Dry Eye Specialty Clinic
Bradley Williams, MD, - Dry Eye Specialist.What is Dry Eye?
Dr. Bradley Williams, our Dry Eye specialist, has trained under Rolando Toyos, MD, Melissa Toyos, MD, Laura Periman, MD, and Susan Watson, MD to bring the best treatment regimen to the upstate of South Carolina.
A chronic condition that leaves your eyes dry, itchy, and scratchy, and can even cause excessive tearing and blurry vision.
Dry Eye Disease is caused by two conditions, both resulting in inadequate moisture on the surface of the eye.
- Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: Healthy meibomian glands secrete a protective oil layer that prevents tear evaporation and dry eyes. When obstructed, these glands are unable to produce normal oil. Factors such as the environment, the aging process, hormonal changes, medications, inadequate blinking, poor diet and systemic diseases such as arthritis cause gland dysfunction.
- Blepharitis: A chronic, inflammatory disease of the eyelids caused by an overgrowth of bacterial debris along the lid and lash lines. Over time, chronic inflammation leads to reduced tear gland performance.
Dry Eye Disease affects people of all ages and can be due to a variety of factors:
- Significant screen time (computer, phone, gaming)
- Rosacea
- Systemic medical conditions
- Contact Lens Wear
- Have taken medication that causes oil gland dysfunction and/or decreases tear production
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for dry eyes. Our specialty clinic offers a range of diagnostic tools and treatments to better help us treat your dry eye condition.
Diagnostic Tools?
Our office believes in mitigating the signs and symptoms of Dry Eye Disease. Following a comprehensive diagnostic assessment, we work with you to design a specialized treatment option for you. Every patient is unique; therefore, every treatment plan is unique. These may include in-office procedures, dietary supplements, and lifestyle changes. Our goal is to achieve long-term results as well as short-term relief.
- Tear Film Examination
- TearLab Osmolartiy Test
- InflammaDry Test
- Oculus Keratograph 5m / Blink Imaging: reviewing the thickness of the lipid (oil) layer of your tears, how well you blink, and an
- image of the structure of your meibomian glands.
- Biomicroscopy Examination with Vital Dyes
- Korb Meibomian Gland Evaluator (Korb MGE) Analysis
- Anterior Segment Photography, Videography, Meibography with Analysis
- LipiScan Rapid High Definition Gland Imaging
- And more…
Testimonials
Treatment Methods
IPL
IPL OR Intense-Pulsed Light Therapy is an innovative treatment that helps reduce inflammation and ease discomfort from dry eye disease. Your eye health relies on a consistent production of tears that nourish and hydrate your eyes. When your oil glands malfunction due to inflammation, you can develop dry, irritated eyes. IPL to decrease inflammation to restore glandular function.
OptiLight by Lumenis
BLEPHEX
BlephEx® is a painless in-office procedure performed by your eyecare professional or trained technician. A BlephEx® handpiece is used to spin micro-sponge along the edge of your eyelids and lashes. The procedure lasts about 6 – 8 minutes. The procedure effectively removes accumulated bacterial biofilm, much like a dental cleaning removes accumulated plaque, also a biofilm. Once the biofilm is removed, your eyelids are cleaner and healthier. A healthy eyelid is critical for normal tear production.
Other treatments include:
- Punctal Occlusion
- Prokera Corneal Bandage
- Restasis/Xidra
- Lid/Lash Hygiene
- Eye Compresses
- Diet
- Scleral Contact Lenses
Click here for our dry eye questionnaire.