FAQ
Why do my eyes feel this way?
Recognise the signs and understand the causes of Dry Eye
Dry Eye happens when the tear film that protects the eye becomes damaged. If the oily (lipid) layer of the tear film is too weak, tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead to dryness, irritation, sensitivity to light, eye fatigue, a foreign-body sensation or blurry vision, among other eye health problems.
When looking at screens, people tend to blink less often and less fully. This prevents the tear film from spreading properly over the entire surface of the eye. As a result, tears evaporate more quickly, leading to dryness and discomfort.
Yes. Surprisingly, watery eyes can be a sign of Dry Eye. When the eyes are too dry and irritated, they produce excess reflex tears to protect themselves. However, these tears are mostly watery and lack the oily layer needed to stay on the surface of the eye. As a result, they evaporate quickly or overflow without properly relieving the dryness.
If your eyes burn or feel itchy, scratchy or sticky, you may have Dry Eye. This condition affects up to 20% of people and can cause various types of eye discomfort or pain. It is often linked to eye strain from modern lifestyles, especially long hours spent in front of screens.
Digital screens are a common trigger for Dry Eye. However, it can also be linked to aging, wearing contact lenses, environmental factors such as air conditioning or wind, certain medications, hormonal changes and autoimmune diseases.
Sometimes, yes. If Dry Eye is caused by temporary factors such as intensive screen use or certain medications, symptoms may improve once screen time is reduced or treatment is stopped under medical advice. However, chronic Dry Eye usually does not go away on its own and often requires proper care, especially if the underlying causes are not addressed.
Several factors can increase the risk of Dry Eye :
- Age Dry eye is more common after 50. Naturally, tear production decrease with age. This makes is harder for the eyes to stay properly lubricated and protected from environmental factors such as wind or dust.
- Gender Woman are more likely to experience dry eye because of hormonal changes such as pregnancy, menopause or birth control pills. This can affect production and tear quality.
- Diet A diet low in Vitamin A or Omega-3 fatty acids may increase the risk of dry eye. Vitamin A helps maintain a healthy eye surface and omega-3 fatty acids support the oily layer of the tear film
- Dehydration Not drinking enough water can reduce tear production and make dryness and irritation worse.
- Contact lenses or eye surgery Wearing contact lenses can disrupt tear film stability and increase tear evaporation. Eye surgery may temporarily make the eye less sensitive, impact tear production and cause dryness.
What can I do about my Dry Eye?
Explore your options and know when to seek professional advice
Simple daily habits can help, such as taking regular screen breaks, blinking more often, staying hydrated and avoiding very dry or windy environments. Eye drops may also provide temporary relief. If symptoms persist or regularly come back, an Eye Care Professional can help identify the cause and recommend appropriate care.
Eye drops can help lubricate the eyes and relieve symptoms, but they do not always address the underlying cause. If your Dry Eye is linked to poor tear quality or Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), your Eye Care Professional may recommend additional treatment.
If your symptoms are frequent, persistent or affect your daily comfort or vision, it is a good idea to consult an Eye Care Professional. You should also seek professional advice if your symptoms continue despite using eye drops or making lifestyle changes.
Dry Eye can have different causes. Your eyes may not produce enough tears, your tears may evaporate too quickly, or both can happen at the same time. Understanding the cause helps your Eye Care Professional choose the most appropriate way to manage your Dry Eye.
An Eye Care Professional can examine your eyes and assess different aspects of your tear film and ocular surface. This may include checking tear stability, the oily layer of your tears, blinking and the condition of your Meibomian glands.
The right approach depends on the type and cause of your Dry Eye. After assessing your symptoms, tear film and eye health, an Eye Care Professional can recommend a treatment plan adapted to your needs.
Recurring symptoms may mean that an underlying cause is still affecting your tear film. Rather than repeatedly treating the symptoms alone, an Eye Care Professional can reassess your eyes and determine whether more targeted or long-term management is needed.
Dry Eye can sometimes be temporary, while in other cases it is a chronic condition that needs ongoing care. The right treatment depends on the underlying cause. Identifying and addressing that cause can help improve symptoms and, in some cases, provide longer-lasting relief. For example, when Dry Eye is linked to Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, targeted treatments like IRPL® help improve gland function and tear film stability.
How can IRPL® help my eyes?
Understand the treatment and its benefits
IRPL® stands for Intense Regulated Pulsed Light. It delivers a series of precisely controlled light pulses to the area below the eyes. The treatment is designed to stimulate the Meibomian glands, helping them release the oils needed to maintain a stable tear film.
Eye drops mainly provide lubrication and temporary symptom relief. IRPL® is designed to act on Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, one of the main causes of evaporative Dry Eye, helping improve the natural oily layer of the tear film.
The Meibomian glands produce meibum, the natural oil that forms the outer layer of the tear film. IRPL® is designed to stimulate these glands and improve their function, helping the tear film stay stable for longer.
When the Meibomian glands function better, they can release more of the oils needed to protect the watery part of the tear film from evaporating too quickly. This can help improve tear film stability and eye comfort.
For people with Dry Eye related to Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, IRPL® may help reduce symptoms such as dryness, burning, irritation, gritty sensations and general eye discomfort. Results vary from person to person.
IRPL® is designed for people whose Dry Eye is associated with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and an insufficient lipid layer of the tear film. An Eye Care Professional can assess your tear film and Meibomian glands to determine whether IRPL® is appropriate for you.
Some people may notice an improvement after the first session, while for others the benefits develop progressively over the course of the treatment protocol. Results and timing can vary from person to person.
The benefits can continue after the treatment protocol is completed, but their duration varies depending on the individual and the condition of the Meibomian glands. Your Eye Care Professional can monitor your eyes and advise you if further care is needed.
This depends on your individual Dry Eye condition. Some people may find they need eye drops less often after treatment, while others may still benefit from them. Your Eye Care Professional can advise you based on how your eyes respond.
What can I expect?
Before, during and after your IRPL® sessions
Before starting treatment, an Eye Care Professional will assess your Dry Eye and check whether Meibomian Gland Dysfunction is contributing to your symptoms. Your skin phototype and possible contraindications are also checked before treatment.
Your skin should be clean and free from makeup before the session. Your practitioner will also give you instructions regarding sun exposure and anything else you may need to avoid before treatment. Always tell your practitioner about any medication you are taking.
Yes. IRPL® may not be suitable in certain situations, including pregnancy, use of photosensitizing medication or certain skin conditions. Skin phototype, recent sun exposure, tattoos, moles and other individual factors must also be considered. Your practitioner will check for contraindications before treatment.
You sit comfortably while your eyes are covered with protective eyewear. A layer of gel is applied to the skin, and a series of controlled light pulses is delivered below the eyes, around the cheekbone area. There is no direct contact with the eye itself.
The treatment is designed to be gentle and non-invasive. You may briefly feel warmth when each light pulse is delivered, but the session is generally well tolerated.
The treatment itself only takes a few minutes. A typical session lasts approximately 5 to 10 minutes.
There is usually no downtime, so you can return to your normal daily activities after the session. Temporary mild redness may occur. Your practitioner will explain any precautions to follow, particularly regarding sun exposure.
The E-Eye IRPL® protocol includes sessions on Day 1, Day 15 and Day 45, with an optional fourth session on Day 75 when needed. Your Eye Care Professional will determine the protocol that is most appropriate for you.
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