TearCare
TearCare Providing Relief for Patients with Chronic Dry Eye
Do your eyes itch, burn, sting, or feel sore? Do you use artificial tears and over-the-counter medications, but still experience pain or redness in your eyes? There’s a chance you may have Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), the leading cause of Dry Eye Disease.
The TearCare System is one of the latest treatments on the market that offers relief to those with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, Dry Eye, Blepharitis, and at Eye Center of the North Shore, we’re proud to have it in our arsenal of advanced treatments for dry eye syndrome.
Contact our doctors today to get relief you’ve been searching for!
Is TearCare new?
TearCare is a relatively new method of treatment for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and Blepharitis. It is a wearable eyelid technology device that administers gentle heat directly to the meibomian glands to liquefy the meibum, removes blockages and stimulates tear production.
How Does TearCare Work?
TearCare includes two flexible eyelid devices, which are placed on your upper and lower eyelids. They’re made of a soft, flexible material that conform to your eye’s natural shape and sit comfortably throughout the procedure. Unlike other treatment methods, TearCare allows the patient’s eyes to remain open and blinking throughout the procedure. The entire process typically lasts for 15 minutes and takes place in the office at Eye Center of the North Shore. After TearCare, your eye doctor will manually clear away obstructions released from the meibomian glands.
Who Is a Good Candidate For TearCare?
Patients using the TearCare system should be at least 22 years old. If you wear contact lenses, they must be removed prior to the TearCare procedure. Following treatment, you will need to wait one hour before re-inserting them. Please let us know If you have an ocular surface abnormality, such as a corneal dystrophy or a similar condition. TearCare may not be suitable in such cases. Inform us prior to administering the treatment in order to ensure an effective, comfortable procedure.
What Are The Side Effects Of TearCare?
Just as with all procedures, there may be certain side effects associated with the use of the TearCare system. These may include:
- Allergic reaction to the adhesive underneath the eyelid devices
- Conjunctivitis (commonly called ‘pink eye’)
- Corneal abrasion
- Styes
- Swelling or burning of the eyelids
Should you experience any side effects, contact us right away.
Fortunately, among its many benefits is TearCare’s customizable system. This allows us to adjust the settings as needed and treat any discomfort or side effects in our office.
The caring and knowledgeable doctors and staff at Eye Center of the North Shore are here to help our dry eye patients. Should you have any additional questions, please feel free to call us at (978)744-1177 or schedule an appointment TODAY!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What is TearCare®?
TearCare® is a 15-minute in-office FDA approved procedure used to treat meibomian gland disorders. The sterile single-use flexible eyelid devices gently adhere to the contours of the patient’s eyelids and apply low heat. SmartLidTM technology works in conjunction with the blinking eye to facilitate natural meibum expression as the meibum melts. The TearCare® procedure is usually repeated every two years or every year.
Is TearCare® treatment painful?
Patients report that treatment is pain-free and find the TearCare® comfortable.
How is TearCare® performed?
SmartLid applicators, which stick using silicone tissue adhesives, will be applied on both upper and lower lids. Treatment will start and a 15 minute timer will be shown on the SmartHub. Optimal heat will be administered through the SmartLids, the heat can be easily adjusted if you feel it’s too warm. This heat, along with your natural blinking, will help unclog the glands.
After the 15 minute timer is up, we will remove the SmartLids and you will see the doctor for manual expression. This is when the doctor will use a specialized tool for precise gland clearance to allow for new oil to begin to flow. Anesthetic drops will be administered to increase comfort prior to expression.
What should be expected after TearCare® treatment?
Your healthy meibomian glands will be restored to proper function. This will help decrease your discomfort and pain from dry eyes by improving the quality of your natural tears.
Is TearCare® covered by insurance?
TearCare® is not a covered service and will be an out of pocket expense.
