TearCare: Providing Relief for Patients with Chronic Dry Eye
Do your eyes itch, burn, sting, or feel sore? Do you use artificial tears and over-the-counter medications, but still experience pain or redness in your eyes? There’s a chance you may have Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), the leading cause of Dry Eye Disease.
The TearCare System is one of the latest treatments on the market that offers relief to those with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, Dry Eyes, and Blepharitis, and at the 20/20 Vision Associates Optometry, we’re proud to have it in our arsenal of advanced treatments for dry eye syndrome.
Contact Our Optometrists to get the relief you’ve been searching for with this proven TearCare system.
What is TearCare for Dry Eye and Blepharitis?
TearCare is a relatively new method of treatment for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and Blepharitis. It is a wearable eyelid technology device that administers gentle heat directly to the meibomian glands to liquefy the meibum, remove blockages and stimulate tear production.
How Does TearCare Work?
TearCare includes two flexible eyelid devices, which Our Optometrists will place on your upper and lower eyelids. They’re made of a soft, flexible material that conform to your eye’s natural shape and sit comfortably throughout the procedure. Unlike other treatment methods, TearCare allows the patient’s eyes to remain open and blinking throughout the procedure.
The entire process typically lasts for 2 ½ minutes and takes place in the 20/20 Vision Associates Optometry office. After TearCare, your eye doctor may manually
clear away obstructions released from the meibomian glands.
To learn more about the TearCare procedure, watch this video tutorial.
Is TearCare Safe?
TearCare is a safe and effective treatment method. The two eyelid devices contain temperature sensors that communicate with the smart hub multiple times per second, ensuring an even delivery of heat to the meibomian glands. The device, controlled by computer software, is customizable and safely monitored throughout the entire process.
The TearCare Device
TearCare is a 4-in-1 system that includes:
- A smart hub, which is controlled by computer software to deliver the thermal heat to the eyelids
- A charging station for the smart hub
- One-time use eyelid devices that gently conform to your eyelids
- A one-time use instrument to manually remove blockages from the glands
What are the Benefits of TearCare?
The usual Meibomian Gland Dysfunction treatment methods tend to include medical technologies that sit over both eyes. With the TearCare system, your eyes remain open and you can blink normally throughout, which allows for a more comfortable and natural-feeling procedure while providing you with quicker results than traditional treatments. With TearCare, tears are stimulated and blockages removed, thus preventing permanent damage to your meibomian glands and providing you with long-lasting relief.
Who is a Good Candidate for TearCare?
Patients using the TearCare system should be at least 22 years old.
If you wear contact lenses, they must be removed prior to the TearCare procedure. Following treatment, you will need to wait one hour before re-inserting them.
Please let us know If you have an ocular surface abnormality, such as a corneal dystrophy or a similar condition. TearCare may not be suitable in such cases. Inform us prior to administering the treatment in order to ensure an effective, comfortable procedure.
What Are the Side Effects of TearCare?
Just as with all procedures, there may be certain side effects associated with the use of the TearCare system. These may include:
- Allergic reaction to the adhesive underneath the eyelid devices
- Conjunctivitis (commonly called ‘pink eye’)
- Corneal abrasion
- Styes
- Swelling or burning of the eyelids
Should you experience any side effects, contact Our Optometrists right away.
Fortunately, among its many benefits is TearCare’s customizable system. This allows us to adjust the settings as needed and treat any discomfort or side effects in our office.
TearCare For Your Dry Eye
If your Dry Eye is caused by Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, speak to about the TearCare system. The caring and knowledgeable staff at 20/20 Vision Associates Optometry is here to help our dry eye patients experience the best vision care thanks to our advanced solutions and treatments.
Our practice serves patients from Riverside, Fontana, Corona, and Ontario, California and surrounding communities.
