.
• Blephadex wipes – a gentle, non-abrasive way to clean, soothe, and moisturize for your eyelids.
• Vitamin Supplements – omega-3 fatty acids can help to decrease inflammation and improve the function of the meibomian gland to increase the oil in your tears.