Skip to main content
Schedule an Eye Exam
Open Menu

What to do About Dry Eyes in the Spring

Home » Eye Care Services » Tear Care

TearCare: Providing Relief for Patients with Chronic Dry Eye

Do your eyes itch, burn, sting, or feel sore? Do you use artificial tears and over-the-counter medications, but still experience pain or redness in your eyes? There’s a chance you may have Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), the leading cause of Dry Eye Disease.

The TearCare System is one of the latest treatments on the market that offers relief to those with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, Dry Eyes, and Blepharitis, and at the Regional Eyecare Associates, we’re proud to have it in our arsenal of advanced treatments for dry eye syndrome.

Contact Dr. Sarah Davis to get the relief you’ve been searching for with this proven TearCare system.

What is TearCare for Dry Eye and Blepharitis?

TearCare is a relatively new method of treatment for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and Blepharitis. It is a wearable eyelid technology device that administers gentle heat directly to the meibomian glands to liquefy the meibum, remove blockages and stimulate tear production.

How Does TearCare Work?

TearCare includes two flexible eyelid devices, which Dr. Sarah Davis will place on your upper and lower eyelids. They’re made of a soft, flexible material that conform to your eye’s natural shape and sit comfortably throughout the procedure. Unlike other treatment methods, TearCare allows the patient’s eyes to remain open and blinking throughout the procedure.

The entire process typically lasts for 2 ½ minutes and takes place in the Regional Eyecare Associates office. After TearCare, your eye doctor may manually

clear away obstructions released from the meibomian glands.

To learn more about the TearCare procedure, watch this video tutorial.

Is TearCare Safe?

TearCare is a safe and effective treatment method. The two eyelid devices contain temperature sensors that communicate with the smart hub multiple times per second, ensuring an even delivery of heat to the meibomian glands. The device, controlled by computer software, is customizable and safely monitored throughout the entire process.

The TearCare Device

TearCare is a 4-in-1 system that includes:

  1. A smart hub, which is controlled by computer software to deliver the thermal heat to the eyelids
  2. A charging station for the smart hub
  3. One-time use eyelid devices that gently conform to your eyelids
  4. A one-time use instrument to manually remove blockages from the glands

What are the Benefits of TearCare?

The usual Meibomian Gland Dysfunction treatment methods tend to include medical technologies that sit over both eyes. With the TearCare system, your eyes remain open and you can blink normally throughout, which allows for a more comfortable and natural-feeling procedure while providing you with quicker results than traditional treatments. With TearCare, tears are stimulated and blockages removed, thus preventing permanent damage to your meibomian glands and providing you with long-lasting relief.

Man Smiling Field Who is a Good Candidate for TearCare?

Patients using the TearCare system should be at least 22 years old.

If you wear contact lenses, they must be removed prior to the TearCare procedure. Following treatment, you will need to wait one hour before re-inserting them.

Please let us know If you have an ocular surface abnormality, such as a corneal dystrophy or a similar condition. TearCare may not be suitable in such cases. Inform us prior to administering the treatment in order to ensure an effective, comfortable procedure.

What Are the Side Effects of TearCare?

Just as with all procedures, there may be certain side effects associated with the use of the TearCare system. These may include:

  • Allergic reaction to the adhesive underneath the eyelid devices
  • Conjunctivitis (commonly called ‘pink eye’)
  • Corneal abrasion
  • Styes
  • Swelling or burning of the eyelids

Should you experience any side effects, contact Dr. Sarah Davis right away.

Fortunately, among its many benefits is TearCare’s customizable system. This allows us to adjust the settings as needed and treat any discomfort or side effects in our office.

TearCare For Your Dry Eye

If your Dry Eye is caused by Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, speak to Dr. Sarah Davis about the TearCare system. The caring and knowledgeable staff at Regional Eyecare Associates is here to help our dry eye patients experience the best vision care thanks to our advanced solutions and treatments.