Here are some links to online articles that were put out about our Dry Eye Clinic:
http://www.iowalivingmagazines.com/2013/09/19/eye-care-of-iowa-introduces-new-breakthrough-treatment-for-evaporative-dry-eye-disease/
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20131028/LIFE02/310280017/LipiFlow-puts-new-focus-dry-eye-treatments
Stay warm!
Matthew Ward, OD
Eye Care of Iowa
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Busy Winter and more testimonials
Good morning everyone
It's been a very busy winter at Eye Care of Iowa. We hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
January is one of the worst dry eye months. Our seminars have been packed with people experiencing dry eye this season. At this point, we are continuing to provide a FREE dry eye workup to anyone who comes to our seminars. At this point, the following dates are scheduled for seminars:
Tuesday Jan 28
Tuesday Feb 11
Tuesday Feb 25
Again, all seminars begin at 6:30 and last about 1.5 hours. Snacks and drink provided.
For more info, or to RSVP for the next seminar, call our Pleasant Hill office at 515-265-5322
Once again, as it has been busy, I haven't been keeping up to date on patients returning after the LipiFlow treatment. As of today, Eye Care of Iowa has done over 60 procedures.
Patient testimonal #5
Patient E.S., a 59 year old female, complained of dryness throughout the day, and excessive watering of her eyes, which was worse in the morning. She had close to 60% atrophy of her glands, but the oil that we were able to express looked good. I was optomistic that she would benefit from the procedure. She elected to have the procedure done.
She returned two months later, noting a significant decrease in her watery eyes throughout the day. They were still a little watery in the first hour of waking up. I reminded her that in order for the oil to mix with the water portion of our tears, we need to be blinking our eyes. Obviously, we don't blink while we are asleep, so it is natural that we need a little time upon waking to blink and get that healthy oil out of the glands and into the tears.
She also expressed a delight in being able to see more sharply while driving.
It's been a very busy winter at Eye Care of Iowa. We hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
January is one of the worst dry eye months. Our seminars have been packed with people experiencing dry eye this season. At this point, we are continuing to provide a FREE dry eye workup to anyone who comes to our seminars. At this point, the following dates are scheduled for seminars:
Tuesday Jan 28
Tuesday Feb 11
Tuesday Feb 25
Again, all seminars begin at 6:30 and last about 1.5 hours. Snacks and drink provided.
For more info, or to RSVP for the next seminar, call our Pleasant Hill office at 515-265-5322
Once again, as it has been busy, I haven't been keeping up to date on patients returning after the LipiFlow treatment. As of today, Eye Care of Iowa has done over 60 procedures.
Patient testimonal #5
Patient E.S., a 59 year old female, complained of dryness throughout the day, and excessive watering of her eyes, which was worse in the morning. She had close to 60% atrophy of her glands, but the oil that we were able to express looked good. I was optomistic that she would benefit from the procedure. She elected to have the procedure done.
She returned two months later, noting a significant decrease in her watery eyes throughout the day. They were still a little watery in the first hour of waking up. I reminded her that in order for the oil to mix with the water portion of our tears, we need to be blinking our eyes. Obviously, we don't blink while we are asleep, so it is natural that we need a little time upon waking to blink and get that healthy oil out of the glands and into the tears.
She also expressed a delight in being able to see more sharply while driving.
Friday, December 13, 2013
Bruder Eye Hydrating Compress Added to Our Dry Eye Treatment Regiment
We are excited to now provide the Bruder Eye Hydrating Compress at our Eye Care of Iowa Dry Eye Clinic. This microwave-activated compress is easy to use. After 20-30 seconds in the microwave, patients apply the compress over their closed eyes for several minutes. The moist heat goes to work immediately to help slow tear evaporation. Patented MediBeads absorb water molecules from the air and release them as clean moist heat.
We have found this to be perfect addition to our post-LipiFlow patients. After the LipiFlow treatment has effectively removed the old waxy oils, the Bruder mask helps keep the new oils that the eyes produce to remain liquefied. We provide this mask at no charge to all patients that undergo the LipiFlow procedure.
They can also be purchased at our Pleasant Hill office for $25/each.
We have found this to be perfect addition to our post-LipiFlow patients. After the LipiFlow treatment has effectively removed the old waxy oils, the Bruder mask helps keep the new oils that the eyes produce to remain liquefied. We provide this mask at no charge to all patients that undergo the LipiFlow procedure.
They can also be purchased at our Pleasant Hill office for $25/each.
