Radiofrequency Therapy (RF)

Radiofrequency Therapy (RF) is a safe and effective in-office treatment for dry eyes. During the procedure, RF delivers high-frequency electrical current to the skin in order to generate heat and stimulate the production of collagen.

This therapy not only melts the thick oil secretions, unclogging the meibomian gland and improving the quality of tears, but also reduces any inflammation around your eyes that may be contributing to your dry eyes.

How Does RF Treatment Work?

During the procedure, your eye doctor will use a RF handheld device to gently massage around your eye using a soothing gel. This sends the electrical current into your skin and creates a warming sensation.

The RF treatment causes no pain or discomfort, and takes on average 30 minutes to complete.

After Your RF Treatment

While certain patients notice immediate improvements in their dry eye symptoms, it generally takes a series of treatments to experience drastic change.

Following the treatment, you may experience blurred vision for several days. There is no reason for concern, as it indicates that your meibomian glands are expressing more oil than your eyes are accustomed to. Aside from this, no downtime is required and you should be able to return to your daily activities right after the treatment.

How Is RF Different From Other Dry Eye Treatments?

Standard dry eye treatments, such as eye drops, artificial tears, hot compresses, and eyelid scrubs, aim to temporarily relieve symptoms instead of treating the root cause of the condition. RF is unique in that they each target the source – the blood vessels surrounding the glands — enabling them to secrete oils naturally and resume their moisturizing function. This not only relieves symptoms but also slows the progression of chronic dry eye.

If you have tried various treatments and still struggle with unpleasant dry eye symptoms, we can help. Contact Tallahassee Eye Center today.

Our practice serves patients from Tallahassee, Florida and surrounding communities.

How To Use a Warm Compress Correctly For Dry Eye

For those suffering from Dry Eye Syndrome (DES), finding relief from dry, red, irritated eyes may be a top priority. Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) is now understood to be caused by many factors including pollution, allergies, too few tears or poor tear quality.

Fortunately, there is a safe, effective, and user-friendly method to alleviate symptoms at home: warm compresses for the eyes.

Do I Have Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry eye can be caused by numerous factors, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Symptoms include:

• Dry, itchy eyes
• Watery eyes
• Fatigued or sore eyes
• Red eyes
• Blurred vision
• Photophobia (light sensitivity)

If you suspect that you may have dry eye or experience any of the above symptoms, speak with Dr. Susan Whaley regarding the various dry eye treatments available to ease your discomfort and improve your condition.

How to Prepare a Warm Eye Compress

A warm compress has been proven to be effective in relieving irritating dry eye symptoms.

1. The first step in dealing with anything eye care-related is to thoroughly wash your hands with warm water and soap.
2. Fill a clean bowl with warm water, just hot enough to comfortably feel the warmth with your fingers.
3. Soak a clean washcloth in the warm water. Be sure to use clean water with nothing diluted in it. Face cleansers or Epsom salts can irritate or burn the eyes and should not be added.
4. Ring out the washcloth so that it’s damp, and fold it lengthwise to the size of your eye area.
5. Place the warm, damp cloth over closed eyelids and rest if there until it is no longer warm (about 5 minutes).
6. Remove the washcloth and place it in the bowl with warm water to reheat it. Repeat steps 3 and 4.

You can also microwave a damp washcloth until it’s reached the desired temperature. Make sure to always test the washcloth before placing it over the eyes, as the skin of the eyelid is very thin and can be easily burned.

Warm compresses also come in a dry form, which can be heated using a microwave. All warm compress eye masks can also be purchased at drugstores. We can recommend which brands that are most suitable for your eyes. Whether store-bought or home-made, you’ll want to apply the warm compress twice daily (morning and night) for optimal results.

How Do Warm Compresses Provide Relief?

Warm eye compresses can soothe the eyes and provide almost instant relief. The moisture of the compress hydrates the eyes, which helps to reduce the grittiness, and the warmth relaxes the eye to relieve any pain or muscle spasms that may accompany dry eye. Furthermore, warm compresses can help loosen clogged oil in the glands of your eyelids, which allow these essential oils to mix with your tears, producing better quality tears.

Though warm eye compresses are a great at-home remedy for treating dry eye, Dr. Susan Whaley can offer other more potent dry eye treatments for complete relief from symptoms. If you are experiencing dry eye, schedule an appointment at Tallahassee Eye Center to get the relief you seek.

Dr. Susan Whaley serves patients from Tallahassee, , , , and throughout Florida.

References

• https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/eyes-warm-compress

Hot Compress Eye Masks For Effective & Rapid Dry Eye Relief

If you are suffering from mild to moderate dry eye symptoms, such as itchy and gritty eyes, this low tech solution may be just what you need. Hot compress eye masks are easy to use and a natural way to treat blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), and specifically – chronic dry eye disease.

What Is Dry Eye Disease?

Dry eye disease (DES) is a condition where the eyes chronically feel dry, irritated, and uncomfortable. This is due to either insufficient or poor quality tears. Other symptoms include:

• Watery eyes – the eyes may overproduce tears to compensate for the lack of lubrication
• Red eyes
• Fatigued eyes
• Sore or achy eyes
• Blurred vision
• Photophobia (light sensitivity)

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms and suspect you may have dry eye, speak with Dr. Susan Whaley about the latest dry eye treatments available. Hot compress eye masks are one of the recommended methods for relieving dry eye.

How Does A Hot Compress Eye Mask Provide Dry Eye Relief?

A hydrating hot compress eye mask contains special beads that continuously absorb and store water molecules from the air. When the mask is warmed up in the microwave, the clean, natural moist heat immediately begins to provide soothing relief for your eyes. A heated eye mask helps stabilize the tear film, improves oil gland function, and slows tear evaporation.

After using the mask, your hydrated and lubricated eyes will be able to expel bacteria and debris more efficiently so your eyes feel refreshed and rejuvenated. The heat from the mask also helps unblock meibomian glands and produce more tears.

Contact Dr. Susan Whaley to discuss your dry eye symptoms and to determine whether hot compress eye masks are the right treatment for you.

Our practice serves patients from Tallahassee, Florida and surrounding communities.