The Dry Eye Center at
Customized individual treatment to help you along your ocular journey.
What is Dry Eye Disease?
Dry eye syndrome impacts a significant number of Americans, causing a spectrum of symptoms from occasional mild irritation to persistent and severe discomfort. Every blink distributes tears across the cornea, playing a vital role in lubricating the eye, preventing infections, and eliminating foreign particles. Paradoxically, an increase in tears or the perception of crying can be indicative of dry eyes.
Recognizing the diverse nature of dry eye symptoms and their impact on ocular health and overall well-being, our approach emphasizes custom treatment tailored to individual needs. At our practice, we understand that dry eye is not a one-size-fits-all condition. Dr. Alan Margolis, our dedicated dry eye specialist, employs a comprehensive approach during eye examinations, meticulously checking gland function and assessing the unique factors contributing to each patient's dry eye experience.
If you suspect dry eye symptoms or simply wish to proactively address your eye health through a thorough examination of your glands, we invite you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Alan Margolis, where personalized care and attention to your specific needs are at the forefront of our philosophy. Your ocular health and quality of life matter, and our commitment is to provide tailored solutions that make a meaningful difference in your well-being.
Dr Margolis has treated over 45,000 patients in the past 34 years.
See below learn more about what is dry eye procedures are available at the Dry Eye Center.
Dry Eye Procedures
What In-Office Procedures Does
Dr. Margolis Use To Treat Dry Eye?
1. Optima IPL
Optima IPL is a form of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy used for treating dry eye. This technology employs controlled pulses of light to target specific structures around the eyes. When applied, the pulses focus on abnormal blood vessels and stimulate the meibomian glands, which are responsible for producing the oil layer of tears. Dysfunction in these glands often leads to evaporative dry eye.
The heat generated during Optima IPL treatment aids in improving the function of the meibomian glands, promoting better quality oil secretion. This, in turn, contributes to a more stable tear film and helps alleviate symptoms of dry eye.
In addition to stimulating gland function, Optima IPL may have anti-inflammatory effects, addressing surface-level inflammation on the eyes. Since inflammation is a significant component of dry eye, reducing it can lead to overall symptom relief.
Optima IPL treatments are personalized based on individual needs, considering the severity of dry eye symptoms and specific contributing factors. The non-invasive nature of this therapy is advantageous, as patients usually tolerate the treatment well, and they can resume normal activities immediately afterward.
2. Lipiflow
LipiFlow stands as a therapeutic solution for addressing Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, a condition often associated with blocked oil glands contributing to dry eyes. This innovative treatment gently alleviates blockages from the meibomian glands using controlled heat. Specifically designed for this purpose, LipiFlow effectively clears obstructions and promotes better gland function.
Many individuals experience relief from symptoms within a relatively short period, typically ranging from two to four weeks. Notably, 84% of patients observe enhanced gland secretions within the first four weeks post-treatment. Some even report noticeable improvement on the very day of receiving the LipiFlow procedure.
3. Blephex
BlephEx™ is a new, in-office eye treatment that is proven to provide long-lasting relief from blepharitis and dry eye. The procedure safely and precisely removes debris from along the edge of your lashes, exfoliates your eyelids, and immediately improves uncomfortable symptoms.
4. Manual Expression
In-office manual expression of the meibomian glands can provide significant relief because the backed-up glands can be painful. To express the meibomian glands, instill topical anesthetic and apply pressure between two cotton-tipped applicators in an upwards-rolling motion (one applicator on either side of the eyelid).
5. Direct Muscle Stimulation with Radiofrequency ( Trilift RF/MS)
Trilift RF/MS is primarily recognized for its application in non-invasive cosmetic procedures, particularly for enhancing muscle tone and addressing skin-related concerns.
6. Amniotic Membrane Placement
Amniotic membrane placement is an innovative treatment for dry eye, involving the application of a thin membrane with healing properties onto the ocular surface. Derived from the placenta, this membrane contains growth factors that aid in tissue repair and reduce inflammation. By providing a protective barrier and supporting regenerative processes, amniotic membrane placement is effective in addressing persistent dry eye symptoms that may not respond to conventional treatments.
5. Nuvissa Plasma Pen
The Nuvissa Plasma Pen is recognized for its application in non-surgical skin tightening and rejuvenation procedures.
What Home Maintenance Does
Dr. Margolis Recommend Use To Treat Dry Eye?
1. Nulids
The NuLids™ System, which was introduced to the eye care professional market in 2018 was developed in response to an unmet need to care for dry eyes at home, in a safe and clinically effective way, for the 40 million people who suffer in the United States.
Clinical trials have proven that NuLids provides relief for dry, red, itchy, swollen eyes by targeting the meibomian glands in the eyelids. It can be used as a stand-alone product, and positive user reactions have demonstrated that NuLids provides significant advantages over other existing therapies. Users have expressed delight in how much better their eyes feel, the ease of only having to use it for one minute per day, and the overall savings they have realized as a result of taking care of their dry eyes with this product.
2. Hyclear
HyClear is the next generation of hypochlorous acid for essential daily eyelid health management. With a broad-spectrum of antimicrobial activity from the pure hypochlorous acid .01%, HyClear kills most ocular pathogens in 15 seconds*.
HyClear is made from high quality, filtered ingredients for an easy and affordable solution for your daily eyelid health management. It also has a shelf life up to 18 months
3. Fish oil
Research suggests that taking an omega-3 fatty acid supplement can reduce symptoms of dry eyes. Omega-3 supplements are safe for most healthy adults and generally have few side effects when taken in a standard dose. Several studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may play a role in treating dry eyes because of their benefits in relieving symptoms. A 2016 study found significant improvements within 6 months.
4. Antiinflammatory Medications
Punctal occlusion, also called punctal cautery, is an eye procedure to correct dry eye syndrome. During the procedure, your eye doctor plugs your tear ducts with tiny biocompatible devices. The plugs placed in each punctum or tear duct blocks your tears from draining away.
5. Placental fluid extracts
PROKERA® treatment takes the form of a therapeutic device that an ophthalmologist places over the surface of your eye. This device sits on your eye the same way a contact lens would, and it treats a variety of conditions like corneal scarring, inflammation, and dry eyes.
6. Serum tears
Many sufferers turn to artificial tears for temporary relief. However, artificial tears don’t have all the nutrients of natural tears that help maintain the tear film.
Autologous serum eye drops are closer to real tears. Because they’re made from your own blood, they contain important biological nutrients and immunoprotective proteins.