Friday, December 6, 2013
LipiFlow Successfully Treating Dry Eye
Since introducing the LipiFlow technology and the Eye Care of Iowa Dry Eye Clinic in September, we have successfully helped over 40 people with dry eye obtain relief. Our findings mirror what studies found on the national level. Close to 80% of people are experiencing relief. The amount of relief truly depends on the amount of gland atrophy found upon evaluation. The sooner the problem is found and diagnosed, the better the outcome. Patients with 20-50% atrophy are returning at one month noting improvement of some kind in their dry eye symptoms. We have treated a few patients with close to 90% atrophy, and at these dry eye workups, we have been very upfront with these miserable patients, that the procedure would benefit in slowing the rate of atrophy, and to try and preserve the 10% remaining glands. Unfortunately, once these glands die off, they do not grow back. While these patients often do not experience relief, they understand the importance of preserving what remaining glands they have.
Over the last few months, we have seen people from Des Moines, as well as all over Iowa and beyond.
- Jefferson
- Clear Lake
- Knoxville
- Ames
- Marshalltown
- Mount Pleasant
- Indianola
- Kansas City, MO
- Mankato, MN
We are excited to continue helping those with dry eye in the great state of Iowa obtain dry eye relief.
Over the last few months, we have seen people from Des Moines, as well as all over Iowa and beyond.
- Jefferson
- Clear Lake
- Knoxville
- Ames
- Marshalltown
- Mount Pleasant
- Indianola
- Kansas City, MO
- Mankato, MN
We are excited to continue helping those with dry eye in the great state of Iowa obtain dry eye relief.
Patient Testimonial #3 and #4
Patient M.V., a 65 year old female presented to us with constant dry eye, her left eye worse then her right. She found that after many hours on the computer, she would have dry, gritty red eyes, and it made driving home after work difficult.
LipiView tear evaluation revealed a poor tear film, and that more then 50% of her blinks were partial blinks. Meibomian gland evaluation revealed that approximately 50% of her glands had atrophied (died) in her right eye, and 70% in her left eye. The glands that were still patent (alive) were not producing a good quality oil. It was thick and pasty, similar to toothpaste or candle wax. We informed her that the procedure would most likely benefit what glands remained. We were more optimistic about the right eye, but due to the amount of gland atrophy in the left eye, the procedure would be performed essentially to prevent further gland loss, rather then provide significant relief. M.V. understood and elected to have the procedure. After the 12 minute procedure, she noticed immediate relief. We started her on a good triglyceride fish oil twice daily, as well as blinking exercises to improve her blinking patterns.
M.V. returned to us 4 weeks later with a smile on her face. She noticed less watering throughout the day, especially in her right eye. She also noticed a decreased amount of the "crusties" in her eyes in the morning. She did not use as many artificial tears throughout the day, and her eyes felt better at the end of the work day. She was glad she had done the procedure.
Patient A. W., a 66 year old male, complained of constantly watering eyes. Throughout the day, his computer vision would blur because he was constantly wiping at his eyes with a tissue to get rid of the water. By evening, it was even worse, and his eyes felt quite fatigued.
LipiView tear evaluation revealed a poor tear film, but his blinks were normal (normal blinking means that each blink is a full blink, where the upper lid completely covers the eye and makes contact with the lower lid). Meibomian gland evaluation revealed only 25% atrophy both eyes, but the glands were clogged, and oil was not expressed with pressure. We informed A.W. that we were optimistic, as his blinks were normal, and glands still patent. The procedure would be beneficial in removing the thick, dried oils, and help promote a healthier, more liquefied oil. A.W. elected to have the procedure.
A.W. returned 4 weeks later, noting a decrease in watering throughout the day. He still had some watering upon waking, but this improved significantly throughout the day. He was able to work more efficiently on the computer with reduced watering, and he was very happy about this. We had made working on the computer enjoyable again.
LipiView tear evaluation revealed a poor tear film, and that more then 50% of her blinks were partial blinks. Meibomian gland evaluation revealed that approximately 50% of her glands had atrophied (died) in her right eye, and 70% in her left eye. The glands that were still patent (alive) were not producing a good quality oil. It was thick and pasty, similar to toothpaste or candle wax. We informed her that the procedure would most likely benefit what glands remained. We were more optimistic about the right eye, but due to the amount of gland atrophy in the left eye, the procedure would be performed essentially to prevent further gland loss, rather then provide significant relief. M.V. understood and elected to have the procedure. After the 12 minute procedure, she noticed immediate relief. We started her on a good triglyceride fish oil twice daily, as well as blinking exercises to improve her blinking patterns.
M.V. returned to us 4 weeks later with a smile on her face. She noticed less watering throughout the day, especially in her right eye. She also noticed a decreased amount of the "crusties" in her eyes in the morning. She did not use as many artificial tears throughout the day, and her eyes felt better at the end of the work day. She was glad she had done the procedure.
Patient A. W., a 66 year old male, complained of constantly watering eyes. Throughout the day, his computer vision would blur because he was constantly wiping at his eyes with a tissue to get rid of the water. By evening, it was even worse, and his eyes felt quite fatigued.
