TearCare Dry Eye Treatment

We at Katzen Eye Group are proud to be able to offer the TearCare System, one of the most advanced treatments for dry eyes. Take our Dry Eye Questionnaire (DEQ-5) below to see if you may qualify.

TearCare® is a 15-minute in-office procedure used to treat meibomian gland disorders. The sterile single-use flexible eyelid devices gently adhere to the contours of the patient’s eyelids and apply low heat. SmartLidTM technology works in conjunction with the blinking eye to facilitate natural meibum expression as the meibum melts. The TearCare® procedure is usually repeated every two years or every year. After TearCare®, we may prescribe a corticosteroid such as Inveltys or Lotemax SM for use twice per day.

What does TearCare treat?

TearCare System is an FDA-approved for dry eye symptoms associated with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). Our upper and lower eyelids are lined with meibomian glands which produce the oil layer on our tear film.  We cannot secrete this oil if our meibomian glands are blocked or clogged. When this vital lipid layer is missing from our tear film due to a blockage, our tears evaporate faster than normal, resulting in dry eye symptoms. Untreated Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) can become progressively worse.

What is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)?

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) is the most common cause of dry eyes. When you visit our dry eye specialists, they will evaluate the function of your Meibomian Glands in order to determine whether your dry eye is caused by MGD. Left untreated, MGD can lead to your glands atrophying and shrinking, which may lead to permanent dysfunction. For TearCare to be effective, there should be a sufficient number of meibomian glands present. As part of their eye care maintenance, TearCare patients should use artificial tears and warm compresses after treatment, much like how you would continue to floss and brush your teeth after a dental appointment.

How does it work?

show how tear care works

TearCare can be completed in the same amount of time as a typical office visit. Treatment begins with an applicator being applied to the outer edges of the upper and lower eyelids. In contrast to other dry eye treatments, TearCare allows you to keep your eyes open throughout the procedure. A constant, therapeutic heat will be applied through the applicators, which, combined with blinking, will help to unclog the glands. As part of your treatment, your doctor will express the meibomian glands to help remove blockages that can stimulate oil production, resulting in a healthier tear film and a reduction of dry eye symptoms.

Is TearCare treatment painful?

Patients report that they find TearCare to be comfortable and pain-free. The Meibomian Glands themselves can be restored to proper function by this treatment process. The patient’s eyes can become appropriately moist, relieving the challenging and even painful chronic dry eye condition.

Dry Eye Questionnaire (DEQ-5)

The DEQ-5 provides a score to measure dry eye severity. A score greater than a 6 would indicate possible dry eye and would warrant additional testing to find out the exact cause. You may have to scroll back down the page after your score is calculated.

Patient Portal Ways to pay Request an Appointment Order contacts 410-821-9490

Our locations

1209 York Road,
Lutherville, MD, 21093
410-821-9490
Hours
Monday: 8:00am-5:00pm
Tuesday-Thursday: 8:00am-6:30pm
Friday: 8:00am-4:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am-1:30pm

301 Saint Paul Place
Professional Office Building
Suites 514 & 902
Baltimore, MD 21202
410-727-8380
Hours
Mon-Fri: 8am-4pm

Ridge Road Professional Center
7106 Ridge Road
Rosedale, MD 21237
(410) 866-2022
Hours
Monday-Wednesday: 8:00am-4:30pm
Thursday: 8:00am-5:00pm
Friday: 8:00am-4:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am-1:30pm

3401 Box Hill Corporate Center Drive
Suite 202
Abingdon, MD 21009
410-569-0707
Hours
Mon: 8am-4pm
Tue: 8am-6pm
Wed: 8am-5pm
Thu: 8am-5pm
Fri: 8am-4pm

111 Mt Carmel Rd #600
Parkton, MD 21120
410-329-6700
Hours
Hours:
Monday 8:30am - 6:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:00am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm
NO SATURDAY HOURS In November & December.
We will resume normal business for the 2nd and 4th Saturdays beginning the New Year 2024.

Optical Opens at 9:00am each day.

310 Main Street
Reisterstown, MD 21136
410-833-5515
Hours
Mon 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Tues 8:00 am - 6:30 pm
Weds (CLOSED)
Thurs 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Fri 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sat (First and Third Saturday of the month): 8:00am - 1:00pm

21 Crossroads Drive
Suite 425
Owings Mills, MD 21117
443-738-4270
Hours
Tues & Thur: 8 am-5 pm
Fri: 8 am-4 pm

901 Dulaney Valley Road
Suite 200
Towson, MD 21204
410-583-1000
Hours
Mon-Fri: 8am-4pm