Name: Luminance Vision Optometry
Address: 3444 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, CA, 94549
Telephone: 925-900-8977

Find Relief for Your Dry Eyes

There can be many different causes for dry eyes. That’s why we fully examine your unique case of dry eyes to tailor a treatment plan to you.

Our Treatment Methods

Radiofrequency treatment (with Cynosure)

Radiofrequency (RF) treatment uses energy waves to heat the area around your eyes and unclog meibomian glands. This treatment can help relieve dry eye symptoms by using electromagnetic waves.

By gently heating your eyelids, RF allows oils clogging the meibomian glands to liquefy. Your optometrist may massage the treated area to help release any trapped oils.
RF treatment is safe for all skin types when performed by a professional.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy was originally developed for use in dermatology. It is an innovative way to treat meibomian gland dysfunction.

During the treatment, light is used to help to liquefy blockages in the meibomian glands. Often, these blockages are caused by solidified meibum (oil) made by the glands. IPL softens this debris so it can be expressed. The light also targets inflammation, which can play a role in dry eye disease.

We use the Lumenis IPL device and the treatment takes place right in our office.

Meibomian Gland Expression

Meibomian gland expression is performed by a skilled optometrist who applies pressure to the upper and lower eyelids where the glands are located. The pressure helps to squeeze out any debris or blockages.

This procedure is simple and takes place in-office. It works well after an IPL treatment has softened any blockages.

Eyelid Exfoliation

Keeping the eyelids clean is essential to maintaining eye health and moisture, particularly if you suffer from blocked meibomian glands. An in-office, advanced cleansing procedure for the eyelids, AB Max helps remove plaque and debris from the eyelid margin, helping to keep the meibomian glands free from blockages.

Unimpeded meibomian glands can more effectively produce the oil layer needed for high-quality tears.

Most patients report no discomfort during AB Max treatments. During your diagnostic, we will recommend an appropriate length of time between regular treatments for best results.

Punctal Plugs

Punctal plugs are tiny medical devices, no larger than a grain of rice. They are inserted into either the top or bottom tear ducts—or both—to keep fluid from draining from the eyes.

When tears do not drain as quickly, they stay on the eye’s surface longer, keeping it moist and helping to relieve discomfort. They’re nearly invisible and insertion is quick and well-tolerated.

Punctal plugs come in temporary varieties that dissolve over time and are absorbed by the body, or semi-permanent varieties that are set a little deeper and can be removed if needed.

Learn about our treatment methods

Signs You Could Have Dry Eyes

When evaluating you for dry eyes, there are certain symptoms and risk factors we look for.

Dry Eye Symptoms

Many patients with dry eyes experience some or all of the following symptoms, typically in both eyes:

Stinging, burning, or scratchy feeling
Gritty feeling; like something is in your eyes
Eye redness
Watery eyes
Blurred vision
Eye fatigue or tired feeling
Light sensitivity
Difficulty driving at night
Difficulty wearing contact lenses
Stringy mucus in or around your eyes

Dry Eye Risk Factors

Some people are at a greater risk of developing dry eyes than others. If you fit into the following categories, you could have an increased chance of developing dry eyes.

Age: Dry eyes occur naturally as we age. Most people over the age of 65 will experience symptoms of dry eyes.
Gender: Women are more likely to develop dry eyes due to hormonal changes brought on by menopause, pregnancy, and birth control.
Medications: A number of medications can decrease tear production leading to dry eyes, including antihistamines, decongestants, blood pressure medications, and antidepressants.
Medical conditions: Autoimmune diseases like Sjorgren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus can increase your risk for dry eyes.
Contact lens use: Contact lenses can interfere with the distribution of tears over the eyes, although your optometrist can recommend specialty contacts if you have dry eyes.
Laser eye surgery: Laser eye surgery like LASIK can interfere with tear production, although this side effect is often temporary.

How We Diagnose & Treat Dry Eyes

Before recommending a treatment plan, we fully evaluate your eyes to determine the root cause of your dry eyes. This includes a full history to identify risk factors and a full evaluation of your eyelids, ocular surface, and tear film. Based on this evaluation, we determine the most effective management plan.

Nutrition Therapy

A number of studies have shown a well-balanced diet to be especially beneficial for eye health. Certain nutrients and vitamins can even help in the treatment of eye conditions, including dry eyes. Omega 3’s are especially beneficial for those with dry eyes. Fish, like salmon, sardines, and mackerel, are a good source of omega 3s, as are walnuts and flaxseed. Omega 3 supplements are another way to get more of the nutrients you need.

IPL Therapy

IPL or intense pulsed light therapy is an in-office treatment designed to reduce inflammation linked to dry eye disease. This non-invasive procedure uses light energy to eliminate some of the factors contributing to inflammation, like irregular blood vessels. By treating the inflammation at the source, IPL allows the eye to produce a healthier tear film, which alleviates the dry eye symptoms.

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