Beyond Artificial Tears: Advanced Dry Eye Treatments That Target the Root Cause

If you're relying on artificial tears to manage dry eye symptoms, you're not alone - but you may not be getting the relief you truly need. Dry eye disease is often caused by underlying gland dysfunction, not just a lack of moisture. When the root cause goes unaddressed, symptoms persist no matter how often you use drops. At Della Porta EyeCare, we take a deeper approach. Our advanced treatments go beyond artificial tears to target the true source of dry eye, providing longer-lasting comfort and healthier eyes.
 

What Is Dry Eye Disease?

Dry eye disease occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This leads to symptoms like burning, itching, redness, sensitivity to light, and a gritty sensation. In many cases, the problem lies in the meibomian glands, which are responsible for producing the oily layer of your tears. When these glands become blocked or dysfunctional (a condition known as Meibomian Gland Dysfunction or MGD) the tear film becomes unstable, leading to chronic dryness and inflammation.
 

Why Artificial Tears Often Fall Short

Artificial tears can help by adding moisture to the eye surface, but they don’t solve the underlying gland dysfunction. In other words, they treat the symptom, not the source. Without addressing MGD, symptoms often return quickly, and long-term damage to the ocular surface can worsen.

Dr. Della Porta and her team specialize in leading dry eye therapies that are designed to restore gland function and provide lasting relief. Here’s a look at the advanced treatment options available in our clinic.
 

TearCare®

TearCare is a comfortable, in-office treatment that uses wearable, flexible eyelid devices to apply therapeutic heat to the meibomian glands. This heat loosens hardened oils and allows our eye care professionals to manually express the glands, restoring proper function and tear quality.
 

Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT)

LLLT uses gentle, medical-grade red light to stimulate cellular activity around the eyes. This helps reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and support meibomian gland health. It’s a non-invasive option that complements other dry eye treatments effectively.
 

InMode Lumecca IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)

Lumecca IPL targets inflammation at the root of MGD. By delivering pulses of light to the skin around the eyes, this treatment reduces abnormal blood vessels and calms inflammatory processes that contribute to dry eye symptoms. Patients often see a significant improvement in both comfort and tear quality.
 

Forma-I Radiofrequency

This non-invasive technology uses controlled RF energy to gently warm the skin and tissues around the eyes. The treatment stimulates collagen production and softens the meibum in the meibomian glands, making it easier for oils to flow naturally and stabilize the tear film.
 

Discover Long-Term Relief at Della Porta EyeCare

Living with dry eye can be frustrating, especially when over-the-counter solutions don’t provide lasting comfort. At Della Porta EyeCare, we’re committed to identifying and treating the root cause of your symptoms with advanced, clinically proven therapies. Whether you're dealing with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction or chronic inflammation, our personalized treatment plans are designed to restore eye health and improve your quality of life.

Ready to move beyond temporary relief? Schedule your dry eye evaluation with Della Porta EyeCare to find a solution that works for you. Visit our office in Bristol, Connecticut, or call (860) 807-1500 to book an appointment today.