Dry, irritated eyes are often brushed off as a minor inconvenience—something to manage with over-the-counter drops and a bit of patience. But for many people, dry eye syndrome is a chronic, progressive condition that can significantly affect comfort, vision, and quality of life. The most important thing patients need to understand is this: not all dry eyes are the same, and effective treatment starts with a comprehensive assessment.
At LaSalle Vision, we were among the first clinics in the region to adopt advanced diagnostic imaging and in-office treatments for dry eye disease. Our approach focuses on identifying the type and cause of dry eye, so treatment can be targeted, effective, and long-lasting.
Understanding Dry Eye Disease
Dry eye disease occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears, or when the tears evaporate too quickly. While many people assume dry eye simply means “not enough tears,” in reality, it is a complex condition with multiple subtypes.
The most common forms include:
- Evaporative Dry Eye, often caused by dysfunction of the meibomian glands (oil-producing glands in the eyelids)
- Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye, where tear production is reduced
- Mixed Dry Eye, a combination of both
This is why a one-size-fits-all solution, such as artificial tears alone, often falls short.
Why a Comprehensive Dry Eye Assessment Matters
Before deciding on treatment, it’s critical to understand what’s happening on the surface of the eye and within the eyelids. At LaSalle Vision, our detailed dry eye assessments go beyond a standard eye exam.
One of the most valuable tools we use is meibography, a specialized imaging technique that allows us to visualize the meibomian glands. These glands produce the oil layer of the tear film, which prevents tears from evaporating too quickly. When these glands become blocked or
damaged, dry eye symptoms often worsen over time.
By identifying gland health, tear quality, inflammation, and eyelid function, we can create a customized treatment plan—rather than guessing or relying on trial and error.
When Eye Drops Aren’t Enough
Artificial tears can be helpful for mild symptoms, but they do not address underlying inflammation or gland dysfunction. If a dry eye is left untreated or under-treated, it can progress, leading to worsening symptoms and long-term damage. For patients who need more than drops, LaSalle Vision offers advanced in-office treatments designed to treat the root causes of dry eye disease.
Advanced Dry Eye Treatments at LaSalle Vision
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Therapy
IPL uses controlled pulses of light applied around the eyelids to reduce inflammation, improve blood vessel function, and restore healthier meibomian gland activity. It is especially effective for patients with rosacea-related dry eye or chronic inflammation.
RF (Radiofrequency) Therapy
Radiofrequency treatment gently heats the eyelids to improve oil flow from the meibomian glands while also tightening the skin around the eyes. This warmth helps liquefy thickened oils, allowing glands to function more effectively and improving tear stability.
iLUX® Treatment
iLUX® is a precise, in-office device that applies controlled heat and gentle compression directly to the eyelids. This allows blocked glands to be cleared safely and efficiently in a single session, providing fast relief for many patients with evaporative dry eye. Each of these treatments targets a different aspect of dry eye disease, and the right option—or combination of options—depends on the individual patient’s diagnosis.
Taking Dry Eye Seriously
Dry eye disease is not just about discomfort, it can affect vision clarity, eye health, and daily activities such as reading, driving, and screen use. The earlier it is properly diagnosed and treated, the better the long-term outcome.
At LaSalle Vision, we believe that patients deserve more than temporary relief. By combining advanced imaging, personalized assessments, and state-of-the-art treatments, we aim to stop dry eye disease from progressing and help patients achieve lasting comfort.
If your eyes feel dry, irritated, or tired and eye drops aren’t giving you the relief you need, it may be time to consider a comprehensive dry eye evaluation. Because when it comes to dry eyes, understanding the cause makes all the difference.
