My eyes feel dry and irritated.

Dry eye – causes, symptoms and treatment

Dry eye is one of the most common eye problems today.

It occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears, or the tears are not of sufficient quality to keep the eye surface moist and protected.

The tear film plays an important role in maintaining eye health. It protects the corneal surface, enables clear vision, and reduces the risk of infections. When the tear film is unstable, the eye surface becomes irritated and sensitive.

Most common symptoms of dry eye

If you have dry eye, you may notice:

Symptoms often worsen during prolonged screen time, reading, spending time in air-conditioned rooms, or wearing contact lenses.

What causes dry eye?

Dry eye can have multiple causes. The most common are:

In many cases, it is a combination of several factors. One of the most common causes of dry eye is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). These glands produce the lipid layer of the tear film, which slows tear evaporation and helps keep the ocular surface stable.

How is dry eye diagnosed?

The diagnosis of dry eye is made through a specialized ophthalmological examination that assesses:

The examination is painless and allows the doctor to determine the exact type of dry eye and recommend appropriate treatment.

Advanced diagnostics – Topcon TERA

At our clinic, we use state-of-the-art technology for detailed diagnosis and targeted treatment of dry eye, with an individual approach to every patient.

Topcon TERA is an advanced diagnostic system that provides a detailed and objective assessment of the ocular surface and tear film. The system analyzes a wide range of parameters relevant to diagnosing dry eye, including:

• Tear film stability
• The condition and structure of the meibomian glands
• The lipid layer of the tear film
• Tear volume and tear meniscus height
• The condition of the ocular surface and conjunctiva

Meibography is especially valuable, as it shows the structure of the meibomian glands and helps identify any changes associated with their dysfunction.

Detailed diagnostics give a better understanding of what is causing the symptoms, help in choosing the right therapy and allow treatment results to be monitored objectively.

How is dry eye treated?

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the condition. Therapy may include:

The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms, stabilize the tear film, and protect the eye surface.

IPL therapy – Lumenis OptiLIGHT

Lumenis OptiLIGHT is an advanced IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) system specifically developed to treat signs of dry eye associated with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), one of the most common causes of evaporative dry eye.

OptiLIGHT is the first IPL device to receive FDA approval for the improvement of signs of dry eye disease due to MGD. The FDA approved this indication in 2021, giving IPL therapy specific regulatory recognition for use in dry eye treatment.

How does IPL therapy work?

In MGD, the quality and function of the meibomian glands decline, which disrupts the lipid layer of the tear film and increases tear evaporation. At the same time, inflammation of the ocular surface and eyelid margins can further worsen symptoms and create a vicious cycle of dry eye.

OptiLIGHT uses precisely controlled light energy to target multiple factors associated with MGD and inflammation. IPL therapy can help reduce inflammation, target abnormal blood vessels associated with inflammation, and contribute to improved function and quality of the meibomian glands. Clinical studies of Lumenis IPL with OPT™ technology have shown improvements in tear film stability, meibum quality, and meibomian gland expressibility.

Patented OPT™ technology

One of the key features of the OptiLIGHT system is its patented OPT™ (Optimal Pulse Technology). It enables precise, uniform, and controlled delivery of light energy, tailored to the sensitive area around the eyes. The system is designed to allow safe and controlled treatment of the area affected by MGD.

A short, non-invasive treatment

A single OptiLIGHT session takes approximately 15 minutes, and the initial protocol recommended by the manufacturer typically includes four treatments spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart. After the initial cycle, some patients may need maintenance treatments, depending on clinical findings and response to therapy.

The treatment is non-invasive and performed on an outpatient basis, with no recovery time needed. Temporary skin redness may occur after the treatment and usually resolves within a few hours.

Who is OptiLIGHT for?

OptiLIGHT is especially suitable for patients whose dry eye is associated with meibomian gland dysfunction, particularly when there are signs of an unstable tear film, inflammation of the eyelid margins or ocular surface, and changes in the quality and function of the meibomian glands.

Before deciding on treatment, a thorough examination and diagnostic assessment are necessary to determine the cause of dry eye and evaluate whether IPL therapy is appropriate for the individual patient.

OptiLIGHT thus represents a targeted therapeutic option for patients with MGD, aimed not only at relieving symptoms but also at the factors involved in the development and persistence of dry eye disease.

LipiFlow – thermal pulsation treatment of the meibomian glands

LipiFlow is an advanced therapeutic system designed for the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), one of the common causes of evaporative dry eye.

The treatment uses controlled heat and pulsating pressure on the eyelids to soften and help remove retained contents from the meibomian glands. In this way, it can help improve their function and the quality of the lipid layer of the tear film.

LipiFlow applies heat to the inner surface of the eyelids while simultaneously applying precisely controlled pulsating pressure. A specially designed applicator protects the delicate structures of the eye during treatment.

The treatment is performed in the office, and a single session takes approximately 12 minutes. Depending on the findings, it may be considered for patients with obstruction or reduced function of the meibomian glands.

What is the difference between IPL and LipiFlow?

Although both treatments can be used for dry eye associated with meibomian gland dysfunction, they work in different ways:

• IPL therapy – Lumenis OptiLIGHT: uses controlled light energy that can act on the inflammatory processes associated with MGD.
• Thermal pulsation therapy – LipiFlow: uses heat and pulsating pressure to help clear blockages and retained contents from the meibomian glands.

The choice of therapy depends on the cause and severity of dry eye, the condition of the meibomian glands, and the results of the diagnostic examination.

An individualized approach to dry eye treatment

By combining precise diagnostics with the TERA system and advanced therapeutic options such as Lumenis OptiLIGHT IPL and LipiFlow thermal pulsation treatment, we can assess the condition of the ocular surface in more detail and choose the appropriate therapeutic approach.

The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms, improve meibomian gland function, and help stabilize the tear film.

Note: Not all forms of dry eye are associated with meibomian gland dysfunction. A thorough ophthalmological examination and appropriate diagnostics are therefore important before choosing a therapy.

When should you see an ophthalmologist?

If dry eye symptoms persist for a long time or worsen, an ophthalmological examination is recommended. Timely diagnosis and proper treatment can significantly improve both your vision and your daily life.

Your medical team – our physicians

Frequently Asked Questions