Dry Eye
Semel Vision Care & Aesthetics
Premium Eye Care in El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, & Redondo Beach
Got dry eye? There’s a new treatment for that
Thirty million Americans suffer from Meibomian gland dysfunction, which causes the majority of dry eye cases.
Who doesn’t love fresh blooms, breezy weather, sunny skies—and burning eyes, if you have a condition known as dry eye, which can be exacerbated by the itching and tearing brought on by seasonal allergies.
What many longtime dry eye sufferers may not realize is that it’s often caused by Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), which occurs when the tiny Meibomian glands in eyelids become stopped up and unable to protect the tear film—a thin layer of fluid that covers the outer surface of the eye.
At Semel Vision, we offer Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy as a cutting-edge, non-invasive solution for both medical and cosmetic concerns, including chronic dry eye, ocular rosacea, facial redness, sun damage, and uneven skin tone. IPL works by targeting inflammation and abnormal blood vessels around the eyes and across the face—helping to restore tear function while improving skin clarity and texture. Whether you’re seeking relief from dry, irritated eyes or looking to rejuvenate your complexion without downtime, our IPL treatments are tailored to deliver lasting results. Learn more about IPL treatments for dry eyes and skin at Semel Vision in El Segundo.
Never heard of MGD? Let us break it down for you
Although you may never have heard of this disorder, it’s actually quite common: More than 20 million Americans have dry eye. And according to one 2012 study published in the journal Cornea, 86% of study participants with dry eye also had symptoms of MGD.
The science of blinking is downright fascinating: Every time we do so, we activate the muscles around our Meibomian glands, squeezing each one and causing the functional glands to secrete a droplet into the tear film.
Those droplets fall into your tear film and create its lipid layer, or the outermost layer. “When you’re not blinking fully or frequently enough, the lipid layer stays stagnant, turning from a nice olive oil consistency to more of a thicker oil.” This blocks the gland, leading to the symptoms we classically associate with dry eye, such as burning and itching.
If a Meibomian gland remains blocked with thick, waxy oil for an extended period, it can eventually deteriorate, causing your dry eye symptoms to worsen. Your tear film has three layers—lipid, aqueous, and mucous—and while MGD typically affects the lipid layer, issues with the other layers can also lead to the same burning, itching, and discomfort.
Anyone can develop MGD, but some individuals are more susceptible. For example, contact lens wearers are at a higher risk, as are people who spend long hours on electronic devices. “Both activities significantly reduce your blink rate. When you’re working on a computer or staring at a screen, your blink rate can drop by half.
Postmenopausal women, as well as those with autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, are also more likely to experience MGD. Certain medications, such as beta-blockers or antihistamines, can increase the risk as well. Even environmental factors like dry, windy weather can exacerbate the condition, triggering the typical symptoms of dryness and irritation.
Why the Future Looks Bright for Dry Eye Sufferers
Historically, treating blocked Meibomian glands involved manually squeezing the eyelid, a process that was often uncomfortable and not always effective.
Want to know how it works? The procedure is quick and straightforward, involving just four simple steps:
While some patients may experience mild discomfort during the procedure, most find it very manageable.
Once the procedure is completed, there’s no impact on your vision—you can drive and resume your normal activities right away.
While many patients notice symptom relief immediately, the full benefits typically improve over the next six to eight weeks.
About Dr. Semel
Board-Certified El Segundo Ophthalmologist
Dr. Jane Semel is a skilled, respected, board-certified, and fellowship-trained ophthalmologist licensed to practice in the state of California. She specializes in the treatment and prevention of eye disease.
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