Dry eye disease affects approximately 49 million Americans, resulting in discomfort, irritation, and blurred vision. At Karns Vision Center, we understand the frustration dry eyes can cause. That’s why we offer a comprehensive range of dry eye therapies, including OptiLight by Lumenis, the first and only FDA-approved intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy for dry eye management, PLUS OptiPlus radio frequency (RF) treatment.
We are one of the few practices in the Knoxville area offering this FDA-cleared dual-frequency technology, which combines both IPL and RF capabilities for comprehensive dry eye treatment. Don’t let your dry eye symptoms slow you down—contact us to schedule your appointment today and get relief.
Dry eye syndrome affects millions of people, turning simple daily activities like reading, working on a computer, or driving into uncomfortable experiences marked by burning, stinging, and constant irritation. The condition occurs when your tears can’t provide proper lubrication for your eyes, either because you don’t produce enough tears or because the tears you produce are of poor quality. Modern life, with increased screen time and environmental factors, has made dry eye more common than ever, leaving many searching for effective relief from this frustrating condition.
At Karns Vision Center in Knoxville, we understand how dry eye syndrome can impact your quality of life, and we’re here to help you find lasting relief. Our approach to dry eye treatment combines advanced diagnostic techniques with cutting-edge therapies, including the revolutionary OptiLIGHT by Lumenis technology, to address the root causes of your dry eye symptoms and restore comfort to your daily vision.
Dry eye syndrome is more complex than simply having “dry eyes”. Your tear film consists of three essential layers: an outer oily layer, a middle watery layer, and an inner mucus layer. When any of these layers becomes imbalanced, dry eye symptoms can develop. The most common form is evaporative dry eye, which occurs when the oil glands in your eyelids (meibomian glands) become blocked or don’t function properly, causing tears to evaporate too quickly.
Several factors can contribute to the development of dry eye. Age plays a significant role, as tear production naturally decreases over time, particularly in women after menopause due to hormonal changes. Environmental conditions, such as dry climates, air conditioning, heating systems, and wind, can accelerate tear evaporation. Extended screen time reduces blink rates, leading to inadequate tear distribution across the eye surface. Certain medications, including antihistamines, decongestants, blood pressure medications, and antidepressants, can also decrease tear production.
Medical conditions can impact tear gland function, as well as contact lens wear, previous eye surgeries, and even certain cosmetics applied near the eyes, which can contribute to dry eye symptoms. Understanding these underlying causes helps us develop targeted treatment strategies for each patient’s unique situation.
Several factors can contribute to dry eye, including:
Dry eye symptoms include:
Left untreated, chronic dry eye can lead to further complications, including damage to the cornea and persistent discomfort. It’s important that
Dry eye is a complex disease caused by several different factors. It’s generally classified into 2 main types:
Aqueous-deficient dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough of the watery component of your tears, called the aqueous layer. It can be caused by aging, medical conditions, or medications.
Evaporative dry eye occurs when your tear film lacks the oily layer, leading to the tears evaporating too quickly. It can be caused by a blockage or dysfunction in the meibomian glands.
Before recommending any treatment, we conduct evaluations to determine the exact type and severity of your dry eye condition. Our diagnostic process includes tear film analysis, meibomian gland imaging, and assessment of your tear production rate and quality. We also examine your eyelid structure and function, check for underlying inflammatory conditions, and review your medical history and current medications.
This comprehensive approach allows us to identify whether your dry eye symptoms stem from insufficient tear production, poor tear quality, rapid tear evaporation, or a combination of factors. With this information, we develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and lifestyle.
Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a chronic and progressive condition affecting the function of the tiny meibomian glands that line your eyelids. These glands produce the tear film’s oily layer, which is essential for preventing your tears from evaporating too quickly.
MGD symptoms can include:
OptiLight by Lumenis can address MGD by gently stimulating your meibomian glands, helping release the oils your eyes need.
At Karns Vision Center, we begin by conducting a thorough dry eye screening to identify the specific cause of your symptoms. We take a multi-faceted approach to dry eye treatment to address the underlying cause and alleviate symptoms. Depending on your case, we may use various diagnostic tools:
This imaging technique allows us to visualize the meibomian glands located in your eyelids to assess their health and identify any blockages.
An automated tear break-up time test (TBUT) measures how long it takes for tears to evaporate, indicating the quality and stability of the tear film.
This test measures tear production by placing a small strip of paper under your lower eyelid to provide a baseline tear production measurement.
Specialized dyes highlight any damage to the surface of your eye, helping us assess the severity of dry eye.
Once we understand the cause of your dry eye, we can recommend a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs. Whether you need in-office treatments or at-home solutions, we can help you find the right treatment option.
