Now Offering New Drop-Free Treatment for Dry Eyes

Dry eye syndrome impacts millions of Americans with a variety of symptoms including irritation, redness, blurred vision, watery eyes, sandy or gritty sensation, and light sensitivity. Some may have relatively mild symptoms, but frequent symptoms are so severe (especially in the winter months), where the quality of life is impacted. Traditional treatments such as over-the-counter artificial tears or prescription drops such as Restasis or Xiidra are variably effective, and many of my patients still note significant symptoms despite using drops. I've shared in my patients' frustrations with what is mostly just a "band-aid" solution that doesn't address the underlying cause of their dry eye. Not only that, but the cost of eye drops and copays for prescription medications can also be astronomical!

As part of our mission at Michigan Ophthalmology to utilize advances in technology to improve the quality of life of our patients, we are thrilled to announce that we will be the FIRST ophthalmology practice in Michigan to offer the cutting edge dry eye treatment known as Intense Pulsed Light therapy (IPL). This is an FDA-approved, non-invasive, light therapy that targets the source of inflammation that is behind most cases of dry eye syndrome: the eyelids. If you have been told you have inflammation of the eyelids (blepharitis), ocular rosacea, frequent styes or chalazia, or are bothered by chronic unwanted redness of the eyelids or face, you may be a candidate for this revolutionary treatment. Several recent studies have demonstrated that patients who receive a 4-treatment course of IPL have a statistically significant reduction in dry eye symptoms. If you have seemingly tried everything and still don’t have the relief you desire, IPL may be for you.

We will be offering IPL treatments in our Rochester office starting October, and treatments typically take less than 20 minutes. If you are interested in learning more about IPL, please contact our office today at 248-710-2325 for a comprehensive dry eye evaluation.

~ Dr Vrabec