Dry Eye Technology & Treatments
Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL)
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy, which has been traditionally used as a cosmetic procedure for treating facial skin conditions, effectively treats chronic dry eye and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). In fact, IPL Therapy is among the more groundbreaking treatments for dry eye.
Intense Pulsed Light Therapy is a painless method that delivers pulses of light to liquefy and release oils that have hardened and clogged the meibomian glands in the eyelids. IPL also reduces eyelid redness and stimulates healthy gland function.
Dr. Arlene Schwartz will begin your IPL treatment by placing shields over your eyes to protect them from the light pulses. Following that, a thin layer of cooling gel will be applied to the treatment area and a small device will administer the pulses of light to the region around the eyelids. The pulses of light heat the skin around the eye and dislodge the oil buildup.
After administering IPL, Dr. Arlene Schwartz will express oil from the glands, which will restore normal oil flow in the tear film. Though patients usually notice improvement in dry eye symptoms following their first or second treatment, it is generally recommended they undergo an initial series of four IPL treatments, performed monthly over a period of four months. This ensures long-term success in treating both chronic dry eye syndrome and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.
Depending on the severity of their dry eye condition, certain patients may require occasional maintenance treatments following the initial series of IPL treatments. It is not unusual to combine IPL treatments with other dry eye therapies in order to optimize effectiveness and promote healing.
Call Hartsdale Family Eyecare on 914-902-5079 to schedule an eye exam with Dr. Arlene Schwartz, our Hartsdale optometrist. Alternatively, book an appointment online here CLICK FOR AN APPOINTMENT
LipiFlow
LipiFlow, by Johnson & Johnson Vision, is a Thermal Pulsation System that improves the function of meibomian glands. FDA-approved, safe and totally drug-free, it consists of a console and a single-use sterile Activator tool. Through gentle massage and heat, LipiFlow can enhance the quality of meibomian gland secretions. Eye doctors around the world are equipping their eye care clinics with this breakthrough technology to treat dry eye.
How does LipiFlow work?
Your eye doctor will begin by inserting numbing eye drops to ensure patient comfort. LipiFlow’s contoured eyepiece will then be placed gently over your cornea, vaulting over your eye’s surface in order to protect the delicate ocular structure. LipiFlow applies therapeutic heat and peristaltic energy pressure, with numerous sensors that regulate the temperature and pressure pulses. The combination of massage and heat works to expel any meibomian gland obstructions. The entire in-office procedure takes about 12 minutes.
TearCare
What Is TearCare?
TearCare® is the blink-assisted device that applies heat to the eyelids in applications such as Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), Dry Eye, or Blepharitis where the current medical community would recommend the application of a warm compress. Unlike traditional warm compresses, TearCare® gently warms the eyelids while allowing natural blinking, which helps to loosen and clear blockages in the Meibomian glands.
This process restores the normal flow of oils in the tear film, reducing dryness, irritation, and discomfort. For patients struggling with persistent dry eye symptoms, TearCare® provides a more effective and consistent treatment compared to at-home remedies, making it a valuable tool in managing these common eye conditions.
The Zocular Eyelid System Treatment (ZEST)
Dry eye issues often originate from problems at the eyelid margin, where bacteria, oil residue, dirt, and dead skin can cause discomfort and dryness. At Peak Eyecare Optometry, we are excited to introduce a highly effective solution to address these problems: the Zocular Eyelid System Treatment (ZEST).
What is ZEST?
ZEST is an innovative in-office lid cleaning and debridement system. This procedure is designed to bring immediate relief to dry eye symptoms by effectively cleansing the eyelids and restoring their natural state.
Using a cotton swab, the procedure begins by applying a natural okra-based gel to the eyelid margin and lashes. Okra is known for its soothing properties, reducing inflammation and relieving irritated eyes. Dr. Tsang gently works the gel into a lather, using circular motions to clean the area thoroughly. This deep cleansing process helps remove oil, debris, and residue along the eyelid margin.
OptiLight IPL Therapy by Lumenis in Westchester
Hartsdale Family Eyecare is proud to offer OptiLight by Lumenis, the first and only FDA-approved IPL treatment for dry eye disease caused by Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). This advanced light-based therapy gently targets inflammation around the eyes, improves tear film stability, and clears blockages in the meibomian glands—all without the need for medication or downtime.
Patients often notice reduced dryness, less irritation, and improved comfort after just a few treatments. As part of our comprehensive approach to dry eye management in Westchester, OptiLight delivers clinically proven relief with long-lasting results.
OptiLift for Dry Eye Treatment in Hartsdale, NY
We blink tens of thousands of times a day without even noticing—until it stops working properly. For many people, incomplete blinking or loose lower eyelids gradually creep in with age, leading to dryness, irritation, and a tired appearance.
At Hartsdale Family Eyecare, we now offer OptiLift, a cutting-edge, noninvasive treatment specifically designed to tone and strengthen the muscles that control eyelid function, not just soothe inflammation.
What Is OptiLift?
OptiLift is an advanced treatment that uses Dynamic Muscle Stimulation (DMSt™) to directly target lower lid laxity—a common but often overlooked contributor to dry eye symptoms. Unlike treatments that address surface inflammation alone, OptiLift helps train and tone the orbicularis oculi muscle, improving lid function and the quality of your blink.
How It Works:
- Uses safe, electrical impulses to stimulate and contract eyelid muscles
- Strengthens weak muscles over time for better lid closure and blinking
- Boosts tear stability by increasing tear breakup time
- Comfortable in-office procedure with no downtime
How OptiLift Complements Our Other Treatments
At Hartsdale Family Eyecare, we treat dry eye syndrome from multiple angles—because there’s rarely a single cause. OptiLift brings something new to the table by targeting eyelid muscle laxity, a factor most treatments overlook. Here’s how it fits into our full range of care:
- OptiLift: Addresses lower eyelid looseness and incomplete blinking and strengthens the orbicularis oculi muscle to improve lid contact and tear distribution.
