TearCare System for Dry Eye
An in-office FDA cleared procedure that can help treat dry eye related to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), targeting the root cause of evaporative dry eye.
What is the TearCare System?
TearCare® is an in-office procedure used to treat dry eye related to MGD (meibomian gland dysfunction), a common condition where the eyelid oil glands are not functioning well. These glands produce an oily secretion called meibum, which is essential to protect your tears and prevent rapid tear evaporation. If left untreated, the oils can become abnormally thick and hard, which can result in blockages of the entire gland. Blocked oil glands can result in eyelid conditions such as chronic dry eye, blepharitis, styes, and chalazions.
The TearCare® system provides direct therapeutic heat to these meibomian glands to help soften the thick oils, followed by manual expression of these oils out of the glands.
Watch the video to learn more about TearCare treatment for dry eye.
How is TearCare performed?
The single-use, flexible SmartLids™ gently adhere to the contours of your eyelid, allowing you to still blink while being treated at a therapeutic temperature to heat your oil glands (45 degrees Celcius). The SmartLids™ are applied to the upper and lower eyelids using a silicone medical adhesive. A therapeutic heating temperature will be administered through the SmartLids™ for 15 minutes. The heat can be easily adjusted, if necessary. The heat will start softening the thick oil in the glands. After 15 minutes, the SmartLids™ will be removed and the doctor will manually express the oil from the glands using a specialized tool. This will evacuate the stagnant oils from the glands, and allow new oil to flow. The total treatment time usually ranges between 25-30 minutes.
© 2024 American Academy of Ophthalmology
Expectations
After successful treatment, your meibomian glands will be cleared and will allow new oils to begin flowing. This may help your eyes feel better by improving the quality of your natural tears, helping reduce the effects dry eye. Immediately after the procedure, you may experience mild blurry vision, mild swelling/redness of the eyelid(s), foreign body sensation, and/or a stye.
Longevity of treatment effects
The lasting effect of the TearCare® procedure is variable from patient to patient. However, benefits from TearCare® can last up to 6-12 months. Periodic maintenance treatments may be necessary to provide optimal meibomian gland function and dry eye relief. In addition, it is still highly encouraged to continue using routine warm compress eyelid therapy at home to help maintain good meibomian gland health.
The TearCare® procedure is aimed towards treating oil-deficiency (evaporative) dry eye, which is the most common type of dry eye. If you have a different type of dry eye, or other ocular comorbidities, then you may not fully benefit from this procedure. Also, this device cannot be used if you have a silicone adhesive allergy.
