Dry Eye Treatment in Mannheim

Dry Eye: What’s behind it

Dry eye, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca or sicca syndrome, is one of the most commonly underdiagnosed eye problems. The surface of the eyes need a constant supply of different fluids, which is why blinking regularly occurs. However, keratoconjunctivitis sicca involves a disruption in tear film production or stability. The affected eye is not adequately supplied with these tear fluids, or the loss of tear fluid is too high, leading to redness, burning, itching, swelling or dryness of the eyes. These symptoms significantly affect quality of life. The lack of tear fluid also increases susceptibility to infections and eye inflammations, which can, in turn, cause further eye diseases and decrease of vision.

What causes dry eyes?

Dry eyes can occur more frequently with age. Hormonal changes and certain medications can also lead to dry eyes. Notably, dry eyes can be a symptom of various conditions such as diabetes or thyroid problems. External factors can also be a cause, such as regular screen work or exposure to dry air (e.g. air condition). Often, dysfunction of the Meibomian glands, which secrete a protective lipid layer onto the tear film, underlies dry eyes. This lipid layer protects the aqueous part of tear fluid from evaporation and is essential for even, long-term moistening of the eye surface. Blocked Meibomian glands can lead to inflammation of the eyelid margins (blepharitis).

The causes of dry eyes summarized:

• Lack of fluids, vitamin deficiency, sleep deprivation
• Regular and prolonged screen work
• Frequent stay in air-conditioned rooms
• Advanced age
• Taking specific medications
• Aftereffects of eye surgeries
• Infections
• Allergies or significant pollutant exposure
• Hormonal imbalance, especially during menopause or with thyroid problems

Symptoms of Dry Eyes

The sicca syndrome manifests with more than just a sensation of dryness in the eye.

The symptoms of dry eyes include:

• Red conjunctiva
• Blurred vision
• Watery eyes
• Burning eyes
• Foreign body sensation (“grit” in the eye)
• Decreased visual quality
• Light sensitivity
• Glued eyelids (especially upon waking up)
• Swollen eyelids
• Difficulty adjusting glasses at the optician

If you experience one or more of these symptoms, you should promptly visit our practice in the heart of Mannheim. Dry eyes are an extremely complex condition that requires targeted treatment through medical examination. We will identify the cause of your dry eyes and determine the optimal treatment method for you. Furthermore, regular preventive examinations are indispensable for maintaining eye health.

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Dry Eye Treatment in Mannheim

The good news: Acute dry eyes are treatable and often curable within a few days/weeks with the right therapy. Chronic dry eye often requires ongoing treatment. Treatment for dry eyes can involve eye drops, eye gels, and eyelid care products. These products moisturize the eye and alleviate symptoms.

Diagnosis is our top priority. We identify the cause of your dry eyes and initiate treatment there. Therefore, the treatment for dry eyes begins with a thorough and professional examination. For this, we have state-of-the-art equipment at our disposal, especially the Oculus Keratograph 5M with the Jenvis Dry Eye Report for accurate measurements and better visualization of the pathology behind the dry eye

Here’s how dry eye treatment works in our practice:

• 1.We conduct a medical history interview with you
• 2.We examine the degree of redness in your eyes and measure how often you blink.
• 3.We measure the height of the tear film and the tear film breakup time using video recordings (Non-invasive). The faster the tear film breaks up, the quicker symptoms like blurry vision and foreign body sensation occur.
• 4.With the Schirmer test, we measure tear film production. We place a small strip of filter paper in the lower conjunctival sac to absorb tear fluid. This helps us assess whether your tear film production is within the normal range. We also use a fluorescent dye to assess whether there is a dry eye surface.
• 5.Using an infrared image, we examine the Meibomian glands of the upper and lower eyelids to assess their functionality.
• 6.We check the epithelial map of the cornea to evaluate the most outer layer of the cornea

Depending on further symptoms, additional specific tests may be necessary to diagnose or exclude other conditions as the cause of your dry eyes (e.g. after refractive surgery or herpes-infection). We explain the findings in an understandable and transparent manner directly with the patient. Subsequently, we create an individual treatment plan for you.

Do you have more questions or want to schedule an appointment? Feel free to contact us via email at info@augenarzt-auerbach.de, by phone at 0621-78897666, or use the following button for online appointment booking.
We look forward to seeing you!

