John LiVecchi MD, FACS,FSSE, Oculoplastic specialist will bring new dry eye procedures to The Lange Eye Institute.
John T. LiVecchi MD., F.A.C.S., F.S.S.E, Oculoplastic Surgeon joins The Lange Eye Institute in The Villages.
20SundayOct 2013
John Livecchi MD
John T. LiVecchi, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.S.E.E. Assistant Clinical Professor, Drexel University College of Medicine Assistant Clinical Professor, University of Central Florida College of Medicine Vice Chairman, LEITR Fmr.Director of Oculoplastics, St. Luke’s Cataract & Laser Institute
Dr. LiVecchi will be doing many surgical procedures in the Lange Eye institute to help dry eye patients. Many different lid problems may be the cause of significant dry eye . Entropion, ectropion, punctual stenosis, trichiasis, blocked Meibomian glands are a few complications that can be treated now at the Lange Eye institute. The Lange Eye Institute has helped 1000s of patients for all over the world with dry eyes. The doctors at Lange Eye Institute will first address the dry eye issues with medical and nutritional treatments first. If surgical intervention is a viable treatment for dry eyes then John Livecchi MD will be available for consultation and treatment five days a week.
John LiVecchi MD , specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the face. Some of the procedures he will be doing at The Lange Eye Institute are : upper and lower eye lid surgeries, forehead lifting, brow lift, face lift, liquid face lift, entropion and ectropion repair, botox and collagen type injections, chemical peels, laser resurfacing of the face, punctual stenosis repair, removal and biopsy of skin cancers, or un wanted warts, moles or facial lesions, migraine headache treatment, blephorospasm treatment, hemifacial spasm treatment and much much more. If you are looking for the latest in dry eye treatments set up an appointment. If you are looking for an experienced physician trained in the latest facial oculoplastic procedures then come to The Villages and see Dr. John LiVecchi at The Lange Eye Institute.
Lange Eye Institute in The Villages
call 352 753 4014 for an appointment, learn more at www.langeeyecare.com
Dry Eye Treatment and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction a Natural Approach by Michael Lange OD.
Dr. Michael Lange in front of The Lange Eye Institute in The Villages Florida, home of the dry eye!
Dry Eye Treatment and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction a Natural Approach is a culmination of over 20 years of natural treatments for dry eye developed by Michael Lange OD. Dr. Michael Lange says if these steps are explained in detail to the patient and are followed carefully a vast improvement in dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction will be a result. Michael Lange OD, CNS is one of a select group of eye care providers that is a certified nutrition specialist as well. Dr. Lange is involved in the research and development of nutritional supplements for eye care and whole body wellness. Dr Michael Lange founded Lange Eye care and Associates 3/15/1993 and has grown to 10 locations in Florida. The Lange Eye institute in the Villages Florida is one of the largest Nutrition oriented eye care centers in the world. The Lange Eye Institute is the home to many nutritional omega index studies, beta-carotene/lutein absorption studies and spectracell nutritional studies. Dr.Lange is constantly searching for better natural ways to help his patients. The Lange Eye Institute in The Villages Florida embraces the latest in nutritional, surgical, medical and optical treatments to help their patients. The following four steps will help doctors and patients in their quest to improve dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction. These four procedures if followed will possibly eliminate the need to use expensive prescription medications or have expensive dry eye procedures done. The goal is to make the body work to its fullest potential. This is a natural inexpensive option to expensive dry eye procedures like meibomian gland probing, lipiflow or IPL laser dry eye treatment.
1. Nutrition for dry eyes is the most important step in natural dry eye treatment. The majority of Americans are deficient in omega 3 with an Omega index score around 4 . Omega index is the ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 in blood. