New Windsor, New York, September 27, 2016 – Highland Ophthalmology Associates, LLC (www.highlandophthalmology.com), a leading specialty eye care center, announced today the establishment of a Dry Eye Center of Excellence at its state-of-the-art eye care facility in New Windsor, New York. The Dry Eye Center of Excellence offers patients a comprehensive array of advanced, proven technologies to diagnose and treat chronic Dry Eye Syndrome.
It is estimated more than 23 million people over the age of 20 suffer from chronic dry eye. In many cases, the root cause is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), also known as Evaporative Dry Eye. The condition occurs when the Meibomian glands, which are responsible for producing the oil layer in tears, do not function properly. “Chronic Dry Eye Syndrome must be properly diagnosed and managed. If left untreated, chronic dry eye often becomes so uncomfortable that patients must make lifestyle adjustments and it can impact one’s vision and eye health,” said Dr. Mary Davidian, Founder and Medical Director of Highland Ophthalmology.
The suite of innovative solutions utilized by the eye care team at Highland Ophthalmology includes LipiView®, LipiFlow®, ProKera® and Prokera Clear, Avenova and HydroEye® to name a few.
Thorough Evaluation
Patients reporting acute symptoms of dry eye are evaluated first with a thorough slit lamp examination, and then by using state-of-the-art diagnostic LipiView® technology. This non-invasive imaging procedure, which takes less than five minutes, captures detailed images of the tear film to identify any gland blockage and atrophy and allows doctors to determine if a patient exhibits Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.
Innovative Technology
Highland Ophthalmology is the first practice in the New Windsor area to offer LipiFlow®, a new, breakthrough system for assessing and treating Evaporative Dry Eye. While many traditional dry eye treatment options like warm compresses, eye drops and ointments have been available for years, they do not address the root cause of the condition. Many of these treatments have been proven ineffective in providing relief for some patients. The revolutionary LipiFlow® system uses warm heat and pressure to unblock Meibomian glands, allowing tears to comfort the eye and provide relief. This in-office procedure takes less than 15 minutes and relieves symptoms for up to 12 months. It is rapidly becoming the new standard of care for treating the cause and not just the effects of chronic dry eye.
ProKera® is a biologic corneal bandage lens containing amniotic membrane tissue that is the only FDA cleared therapeutic medical device that reduces inflammation and promotes ocular healing. Since dry eye disease is often inflammatory in etiology, this unique device has proven to be markedly beneficial in providing ocular comfort to patients who are currently using multiple treatment modalities, but are still suffering from symptoms of dryness. More recently, the Biotissue Company has introduced the Prokera Clear which allows for maintenance of the patient’s vision during treatment, due to the presence of the central Clear-View Aperture. Prokera Clear® is ideal for ambulatory, chronic ocular surface disease, corneal-involved dry eye patients, and post Lasik/PRK patients. Sutureless and adhesiveless, ProKera® is a safe and effective method to promote healing and reconstruction of the ocular surface and orbit with minimal side effects.
HydroEye® is a patented nutritional formulation that works from the inside out to provide continuous support for dry eyes. HydroEye®, the focus of new research, delivers a proprietary blend of omega fatty acids (GLA, EPA and DHA), antioxidants and other key nutrients that work together to support a healthy tear film and soothe the ocular surface.
Avenova® with Neutrox® is the only non-detergent based, prescription eyelid and lash hygiene product containing pure hypochlorous acid, an active antibacterial, antifungal and virucidal compound. In addition, it exhibits anti-inflammatory activity by neutralizing inflammatory mediators in the body. By effectively treating eyelid inflammation, Avenova is an essential part of our treatment armamentarium helping to address the multifactorial etiology of Dry Eye Disease.
Team of Specialists
Patients at Highland Ophthalmology can take confidence in knowing their vision needs will be addressed by well-trained, dedicated physicians and specialists. Each patient’s unique needs are carefully evaluated using the most advanced testing equipment in order to develop a customized treatment plan.
Advancing Knowledge in our Community
The Center’s reputation for excellence is also underscored by the number of eye care practitioners who refer their advanced Dry Eye Patients to our group of specialists. Through this collaboration, local doctors have the advanced knowledge needed to help their patients and guide them on the advanced treatment options now available.
More information about the Dry Eye Center of Excellence and the services provided by Highland Ophthalmology is available at www.highlandophthalmology.com.