Specifically in our practice: IPL therapy (Intense Pulsed Light) “Eye-Light” for dry eyes.

Dry eyes are not only bothersome but also cause significant impairments in daily life. If the symptoms persist for an extended period, suspicion arises of dysfunction of the Meibomian glands, which ensure constant lubrication in a healthy eye. Targeted IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) therapy acts on the glands with light pulses and contributes to sustainable treatment of eye dryness.

Our Eye-Light system operates by focusing pulses of polychromatic light with wavelengths (500-1200 nm) onto the Meibomian glands. The focused light is selectively absorbed by oxyhemoglobin present in the blood, raising the temperature of the illuminated cells. This process breaks down solidified oil blockages that hinder the production of healthy, refreshing tears.

The light pulses have several effects:

• Increasing the production of moisturizing eye secretions by warming the Meibomian glands
• Permanently destroying permanently dilated blood vessels and Demodex mites, which promote inflammation of the Meibomian glands
• Supporting the cellular functions of the eye, such as the mobility of immune cells
• Many patients find that the need for moisturizing eye drops can be significantly reduced.

Several scientific publications have shown that initially, 3-4 IPL treatments are necessary. Afterward, maintenance treatment is targeted every 3 to 6 months, depending on whether and how quickly Meibomian gland dysfunction recurs.

Image 1: IPL Eye-Light

LLLT – Low-Level Light Therapy

The IPL treatment is effectively combined with LLLT. LLLT has been known for years in the dental and dermatological fields as a therapy method for skin diseases. By emitting light in the infrared spectrum, heat is generated, allowing the lipid flow to drain from the blocked glands.

Image 2: LLLT – Low-Level Light Therapy

Image 3: IPL / LLLT

Can IPL/LLLT also be used for other medical conditions?

In addition to treating Meibomian gland dysfunction, IPL and LLLT can also be used to treat the following conditions:

• Acceleration of wound healing after eyelid surgeries
  
  The IPL/LLLT treatment promotes rapid and gentle wound healing after eyelid surgeries.
  
  Number of required therapy sessions: 1.
• Healing of styes (chalazia)
  
  Styes are acute inflammations of one or more Meibomian glands. These typically take days to weeks to resolve and are very bothersome for patients. Often, they can become encapsulated and subsequently lead to surgery if not adequately treated. The rapid IPL/LLLT therapy accelerates healing. Often, the application of medications such as antibiotics and corticosteroids can be avoided.
  
  Number of required therapy sessions: 1 to 2.
• Treatment of Demodex infections
  
  Demodex mites are parasites that live in the hair follicles of the eyelashes. Demodex mites are often difficult to eradicate and lead to chronic lid margin inflammation. IPL/LLLT is an efficient method for treating Demodex infections.
  
  Number of required therapy sessions: 1 to 2.

All services are billed according to the GOÄ (German Medical Fee Schedule). The preliminary examination and treatment costs for IPL/LLT therapy are not covered by statutory health insurance. Private insurance companies typically reimburse the costs.

Acting promptly with the right preventive examinations.

Whether it’s the regular work in front of a screen or the dry air in public transportation, in daily life, we are exposed to a variety of external influences that potentially increase the risk of dry eyes. Mild symptoms such as recurrent eye itching understandably may not always be taken seriously. At this point, timely recognition of initial signs becomes paramount. To prevent the progression of harmful eye diseases, regular preventive examinations are recommended. In our practice, you can obtain a qualified second opinion from our trained experts. This way, we have the opportunity to identify complaints early and treat potential eye diseases preventively.

Measurement of tear film height over time, particularly the basal secretion of the lacrimal gland

Measurement of tear film breakup time (non-invasive) using video recordings for better visualization for the patient

Measurement of tear lipid layer using the Keratograph for improved patient visualization, also measurement of conjunctival redness for progress monitoring after starting therapy

Meibography of the lower eyelid using the Keratograph (via infrared image) and comparison to reference images for illustration and further assessment of Meibomian gland defects and optimal therapy recommendation

Fluorescein staining of the eye surface and measurement of tear film breakup time, as well as staining of eye surface defects using a slit lamp

Corneal topography with visualization of corneal curvature radii to assess corneal surface condition and potential for optical quality improvement, drawing conclusions on existing symptoms