LipiView tear evaluation revealed a poor tear film, but his blinks were normal (normal blinking means that each blink is a full blink, where the upper lid completely covers the eye and makes contact with the lower lid). Meibomian gland evaluation revealed only 25% atrophy both eyes, but the glands were clogged, and oil was not expressed with pressure. We informed A.W. that we were optimistic, as his blinks were normal, and glands still patent. The procedure would be beneficial in removing the thick, dried oils, and help promote a healthier, more liquefied oil. A.W. elected to have the procedure.
A.W. returned 4 weeks later, noting a decrease in watering throughout the day. He still had some watering upon waking, but this improved significantly throughout the day. He was able to work more efficiently on the computer with reduced watering, and he was very happy about this. We had made working on the computer enjoyable again.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Dry Eye Seminars Continue To Be a Success
Novemeber 13th - Another successful dry eye seminar was put on by the doctors of Eye Care of Iowa.
Dr. Matthew Ward and Dr. James Blasco presented information on evaporative dry eye to a group of 16 guests over wine and cheese appetizers. The doctors shared their own personal struggles with dry eye, and Dr. Bernard Lee had one of his eyes treated in front of the guests.
The Eye Care of Iowa Dry Eye Clinic continues to be a success. At this point, we have been treating evaporative dry eye with the LipiFlow system for 6 weeks, and we have treated 30 patients. Many of our patients are driving 3-4 hours to have the treatment. This is really a testiment to that fact that many people have dry eye, and have tried other methods to improve their symptoms, such as artificial tears and gels, warm compresses, doxycycline, Restasis, and other methods that are just not working! Many of our patients are noticing a huge improvement immediately after the procedure.
For more information on the next seminar, please call our office at 515-265-5322, and visit our website at eyecareofiowa.com and click on "Dry Eye Treatment"
Dr. Matthew Ward presenting information on meibomian gland atrophy
Dr. Matthew Ward and Dr. James Blasco presented information on evaporative dry eye to a group of 16 guests over wine and cheese appetizers. The doctors shared their own personal struggles with dry eye, and Dr. Bernard Lee had one of his eyes treated in front of the guests.
The Eye Care of Iowa Dry Eye Clinic continues to be a success. At this point, we have been treating evaporative dry eye with the LipiFlow system for 6 weeks, and we have treated 30 patients. Many of our patients are driving 3-4 hours to have the treatment. This is really a testiment to that fact that many people have dry eye, and have tried other methods to improve their symptoms, such as artificial tears and gels, warm compresses, doxycycline, Restasis, and other methods that are just not working! Many of our patients are noticing a huge improvement immediately after the procedure.
For more information on the next seminar, please call our office at 515-265-5322, and visit our website at eyecareofiowa.com and click on "Dry Eye Treatment"
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Patient Testimonial #2
W.J, a 60 year old gentleman came to Eye Care of Iowa with complaints of significant dryness, more so in his left eye. Waking up every morning with burning scratching eyes was driving him crazy! He had tried using drops, which helped for a few minutes, before his eyes would start to water, and that water would often run down his cheek.
LipiView evaluation showed that despite poor oil quality, W.J. had good blinking habits. Of 6 blinks noted in 30 seconds, only 1 of these blinks was a partial blink.
Meibomian gland evaluation showed that most of W.J.'s glands were plugged. There was very little oil released on expression. Looking at the glands themselves, many of the glands were atrophied. Dr. Ward concluded that W.J.'s right eye glands were functioning at about 30%. The left eye was functioning at about 20%
W.J. elected to have the LipiFlow procedure. Immediately after the 12 minute procedure he noted improvement.
Returning a month later, he informed me that he was extremely happy at the changes he had experienced. Following our protocol of daily triglyceride fish oils and blink exercises, he noted a drastic decrease in his dryness in the morning hours. He also had decreased watering. Dr. Ward expects W.J. to continue to improve over the next few months.
LipiView evaluation showed that despite poor oil quality, W.J. had good blinking habits. Of 6 blinks noted in 30 seconds, only 1 of these blinks was a partial blink.
Meibomian gland evaluation showed that most of W.J.'s glands were plugged. There was very little oil released on expression. Looking at the glands themselves, many of the glands were atrophied. Dr. Ward concluded that W.J.'s right eye glands were functioning at about 30%. The left eye was functioning at about 20%
W.J. elected to have the LipiFlow procedure. Immediately after the 12 minute procedure he noted improvement.
Returning a month later, he informed me that he was extremely happy at the changes he had experienced. Following our protocol of daily triglyceride fish oils and blink exercises, he noted a drastic decrease in his dryness in the morning hours. He also had decreased watering. Dr. Ward expects W.J. to continue to improve over the next few months.
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