TearCare®

TearCare® in West Palm Beach, Florida

Do your eyes itch, burn, sting, or feel sore? You may be suffering from dry eye disease, a common condition affecting millions of people worldwide. Dry eye symptoms appear when your eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to discomfort and irritation. These symptoms can significantly impact your daily life and activities, making it difficult to focus on tasks or even enjoy leisure time.

At Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery in West Palm Beach, Florida, we offer a revolutionary dry eye treatment – TearCare® from Sight Sciences. This innovative treatment addresses the root cause of the problem and provides long-lasting relief. Many patients report noticeable relief and improvement after this dry eye treatment. Schedule a consultation with our patient counselor at (561) 833-4122(561) 833-4122 to discuss your concerns and discover if the TearCare® system is right for you.

Key Takeaways About Dry Eye & TearCare® in West Palm Beach, Florida

• There are two types of dry eye: evaporative dry eye and aqueous deficient dry eye. Most patients have evaporative dry eye, which is what TearCare® addresses.
• Evaporative dry eye is characterized by insufficient or poor-quality tears that evaporate too quickly from the surface of the eyes. The underlying cause of this condition is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Due to these meibomian gland disorders, the eyelids do not produce enough of the oily layer of tears that helps prevent the rapid evaporation of tears and maintains eye lubrication.
• If left untreated, MGD can become progressively worse and lead to permanent dysfunction.
• As a result of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), the tear film becomes unstable, leading to symptoms such as dryness, irritation, burning sensation, redness, and blurred vision.
• Meibomian gland disorder and its resulting dry eye affects many people. Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) results from various factors, including aging, hormonal changes, environmental conditions, certain medications, and underlying health conditions.
• Dr. Fredric M. Barr, M.D., F.A.C.S. of Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery is the first plastic surgeon in the United States to offer TearCare® to address evaporative dry eye caused by blocked meibomian glands.

Benefits of TearCare® in West Palm Beach, Florida

TearCare® offers numerous benefits, including:

• Personalized therapy: TearCare® is tailored to your specific needs, ensuring optimal results.
• Non-invasive: This gentle and non-invasive dry eye treatment is suitable for all ages.
• Quick and convenient: With a short treatment time and no downtime, you can resume your daily activities immediately after the procedure.
• Long-lasting relief: TearCare® provides immediate relief and helps to improve the quality and quantity of your tears for long-term results.
• Minimal side effects: Unlike other treatments, TearCare® has minimal side effects and is well-tolerated by most patients.

What is the TearCare® System?

TearCare®, from Sight Sciences, is an FDA-approved treatment for dry eye disease. It utilizes advanced technology to provide personalized therapy by applying regulated heat and gentle pressure to the upper and lower eyelids, stimulating the meibomian glands and improving the quality of your tears.

What Symptoms Does TearCare® Treat?

Despite its wide prevalence, dry eye can be difficult to diagnose. For example, a dry eye patient can complain of poor eyesight, but when she sits in front of a test chart, she achieves perfect results due to blinking before reading.

The TearCare® System addresses the following symptoms:

• Irritation, stinging, burning, or scratchiness in the eyes
• A frequent feeling of having a foreign object in the eye
• Eye redness
• Watery eyes and reflex tearing
• Difficulty using contact lenses
• Light sensitivity, especially to bright light
• Stringy mucus inside the eyes or around them
• Blurry vision
• Eye fatigue

A TearCare® patient should have a sufficient number of meibomian glands present for the treatment to be effective.

Dry Eye Causes

The meibomian glands line the inside of our upper and lower eyelids and produce the oil layer on our tear film, which keeps the eye surface moist, lubricated, and clean of any dust, debris, or microorganisms. If our tear film lacks this crucial lipid layer because of a blockage, our tears can evaporate faster than normal.

Tear film includes three components:

1. A lipid (oily) component from the meibomian glands
2. An aqueous (watery) component from the lacrimal glands
3. A mucin (mucous-like) component from the goblet cells located in the conjunctiva

All of these components are vital for the tears to perform their physiological function. The aqueous liquid provides moisture; lipids delay tear evaporation and make the tear surface smoother; and the inner layer of mucin helps spread and anchor the tear film across the eye’s surface.

A problem with tear production or any of the tear components could lead to insufficient lubrication and dry eye.

Ophthalmologists divide dry eye into two broad categories: evaporative dry eye and aqueous deficient dry eye. Of the two, evaporative dry eye is by far the more common.

• Evaporative dry eye occurs when the meibomian glands, tiny oil glands lining the edges of the eyelids, fail to produce enough oil (meibum). This condition, called meibomian gland dysfunction, may cause tear instability and increased tear evaporation.
• Aqueous deficient dry eye can occur when the lacrimal glands, located above the eyeball, secrete insufficient tear fluid to maintain adequate moisture in the eye.

