Dry eyes are a common condition that occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This leads to dryness, irritation, and inflammation of the ocular surface. It can be caused by various factors such as aging, hormonal changes, environmental conditions, prolonged screen time, certain medications, and underlying health conditions like autoimmune disorders. Treatment options for dry eye disease may include artificial tears, anti-inflammatory medications, lifestyle adjustments (like using humidifiers or taking regular breaks from screens), and in some cases, surgical interventions. Managing dry eye disease often requires a combination of approaches tailored to the severity and underlying causes of the condition.

Dry eye can cause the following symptoms:

• Red, burning or itchy eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• Excessive tearing or watery eyes
• Eye fatigue
• Blurry vision
• Foreign body sensation
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses​
• Stringy mucus in corner of eyes
• Difficulty driving at night​

At NewVue, to help properly diagnose and treat your dry eye, we will conduct a series of screenings prior to your appointment. One of these tests is called the Tear breakup time (TBT) test which checks how quickly your tears evaporate after one blink. We will also capture a series of photos called meibography, where our technology captures high-definition images of the meibomian glands in the eyelids, allowing the doctor to properly assess their structure and function to diagnose potential issues such as blepharitis or meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). ​

What is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?

What is Blepharitis?

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) is a common eye condition that affects the meibomian glands, which are tiny oil-producing glands located in the eyelids, along the edge where the lashes are. These glands secrete oils (called meibum) that help form the outermost layer of the tear film, which prevents tears from evaporating too quickly. During MGD, glands may become blocked or clogged, inflamed, or produce poor quality oils and/or not enough oil. As a result, the tear film becomes unstable, leading to itchy, dry eyes, irritation, inflammation, or even blepharitis.

Blepharitis is a common eye condition that causes inflammation of the eyelids, typically where the eyelashes grow. It can affect people of all ages and is often a chronic issue. Symptoms include redness, swelling, itching, burning, crusting at the lash line, and a gritty sensation in the eyes. In some cases, it can lead to dry eyes or blurred vision.

Blepharitis is usually caused by bacterial overgrowth, clogged oil glands, dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis), or skin conditions like rosacea. While it is not contagious, it can be persistent and uncomfortable if left untreated.
Managing blepharitis typically involves regular eyelid hygiene—such as gentle cleaning with warm compresses and diluted baby shampoo or specialized wipes—and, in some cases, prescribed medication.

If you feel like you're experiencing any of these symptoms, book your appointment with us today so we can help find you the best solution for your dry eyes.

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Treatment

At NewVue, we offer a service called MiBoFlo. MiBoFlo is a non-invasive thermal pulsation treatment paired with in-office meibomian gland expression to treat meibomian gland dysfunction. Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a condition where the oil-producing glands in your eyelids, called meibomian glands, don't function properly, leading to a decrease in the quality or quantity of oil needed to prevent your eyes from drying out, often resulting in dry eye syndrome; this can happen due to blocked ducts or changes in the oil produced by the glands themselves.

The MiBoFlo treatment uses heat and an eyelid massage to:

• Liquify the blocked meibum: The controlled heat helps to liquefy the thickened, hardened meibum that is clogging the glands.
• Express the meibum: The eyelid massage action helps to express the liquefied meibum from the glands, clearing the blockages.
• Stimulate gland function: The treatment helps to stimulate the meibomian glands, encouraging them to produce a healthier, more stable tear film.

Treatment protocol recommends 4 sessions every two weeks, if additional sessions are required, single treatments are then performed on an as-needed basis based on patient signs and symptoms.

If you suffer from dry eye and think that MiBoFlo is the solution for you, schedule your appointment today for a consultation.