If your eyes feel gritty, tired and irritated more often than not, you may be plagued with a troublesome condition called dry eye. Our Tear Institute team uses state-of-the-art technology and treatment options to handle everyday dry eye to advanced cases of an ocular surface disease. Our team screens all patients for dry eye, even if they exhibit no symptoms so that no case of this progressive disease will go unseen.
If you are suffering from dry eye or have been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with us for an in-depth dry eye examination.
The eyes are sensitive organs that require both hydration and protection against outside threats. The meibomian glands and lacrimal glands address this need by working together to maintaining a constant tear film on the front of the eye. This film, which is refreshed every time you blink, is more than just water — it’s a three-layered barrier consisting of mucin, water and an outer covering of lipid to prevent evaporation. Any imbalances or deficiencies in the tear film can result in dry eye, whether you’re failing to produce one particular component or you’re simply not making enough tears.
Causes of dry eye may include:
• Age
• Immune system disorders such as Sjogren’s syndrome
• Eyelid dysfunction
• Trauma
• Atrophic meibomian glands
• Medications
• Constant exposure to moving air (ceiling fans, etc.)
• Long periods of computer use
Whatever the underlying reasons for your dry eye, don’t let it go untreated. Chronic dryness can cause redness, itching, irritation, blurred vision, foreign body sensation, extreme sensitivity to light and thick collections of mucus in or around the eyes. Ironically enough, you may also suffer from watery eyes as your lacrimal glands fight to maintain hydration. Even worse, your unprotected eyes may be especially prone to infections and other health threats, to the point that is permanently sight threatening.
Our Dry Eye Institute Exam includes:
Dry eye, ocular rosacea, blepharitis, and other irritating eye conditions have been challenging to correct — until now. The team at The Eye Institute has a treatment for people who live with chronic dry eye, or itchiness caused by ocular rosacea.
Lumenis IPL (Intense Pulse Light) can help with redness, skin problems, and eye problems. This safe treatment uses light to target the skin.
Arrive with a clean face (no makeup, moisturizer) at your appointment. Ultrasound gel well be applied to your face to to help make the procedure more efficient. Then, we gently press the cooled IPL applicator to your skin on a small rectangular area and project a beam of visible light, similar to laser treatment. IPL’s light releases in many different wavelengths, like a photo flash. This scattered light penetrates to the second layer of the skin without harming the top layer and is targeting the selected chromophore. For example when treating rosacea, the chromophore would be oxyhemoglobin.
We repeat this process, working our way across the face. The area of treatment depends on the issue we’re treating. For ocular rosacea and dry eye, we’ll move across your face from one side to the other and over the bridge of your nose.
The IPL can also be used to treat sunspots, telangiectasia (spider veins), and erythema (redness) around the eyes. Treated patients report a more youthful appearance afterward; results are immediate.
The treatment is now available at our Seaboard Station location. If you think IPL might help you, ask your TEI doctor for more information.
Bring your dry eyes to our Advance Dry Eye Center. Our optometrists will ask you about your medical/medication history, your work habits, and your everyday environment. They will conduct an in-depth examination to determine what’s causing the problem.
Some treatments are eye drops, cleaners, and scrubs. Your optometrist will determine the best approach for your dry eye.
Some of Our Other Dry Eye Solutions
Excellent service, doctor and front desk staff. Also an excellent and very stylish selection of eyewear for the entire family.
I highly recommend!
I left feeling as if I was valued, and that my money was being well spent on something I wanted to spend it on — not something I felt pressured into thinking I needed. The eye exam was by far one of the most involved and well explained I have ever experienced. I was pleasantly surprised the that the Dr. was present the whole time, my questions were answered with thought and not once did I get the standard, "I would not be too concerned " response. It was always a clear interest to make sure I was understanding the technical as well as the results of his answer.
After many many years here...I am still happy to have my annual exam, glasses, contact lenses, and other services for my family here. LOVE this place and the atmosphere with knowledgeable and friendly staff. I highly recommend!
TEI's team has always been courteous, friendly, and calls about the exam. I've been going for years to one in Knightdale, NC and would not switch unless they close which, hopefully, they never will!
I had been coming here for years and I’m always greeted by friendly staff! They know most of my family and remember our life stories when we come. It never feels like I’m the eye doctor, it feels like family.
I loved everyone at the Eye Institute. I got in pretty quick, they were very thorough and everyone had a great attitude. Thanks, Eye Institute!!
Dr. Chad Morgan has provided me with proactive, strategic care and exceptional long-term advice about my eye care for more than 5 years. I trust him completely and know he has a full understanding of my health and the new treatment options for my care. I simply wouldn't entrust my eyes to anyone else!
Good customer service. Tiffany was very helpful in helping me pick out my new eyewear. Dr. Chad is friendly and proactive...I appreciate both!
Thank you for visiting GoodLooks. We’re now part of The Eye Institute family. You can still visit us in the same North Raleigh location or check out one of our other two offices in Raleigh or Knightdale. Learn more on the “Locations” page on our website.
We look forward to seeing you again soon!