- OptiLight (IPL Therapy): Reduces inflammation associated with rosacea and ocular surface disease, helping to normalize blood vessels and calm inflamed tissues.
- LipiFlow / iLux: Gently heats and massages the eyelids to unclog blocked oil glands and improve oil flow in the tear film to reduce evaporation.
- TearCare: Applies targeted heat to the inner eyelids while allowing blinking. Softens and clears hardened oil in the glands.
- BlephEx: Exfoliates the lid margins to remove debris and biofilm buildup, helping to manage chronic blepharitis and support lash hygiene.
- Scleral Lenses: Vault over the cornea with a reservoir of fluid, keeping eyes consistently hydrated and providing relief for severe dry eye or corneal irregularities.
Each of these treatments plays a role, but only OptiLift strengthens the muscle responsible for blinking and lid tension. Used together, we can create a customized plan that ultimately provides you with long-lasting comfort and healthier eyes.
6 Benefits of OptiLift
At Hartsdale Family Eyecare, we don’t just treat symptoms—we focus on restoring healthy function. OptiLift is a true game-changing solution for dry eye patients who may not have seen results from traditional treatments.
Blephex for Blepharitis
What is Blepharitis? How does BlephEx treat it?
BlephEx is a simple, in-office procedure that helps clean up the eyelids by gently removing any buildup of debris, bacteria, and oils that can cause irritation. This buildup, often linked to a condition called blepharitis, can make your eyes feel itchy, gritty, and even a bit red and swollen. By using a special tool, BlephEx deeply cleans and exfoliates the eyelid area, reducing discomfort and helping your eyes stay healthy. It’s especially useful for people who have trouble keeping their eyelids clean on their own or who deal with dry eye symptoms made worse by blepharitis.
This is one solution of the many Hartsdale Family Eyecare’s individual patient care treatment plans for dry eye. Unlike at-home cleaning, BlephEx offers a more thorough approach that targets the root cause of eyelid issues rather than just covering up the symptoms. The procedure is quick, painless, and helps boost the effects of other dry eye treatments by keeping the eyelids clear and healthy. For anyone dealing with dry, itchy, or irritated eyes, BlephEx is a great way to find relief and keep your eyes feeling comfortable.
Symptoms of Blepharitis
Blepharitis can vary greatly in severity and cause a variety of symptoms which include:
- Red, swollen eyelids
- Itching
- Burning or gritty sensation
- Excessive tearing
- Dry eyes
- Crusting on eyelids
If left untreated, symptoms can become more severe such as:
- Blurred vision
- Infections and styes
- Loss of eyelashes or crooked eyelashes
- Eye inflammation or erosion, particularly the cornea
- Dilated capillaries
- Irregular eyelid margin
Prescription Eye Drops in Westchester
Prescription eye drops like Restasis, Cequa, Xiidra, and Regener-Eyes are essential in managing chronic dry eye disease. These medications work by reducing inflammation in the eyes, which is often a key factor in dry eye symptoms. By calming the inflammation, they help improve the natural production of tears, providing long-term relief from dryness, irritation, and discomfort. Each of these drops targets different aspects of dry eye, allowing eye care providers to tailor treatment to each patient’s specific needs. With consistent use, they can significantly improve tear quality and overall eye health, making daily activities more comfortable.
- Restasis (Cyclosporine Ophthalmic Emulsion) 0.05% is a prescription eye drop for patients with chronic dry eye disease. It works by reducing inflammation in the eyes and increasing tear production. Restasis is typically used twice a day, and it may take several weeks to notice significant improvement in symptoms.
- Xiidra (Lifitegrast Ophthalmic Solution) 5% is designed to treat the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease. It works by blocking a protein called LFA-1, which can cause inflammation. Patients usually use Xiidra twice daily, and some may experience relief within two weeks of starting treatment.
- Cequa (Cyclosporine Ophthalmic Solution) 0.09% is another option for those with dry eye disease. It uses a unique nanomicellar formulation to enhance the delivery of cyclosporine into the eye, reducing inflammation and increasing tear production. Patients typically use Cequa twice daily, and improvements can be seen in about four weeks.
- Vevye (Cyclosporine Ophthalmic Solution) 0.1% is a prescription eye drop indicated for the treatment of signs and symptoms of dry eye disease. It provides targeted hydration and improves ocular surface health by reducing inflammation.
- Tyrvaya (Varenicline Nasal Spray) 0.03 mg per spray is a prescription treatment for dry eye disease that works by activating the trigeminal parasympathetic pathway to increase natural tear production.
- Miebo (Perfluorohexyloctane Ophthalmic Solution) is a prescription treatment specifically designed for evaporative dry eye disease, stabilizing the tear film by reducing excessive tear evaporation.
- Regener-Eyes is a unique biologic eye drop that includes anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors to reduce inflammation and stimulate the ocular surface to heal and regenerate. Unlike other eye drops, Regener-Eyes is non-steroidal and preservative-free, making it an excellent option for those with sensitive eyes. It is typically used as directed by an eye care professional, with the dosage and frequency tailored to the patient’s specific needs.
- XDEMVY™ is formulated to specifically target and eliminate blepharitis associated with Demodex mites, providing a breakthrough solution for this condition. During your visit, Dr. Schwartz will carefully assess your symptoms, confirm the presence of Demodex mites, and prescribe XDEMVY™. This six-week regimen, applied twice daily, has shown significant results, with clinical studies indicating a 50% reduction in collarettes and a 60% complete elimination of Demodex mites.