Experiencing dry eyes is more than just an occasional annoyance. The search for relief can often feel endless, involving countless eye drops, home remedies, and fleeting solutions that fail to address the underlying problem.
Fortunately, managing dry eye with advanced, non-invasive therapies, like radiofrequency treatment, becomes simpler.
Radiofrequency (RF) treatment targets the underlying cause of dry eyes by stimulating proper meibomian gland dysfunction using gentle, controlled heat.
Maintaining good eye health goes beyond monitoring vision alone. It also includes managing eye conditions like dry eye. A dry eye consultation allows us to assess the severity of dryness and recommend an advanced therapy option suitable for your needs.
All About Dry Eye
Dry, gritty, and irritated eyes are generally the hallmark of dry eye disease, a chronic condition in which the eyes don’t produce enough tears or the tear quality isn’t adequate to keep the eyes moisturized and healthy.
We may not realize it, but persistent irritation can make everyday activities, like working at a computer, reading, driving, or even just wanting to relax, uncomfortable. The culprit of this discomfort lies in the tear film.
The tear film consists of three layers. And, outside of helping us communicate how we feel, tears serve a functional role in maintaining eye health. They lubricate the eye’s surface, wash away dust and debris, and are a barrier against infections.
When there’s disruption to any layer of the tear film, this creates an imbalance, causing us to experience dry eye symptoms such as:
- Watery eyes
- Blurry vision
- Redness and irritation
- A gritty, sandy feeling in the eyes
- Itchy, burning, or stinging sensations
- A sensation of having something stuck in your eye
Several factors can cause an imbalance in the tear film, leading to dry eye, including:
- Growing older, as tear production naturally decreases with age
- Staring at digital screens for extended periods
- Certain medications and health conditions
- Exposure to dry, smokey, or windy (like Missouri City winters) environments
- Improper contact lens use
Although dry eyes aren’t life-threatening, they require proper management to avoid complications and persistent discomfort in daily life.
Radiofrequency for Dry Eye Therapy
The reality is that there isn’t a cure for dry eye disease. But, modern therapies go beyond at-home remedies and over-the-counter solutions to provide long-lasting relief from symptoms.
Advanced treatments like radiofrequency (RF) are gaining recognition for their unique ability to target dry eyes’ root cause rather than managing its symptoms alone.
What is Radiofrequency Treatment?
Radiofrequency (RF) treatment for dry eye is a non-invasive procedure that uses controlled RF energy to address the underlying issues of dry eye disease. It’s specifically used to stimulate meibomian glands.
Meibomian glands are tiny oil-producing glands along the eyelids that secrete the oily, protective layer of the tear film, which is necessary for keeping the eyes properly moisturized.
The oily layer reduces tear evaporation from the eye’s surface, offering lasting hydration and protection. But, when these glands become dysfunctional or blocked, the tear film loses its stability, leading to dry eyes.
Radiofrequency (RF) treatments specifically targets meibomian glands to address this dysfunction and restore their natural oil-secreting abilities.
How Does RF Treatment Work?
The InMode Forma-I device uses radiofrequency energy to deliver gentle heat to the areas around your eyes. This heat stimulates the meibomian glands by liquifying and clearing any blockages, encouraging them to produce and release the oils your eyes need to keep tears from evaporating too quickly.
During the procedure, this handheld device is moved along the skin surrounding your eyes, and RF energy is delivered with precision and care.
If you’re familiar with at-home remedies for dry eye relief, RF treatment is similar to a warm compress mask. Both methods use heat to improve meibomian gland function.
Heat softens oil secretions within these glands, allowing for better flow and contributing to a healthier tear film. A warm compress mask provides an external source of consistent heat to achieve this effect, while RF takes it a step further by delivering heat more precisely and deeply into the tissue.
Like a warm compress mask, radiofrequency’s non-invasive nature makes a session relatively comfortable and quick, requiring little to no downtime. After the session, you’re free to go back to work or your daily activities, making it an ideal option for anyone with a hectic schedule.
The Benefits of RF Therapy for Dry Eye Relief
Radiofrequency treatment is just one of several advanced therapies our team at Advance Family Eye Care uses to help improve dry eye symptoms. InMode Forma-I offers users a host of benefits, such as:
- Targeted relief: RF treatment specifically targets and improves meibomian gland function, offering long-term relief from symptoms, unlike over-the-counter solutions that offer a more temporary fix.
- Non-invasive and comfortable: RF therapy is a non-invasive procedure that’s gentle on your eyes meaning there’s little to no downtime. Many people find the treatment to be comfortable and relatively painless.
- Quick treatment time: Sessions can last around 15 to 30 minutes, allowing most people to fit them into their schedules without needing to compromise their day.
- Improves visual clarity: Dry eyes can cause blurry vision. RF therapy improves overall comfort and can reduce blurriness caused by a disrupted tear film.
- Boosts confidence: The treated areas around your eyes may also see subtle improvements in skin appearance thanks to RF’s ability to stimulate collagen production.
Take a Step Towards Dry Eye Relief
Living with dry eyes shouldn’t be your daily reality when effective solutions, like radiofrequency treatments, are within reach. This advanced therapy targets the root cause of dry eyes by stimulating meibomian glands to improve overall symptoms. Schedule a consultation with our Advanced Family Eye Care team to learn if radiofrequency for dry eye is the right solution for you!
