What causes dry eye?

Dry eye is caused by inflammation on the surface of the eye which can be triggered by a variety of factors such as:

• ​Aging
• Dry, dusty, or windy climate
• Insufficient blinking (such as when you're staring at a computer screen)
• Long-term contact lens wear
• Medication side effects
• Eye Surgery

Often, dry eye is caused by blocked meibomian glands. These are the glands that make the oily, outer layer of the tears. A blockage in the glands can cause insufficiencies in tear film thickness, causing the tears to break apart when they shouldn't.

Tears are essential for good eye health.

After a blink, a tear film coats the surface of the eye and performs many functions for your benefit:

• Tears prevent dryness by coating and lubricating the surface of the eye.
• Tears supply oxygen and nutrients to the surface of the cornea.
• Tears form a barrier from infection and irritants washing away foreign substances.
• Tears help to heal damage to the surface of the eye.
• Tears create a smooth surface on the eye to help you to see more clearly.

Healthy tears maintain a stable tear film over the eye between blinks. If the tear film is not thick enough or doesn’t have enough lipid layer (the outer layer that holds the tear together), the tear can break apart and expose the surface of the eye. If this happens regularly, dry eye disease may result.

What is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

Your tears are made up of three layers: the lipid (oil) layer, aqueous (water) layer, and the mucous (sticky) layer. These layers work in unison to lubricate and coat the eyes, keeping them moist and comfortable. 

Your meibomian glands control the lipids in the eye, called meibum, which combine with other substances in the eye area to create a thin film that consistently lubricates your eyes. Meibum is an essential part of your eye’s makeup as it prevents the evaporation of the eye’s tear film.
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Meibomian Gland Dysfunction occurs when the meibomian glands fail to provide enough meibum. This can be triggered by various factors and causes the tear film to evaporate at a quicker rate, leading the eyes to feel dry and uncomfortable. 80% of Dry Eye is due to MGD.

What can be done to treat dry eye?
Low Level Light Therapy (LLLT) 

What is Equinox LLLT?

Developed by NASA, LLLT has proven effective at treating dry eye disease. LLLT uses specially designed LED lights to gently warm up the eyelids, causing the meibomian glands to unclog and release oils.

• Safe, non-invasive procedure
• 15 minutes per session
• No recovery time needed
• No side effects or discomfort
• Safe for adults and children

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It’s quick and painless! Simply lay back with the Equinox mask on and relax as the warm light clears your glands. It may also help decrease the appearance of facial wrinkles, acne and rosacea

How does Equinox LLLT work?

The Equinox LLLT system applies light to the periorbital ( the region surrounding your eyes, including the eyelids, eyebrows, and upper cheekbones) and cheekbone areas of the face, gently warming the eyelids. This causes the meibomian glands to unclog and release oils, thus reducing the rapid evaporation of tears typically associated with MGD.
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In more detail, Equinox LLLT treats both upper and lower lids are treated simultaneously, using direct and indirect Photobiomodulation, during the typical 15-minute session. Our technology utilizes specially designed LED lights to deliver focused light of a specific wavelength that targets the cellular powerhouse of the cells – the mitochondria, via comfortable wearable mask technology. This photobiomodulation stimulates production of ATP, increasing cellular action to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, while reducing inflammation of the oil glands in the eyelids, reducing pain, and increasing tear volume. Our Mask technology places the LEDs 5-10mm from the skin, optimizing treatment.

Low Level Light Therapy (LLLT) is easy. Our automated treatment software calculates the energy and duration of the entire 15-min session.

​If you are a good candidate, LLLT typically reduces dry eye symptoms by about 50% in 2-4 sessions. LLLT sessions are usually spread apart by 48 hours.

Does Equinox LLLT hurt?

LLLT is a painless procedure.  The doctor will place a protective mask over your face through which the LLLT will be released. 
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It usually takes approximately 15 minutes to complete the LLLT application while you sit comfortably in a reclining chair. You can promptly resume your usual activities following the treatment.

Is Equinox LLLT safe?

Equinox LLLT is an FDA-approved medical device that treats Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. It is a safe, non-invasive procedure, which is controlled by computer software built into the device.

What happens after the Equinox LLLT procedure?

 Once the Equinox LLLT procedure is complete, no recovery time is needed and patients can resume normal activities. Should you experience any side effects or discomfort, or have any questions following the procedure, please contact our practice.

What are the side effects of Equinox LLLT?

There are no particular side effects or contraindations to Equinox Low Level Light Treatment.
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Ask us about how Equinox LLLT can treat your eye condition and enhance your quality of life. Golden Eyes Optometry is always here to help patients experience the best vision care and treatment possible.

References

Reference:​ Heiko Pult; Low-Level Light Therapy in the Treatment of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2020;61(7):99

​Low Level Light Therapy in Ophthalmology (09/2020)

Find out if you suffer from dry eye