OptiLight IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Therapy:
OptiPlus RF (Radio Frequency) Therapy:
This dual application can significantly alleviate dry eye symptoms and has a multifaceted effect, providing superior results compared to single-treatment approaches.
This technique involves gently massaging your eyelids to help express any blockages in the meibomian glands, improving the flow of natural oils in your tears. Meibomian gland expression can help restore the glands’ healthy function and improve the quality of your tears.
These tiny inserts placed in your tear ducts can help prevent tears from draining away too quickly, keeping your eyes lubricated for longer. Punctal plugs are a simple and effective solution for some dry eye patients.
Eyelid debridement is a natural treatment method that helps remove debris or bacteria that have accumulated on the eyelids, improving the quality and quantity of tears produced and reducing feelings of irritation.
If you suffer from chronic dry eye, medicated eye drops may be an effective treatment option to relieve your discomfort. These drops contain an active ingredient that helps to reduce inflammation and increase the eye’s natural ability to produce tears.
Warm compresses and eyelid hygiene products can help manage symptoms and improve comfort. We also offer supplements like Omega-3s, which have been shown to improve tear production and overall eye health.
We’re proud to offer OptiLIGHT by Lumenis, a revolutionary intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy specifically designed for treating dry eyes. This FDA-approved technology represents a breakthrough in addressing the underlying causes of evaporative dry eye by targeting the dysfunctional meibomian glands, which are responsible for producing the oily layer of tears.
OptiLIGHT works by delivering precise pulses of broad-spectrum light to the skin around your eyes. This gentle treatment helps reduce inflammation, improve meibomian gland function, and decrease the bacterial load on the eyelids. The light therapy also stimulates collagen production and improves blood circulation in the treated area, creating an optimal environment for healthy tear production.
OptiLIGHT treatments are comfortable, quick, and performed right in our office. During your session, we’ll apply a cooling gel to the treatment area and provide protective eyewear. The OptiLIGHT device delivers gentle pulses of light to the skin below your eyes, targeting the areas where meibomian glands are located. Patients describe the sensation as a mild warming with minimal discomfort.
Each treatment session typically takes 10-15 minutes, and most patients benefit from a series of treatments spaced several weeks apart. You can return to normal activities immediately after treatment, though we may recommend avoiding direct sun exposure for a short period. Many patients begin experiencing improvement in dry eye symptoms within a few weeks of starting treatment, with continued improvement over the following months.
The benefits of OptiLIGHT therapy extend beyond immediate symptom relief. Patients often report:
These improvements occur because OptiLIGHT addresses the root causes of dry eye rather than just managing symptoms, leading to more sustainable relief.
Due to the individualized and extended appointment time necessary for OptiLight treatments, your deposit is non-refundable if we do not receive a request to cancel or reschedule within 24 hours of your appointment.
Treatment is not currently covered by medical or vision plans. IPL/RF will be out-of-pocket/elective treatments. We accept CareCredit, and these treatments are FSA and HSA eligible.
While OptiLIGHT technology offers excellent results for many patients, we also provide additional treatments that can enhance your dry eye therapy results. Warm compress therapy and lid massage can help improve meibomian gland function when performed regularly at home. Prescription medications may be recommended for patients with inflammatory components to their dry eye condition.
For patients with severe dry eye, punctal plugs can help conserve natural tears by blocking the drainage channels in the eyelids, thereby reducing tear loss. We also offer nutritional counseling, as omega-3 fatty acids and proper hydration can support healthy tear production. Environmental modifications, such as using humidifiers and taking regular breaks from screen work, can provide additional symptom relief.
Don’t let dry eye syndrome continue to interfere with your daily comfort and visual clarity. Our team at Karns Vision Center combines years of experience with the latest in dry eye treatment technology to provide you with comprehensive, personalized care. We believe in taking the time to understand your unique situation and developing treatment plans that fit your lifestyle and goals.
Our commitment to your eye health extends beyond individual treatments. We provide ongoing support, education about at-home care techniques, and regular follow-up appointments to ensure your dry eye therapy continues delivering optimal results. With our acceptance of various medical and vision insurance plans, we make it easy for you to prioritize your eye comfort. Call us today at 865-247-7715 or contact us online to schedule your dry eye evaluation and take the first step toward lasting relief.
📍 Location: 7686 Oak Ridge Highway, Knoxville, TN 37931
📞 Call us at: 865-247-7715
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You can find us off Oak Ridge Hwy with plenty of parking available outside the clinic.
7686 Oak Ridge Highway Knoxville, TN 37931
Phone: 865-247-7715
Fax: 865-247-7716
Email: contactus@karnsvision.com
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