Lumecca-I and Forma- I for Dry Eye Treatment

Dry eye disease is a condition that causes your eyes not to make enough tears, or an improper type of tears. This can make your eyes feel scratchy and uncomfortable and can also cause vision problems. Millions of Americans suffer from this frustrating condition. Some other symptoms include: 

• A gritty feeling, like something is in your eye
• Stinging or burning eyes
• Red and irritated eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurred vision that is either constant or fluctuates, especially when reading
• Difficulty wearing contacts due to irritation. 

Some lifestyle changes may help control dry eyes, such as using a humidifier to keep the air from getting too dry, limiting screen time and taking frequent breaks from screens, drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated, and getting a good night’s sleep. Artificial tears can also help, along with certain prescription medicines. But sometimes these methods are not enough to combat dry eye disease, and a stronger approach is needed. At SightTrust Eye Institute, we are proud to offer two incredible, non-surgical options for treating dry eye: LUMECCA-I and FORMA-I. Let’s discuss how these treatments work. 

Inflammation of and around the oil-producing meibomian glands is a leading cause of dry eye, and reducing this inflammation helps to improve the quality and quantity of tears. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a quick, in-office treatment that helps shrink the overgrowth of blood vessels and can improve dry eyes as well as quality of vision, especially with premium intraocular lenses (IOLs). LUMECCA-I is the most powerful (IPL) designed to treat pigmented and vascular lesions. It is a great non-surgical option that targets eyelid inflammation by creating tissue heating which helps to reduce this inflammation. 

During treatment there is a bright flash of light and a sensation on your skin that feels like a light snap from an elastic band. Redness and a slight warming of the skin are normal after treatment and usually subside within an hour. IPL with LUMECCA-I:

• Targets inflammation of the eyelids that can cause dry eyes. 
• Uses flashes of light to penetrate the skin and selectively seal fine blood vessels, decreasing the inflammatory cycle. 
• By targeting pigmented lesions, it is also a great option for treating with rosacea.
• IPL reactivates meibomian gland mitochondria to help “re-start” oil production.
• Kills skin bacteria and Demodex which are a main cause of eyelid inflammation.
• LUMECCA-I is suitable for skin types I through IV.

Another non-surgical option we offer is FORMA-I. FORMA-I is an innovative procedure that delivers bipolar radiofrequency (RF) technology to the delicate subdermal layers of your eyelids. Radiofrequency is also a quick, in-office treatment that can improve dry eyes as well as quality of vision with premium intraocular lenses (IOLs). This procedure improves blood circulation of the eyelid area, while feeling like a warm, gentle massage. The small applicator size and precision depth control allow for safe treatment of small, delicate areas, such as your eyelids. The benefits of this heat combined with radiofrequency for dry eye are that in combination they: 

• Open clogged meibomian glands to allow increased oil flow onto the eye.
• Stimulate new collagen formation, which produces aesthetic benefits including reduced fine lines and wrinkles, and tightened skin.
• Bring white blood cells and stem cells to the eyelids skin to reduce inflammation.

It’s important to keep in mind that while LUMECCA-I and FORMA-I are fantastic options to help improve some dry eye symptoms, they are not a cure. Treatments are recommended at least twice a year to prevent regrowth of blood vessels and to maintain effective tear production, and these treatments would consist of a series of 4 sessions separated by 2-3 weeks to produce the maximum benefit. LUMECCA-I and FORMA-I are offered as part of SightTrust Eye Institute’s Vision Improvement Program™ (VIP).

If you suffer from dry eye disease, you do have options beyond eye drops! If you feel like lifestyle changes or eye drops are not providing you with the relief you desire, we invite you to explore LUMECCA-I and FORMA-I. Call our office today and we’d love to discuss your individual case and which procedure would be the best to help you achieve the comfort you deserve. Call our office today at (877) 878-7890 or email at: info@sighttrust.com

Sources: 

https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/dry-eye

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-dry-eye