Dry Eyes: Part Six, TearCare

So, I had a new procedure added to the effort. In living with lupus, Sjogrens, and RA, I tried out TearCare by Sight Sciences for dry eye. This was similar to LipiFlow, but I found faster results. 

After the sticky tabs heated, the doctor then used little metal tongs with flat ends to squeeze my oil glands. It was uncomfortable, at times painful, but the result was worth it. As a test subject, I wasn't charged, but the procedure may end up being about $1,000 or so. I expect for it to be repeated as needed.

I recommend this. Specialty Eyecare can help you out. Onward!

Dry Eyes: Solutions, Part Four

Blue stain from testing

After LipiFlow Treatment, blood serum drops, and wearing bandages, I've reached a plateau. Which means, amniotic fluid eye drops. I'll post again when they arrive in their cooler, and I've used them for a period. I'm going to share average costs, so far, as it might be helpful to others considering dry eye treatment. The list is aside from the doctor visits which are covered by insurance and fitting prescription lenses to goggles. 

LipiFlow: $1,400

Measurements after LipiFlow: $140, a year

Bandages: $100, a month

Blood Serum Drops: $340, 3 times a year

Amniotic Fluid Drops: $500, a month

Oil Vitamins: $30, a month

My eyes may need LipiFlow to be repeated this year. When these treatments can be measured, repeatedly, as effective, it is wrong insurance will cover nothing. Eye sight is lost by those who can't afford these solutions.

Here's to health care that can, one day, care for all. 

Dry Eyes: Solutions, Part Three

So, I had LipiFlow! It's a 12 minute treatment, FDA approved, which uses thermal pulsating heat to open the meibomian glands. There are about 50 glands in the upper lids and 25 in the lower lids. You can read more here.  

Simply: thick, eye, cup-like contacts were inserted, which protected my eyeballs from the upcoming heat. The outer cups then heated the insides of my eyelids to 108.5 degrees. At the same time, exterior "massaging" pressure helped flush the melting meibum out of the glands. Many of mine are already dead, but the effort is to save and support those glands still working. 

Despite FDA approval, the $1,700 treatment isn't covered by insurance. 

It didn't hurt! Although toward the end it was quite warm. The "massage" feels more like pointed pokes, over and over, but I wouldn't call it pain. It's kind of a facial for your eyelids. 

80% of patients don't need it repeated. I fit the profile for the 20% who do. Some yearly.

That's a quick take for LipiFlow. Now that my glands are empty, it will be about 6 weeks of more dryness before they fill and stabilize. More soon. Back to writing!