With expert faculty in the area of dry eye and ocular surface disease, UAB Eye Care is pleased to offer specialty dry eye services to those who deal with the irritating and often debilitating symptoms of dry eye disease.
Dry Eye Relief Clinic Optometrists
Optometrists specializing in dry eye disease evaluate patients using state-of-the-art equipment in dry eye diagnostics and therapeutics. Our diverse faculty includes internationally renowned clinician scientists who have worked to raise awareness of dry eye disease, improve diagnostic instruments and release new therapeutics for all types of dry eye disease. Collectively, our UAB Eye Care team has more than 30 years of experience in performing FDA clinical trials and our own independent research to help bring patients relief to their symptoms.
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LipiFlow treatment for meibomian gland dysfunction
More than 25 years of clinical research shows that meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is the primary cause of dry eye disease and that it can be treated. Gland blockages can be removed to restore proper gland function and reduce the progression of MGD, provided your gland structure is healthy. LipiFlow is the only FDA-cleared treatment that properly heats the inside and outside of the eyelids while providing a gentle massaging action to properly remove gland blockages. Most patients receiving treatment notice improvement with symptoms over time but may need regular treatment every one to two years. The treatment is virtually painless and takes less than 12 minutes. To find out if this treatment is right for you, call our clinic at 205.975.2020 to schedule an appointment or request one online.
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Understanding MGD and dry eye disease
Research shows that the leading cause of eye discomfort for more than 86 percent of patients with dry eye disease is not necessarily due to a lack of tear production but to a blockage of the tiny glands in the eyelids known as the meibomian glands. When the eye blinks, the glands release a mixture of oils that acts as the front line of protection for the tears, lubricating the surface of the eyes. When these glands become blocked, production of the necessary oils to protect the watery layer on the tear film is compromised thus causes this watery layer to evaporate and leave the eye surface exposed.
A routine check for MGD as a part of any eye exam is recommended. MGD is a progressive disease but can be managed effectively if detected in its early stages. If left undetected, over time results can be long-term structural damage of the glands and even permanent gland loss. When MGD occurs, the protective oil that normally flows from the meibomian glands slows or stops.