Do You Have Dry Eye Disease?

Innovations in Dry Eye Treatment

Dry Eye is a chronic disease caused by deficiencies in the quantity and quality of meibum within the tear film that affects over 6 million people in the Canada. As sufferers struggle with symptoms such as dryness and irritation, many try to treat the problem themselves with artificial tears, but may still experience dry eye symptoms.

We know that 86% of dry eye sufferers are reported to have clinical signs of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), and now, targeted treatment is here.

Common Symptoms of Dry Eye

• Dryness
• Itchiness
• Trouble focusing
• Blurred vision
• Watery eyes
• Irritation
• Redness

To understand how iLux works, you must first understand a bit more about the tears themselves.  There are three main components that are crucial in forming the tear film that coats the cornea and keeps your eyes feeling moist and comfortable:

1. Lipid Layer:  Located on the outermost part of the tear film, the lipid (oil) layer stabilizes the tear film.
    
2. Aqueous Layer:  The Aqueous Layer is the largest portion of your tear film, responsible for supplying the moisture your eyes need to be comfortable.
    
3. Mucin Layer:  This innermost layer consists of proteins called mucins that coat the eye and allow the Aqueous Layer to “stick” to the otherwise water-repellent cornea.

When we experience eye dryness, we generally assume it is due to an Aqueous Layer Deficiency (ALD).  An ALD occurs when our eyes do not produce enough of the watery component of tears.  However, your dry eye symptoms are likely the sign of something more.  86% of dry eye sufferers have Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD).  MGD is a condition where the glands that help keep your tear film oily get blocked:

This allows your tears to evaporate more easily, causing your eyes to dry out.  MGD is a chronic condition that will worsen over time if not treated.

The good news is that MGD is manageable.  

iLUX® MGD Treatment System

Fast and Effective

With your eye care professional by your side every step of the way, the iLUX® MGD treatment system administers therapeutic heat and then expresses the oil directly from the blocked meibomian glands. Now that the glands are unblocked, it will be easier for the oil to be released naturally.

Real Dry Eye Relief

The iLUX® device was shown to significantly reduce dry eye symptoms such as gritty eyes and irritation. In a clinical study, patients’ meibomian gland scores were three times better at two weeks post-treatment and four times better at four weeks, compared to baseline.

Treatment Process

• Your eye care professional assesses your eyelids to determine the treatment zones.
• Your eyelid is held between the soft, biocompatible pads of the iLUX® device’s Smart Tip Patient Interface. For comfort, you may keep your eyes closed.
• Therapeutic, light-based heat will begin to warm the blocked glands to a safe temperature to help soften and release the oil. The meibum melts and your doctor has the ability to apply additional heat or pressure dependent on your needs.
• Through compression, the oil is expressed from the glands and treatment is complete