Posted by: Alan B. Aker, MD in Dry Eyes
The Heartbreak of Dry Eye: A Personal Journey from Frustration to Relief
Written By Dr. Alan Aker
Introduction
As an ophthalmologist, I’ve spent years diagnosing and treating patients with dry eye disease. What many didn’t know
was that I was battling the same condition myself. I used to joke that I could be the poster child for dry eye, but behind
the humor was real frustration. My journey from chronic discomfort to lasting relief seemed like it would never end.
That all changed when I tried the Lumenis Intense Pulsed Laser (IPL).
Living with Dry Eye: My Personal Experience
For years, my eyes felt gritty throughout the day, like something was always stuck in them. The discomfort wasn’t just an
occasional nuisance- it was constant. Driving home at night became a challenge; I’d steer with one hand and use the other
to close one eye at a time just to experience some relief. I relied on artificial tears, using them 4-6 times daily, but the relief
was fleeting at best.
I experimented with different treatments. Restates, which takes about 90 days to achieve maximum effectiveness, didn’t help.
Xiidra was the first medication that provided some noticeable relief, but it wasn’t enough. Traveling on jets or visiting drier
climates than Florida still triggered discomfort, leaving me feeling like there was no true solution.
Understanding Dry Eye: What’s Really Happening?
Dry eye disease isn’t just about having “dry” eyes. It’s a complex condition where the eyes don’t produce enough tears
(aqueous-deficient dry eye) or the tears evaporate too quickly (evaporative dry eye), often further aggravated by inflammation
of the meibomian glands (blepharitis). Many treatments, like artificial tears or prescription drops, address symptoms but don’t
always target the underlying causes.
This is why so many, myself included, struggle to find lasting relief.
A Game Changer: My Experience with Lumenis IPL Treatment
For several years, my wife urged me to consider the Lumenis IPL platform for our Eye Center. Despite the company’s claims,
I was skeptical. As someone who had struggled with dry eyes and blepharitis for a long time, I had tried nearly every available
treatment with little to no success. The Lumenis IPL platform was specifically approved for dry eye treatment, but I still remained
doubtful without personal experience.
Because of my wife’s insistence, we purchased the Lumenis IPL system about two years ago. I was the first to try it. Based on
the company’s clinical experience, the treatment plan for patients involves sessions every two weeks, with most patients seeing
benefits within four to six weeks.
The treatment itself was straightforward. Felicia Kennicott, our Physician Assistant, performed the procedure, which involved
applying light pulses to the skin around my eyes. The process was quick and surprisingly comfortable- I felt a gentle warmth
but no significant discomfort. After the first session, I noticed a subtle improvement.
After the second and third treatments, I again notice an improvement, but the relief was short-lived, lasting only a few days. I
was starting to lose hope- but then, after my fourth treatment something remarkable happened.
This treatment was the day before my wife and I traveled to Vermont. Past trips to Vermont had always been problematic
because of my dry eyes. First, there was the dry air during our flight, followed by a long drive to our home in a cooler, drier environment. This would leave my eyes feeling very uncomfortable. Florida’s humidity, which had been helpful, was gone, and I’d usually arrive at our home feeling like my eyes needed a hug and lots of artificial tears.
But this time, after that fourth IPL treatment, I didn’t need artificial tears upon arrival. My eyes felt comfortable. It was a big surprise and a huge relief. We spent several days in Vermont, where the weather was cold and dry. I intentionally did not use tears to challenge the effectiveness of the IPL treatment. To my surprise, I did not experience the usual dryness and irritation. I wasn’t constantly aware of my eyes for the first time in years.
I can liken this experience to the dramatic difference patients often report after cataract surgery when they notice the stark contrast between the treated eye and their other eye with a cataract. That’s how I felt– amazed at the change in my eyes between their condition before the fourth IPL treatment and the relief I experienced in the dry, cold Vermont weather.
At that point, I was ready to be the poster child for the IPL system. My wife, too, was astonished, knowing how much discomfort I’d always experienced during our trips not. When we returned home, I decided to go ahead with the fifth and sixth treatments to ensure lasting comfort. As the months passed, I noticed a slight return of dryness, which the company had warned me about. I now schedule touch-up treatments every five to six months to maintain the benefits. These aren’t an entire series but merely a single treatment that keeps me comfortable.
Now, several years after my first IPL treatment, I recommend this therapy to all of our dry eye patients based on my experience. I am happy to say that many of them, like myself, have experienced significant relief.
The Results: Life After IPL
Post-IPL, my symptoms improved dramatically. The gritty sensation that had plagued me daily is gone. I no longer needed to close one eye while driving, and my dependence on eye drops dropped significantly. Even more surprising was how well I tolerate air travel and drier climates- previously uncomfortable situations. For the first time in years, I felt like I had control over my dry eye rather than the other way around. The relief was not just physical but emotional too, lifting a weight I didn’t realize had been holding me down.
Why This Matters: Hope for Other Dry Eye Sufferers
If you’re struggling with dry eye, know you’re not alone. This condition can be incredibly frustrating, but advancements like IPL offer hope. It’s important to remember that dry eye treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. What worked for me might not be the solution for everyone, but it’s worth exploring options beyond traditional drops and punctal plugs.
Final Thoughts
Living with dry eye deepened my empathy for my patients. I understand the daily struggle and the emotional toll it takes. But I also know there’s hope. Dry eye doesn’t have to control your life– with the right treatment, you can find comfort again, just like I did.
Say Goodbye to Dry Eye at Aker Kasten Eye Center