In some cases, dry eye may affect a patient’s eyes because of inflammatory autoimmune diseases such as Sjögren syndrome. Therefore, diagnosing any systemic autoimmune conditions before attempting to treat dry eye is vital.

Dry eye is one of the most common eye complaints, affecting around 20% of Americans. The condition is more prevalent in older people who tend to make fewer tears. Other risk factors include smoking, contact lens use, high blood pressure medications or other prescription medication that can reduce tear production, a history of refractive surgery, spending many hours in front of screens, and environmental factors such as low humidity. Dry eye occurs more commonly in women, especially those who are pregnant, using hormonal birth control pills, or going through menopause.

Ease Evaporative Dry Eye with TearCare®

TearCare®, a 15-minute in-office procedure, is used to treat meibomian gland disorders and create a healthier tear film. It begins with a pair of small, flexible eyelid devices that we apply to the outside of the patient’s eyelids. TearCare® patients can keep their eyes open during the treatment process — another quality that sets TearCare apart as one of the most advanced treatments on the market. The applicators provide consistent, therapeutic heat to the meibomian glands, turning them more liquid, removing blockages, reducing inflammation, and promoting tear production. By working in alignment with the blinking eye, the proprietary SmartLid™ technology that characterizes the TearCare® System facilitates natural meibum expression when meibum is in its melted phase.

Using low heat, the pliable, soft TearCare® devices easily conform to the eye’s shape and help the patient remain comfortable throughout the procedure, with open eyes and normal blinking.

Why Can’t I Use Artificial Tears?

For many patients, over-the-counter eye drops relieve dryness only temporarily. Artificial tears can alleviate the symptoms of aqueous deficient dry eye but often fail to help in cases of evaporative dry eye resulting from meibomian gland dysfunction.

In evaporative dry eye, the patient’s lacrimal glands may produce enough tears. Still, if the tears evaporate too quickly, the uncomfortable symptoms can persist no matter how often the patient applies the drops. Furthermore, eye drops containing preservatives for a longer shelf life may cause eye irritation with frequent use.

Is the TearCare® System Safe?

TearCare® is a safe, efficient dry eye disease treatment method. It can decrease dry eye symptoms like blurred vision and irritation of the eye’s surface, help maintain clear vision, and prevent permanent damage to the meibomian glands — something that can occur if the condition is left untreated.

Am I a Good Candidate for TearCare®?

Candidates for the TearCare® treatment must be 22 or older, without ocular surface abnormalities such as corneal dystrophy. During a consultation with our patient counselor, you will discuss your unique concerns, goals, and medical history to determine if this treatment suits you.

Is the TearCare® Treatment Painful?

Patients report that TearCare® is comfortable and pain-free. For many, this treatment process restores the meibomian glands to their proper function, although individual results may vary.

What to Expect After Your TearCare® Procedure

After your treatment, you should:

• Avoid touching your eyes to prevent irritation or infection
• Use any prescribed medications from Dr. Barr, which may include eye drops and ointments
• Apply warm compresses to the eyelids to promote the secretion of natural oils from the meibomian glands, improve tear quality, and alleviate symptoms
• Practice lid hygiene by gently cleansing the eyelids with a mild cleanser or eyelid wipes to remove debris and reduce the risk of inflammation
• Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments
• Protect your eyes by avoiding exposure to irritants such as smoke, dust, wind, and allergens and wearing protective eyewear when engaging in activities that may pose a risk to your eyes
• Stay hydrated by drinking enough water daily
• Report any concerns to Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery, such as persistent or worsening symptoms, unusual discharge, pain, or changes in vision

How Long Do Results Last from the TearCare® System?

The duration of results from the TearCare® system typically lasts for an extended period after the initial treatment. Many patients report sustained relief from evaporative dry eye symptoms for several months to a year or more following the procedure. However, some individuals may require periodic maintenance treatments or additional interventions to maintain optimal tear film quality and eye comfort over time.

Can I Combine TearCare® with Cosmetic Enhancements & Procedures?

At Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery, patients often combine cosmetic enhancements and procedures for a more comprehensive effect. For best results, Dr. Barr recommends having a TearCare® treatment for dry eyes before undergoing blepharoplasty and a Mini Brow Lift.

Suffering from Dry Eye? Book a Consultation at Palm Beach Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery

Are you looking for an effective solution for dry eye symptoms? We invite you to schedule a consultation with our patient counselor at (561) 833-4122(561) 833-4122 or by completing our online form to discover if TearCare® is right for you.

Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery ~ Where artistry, experience, & professionalism create naturally beautiful outcomes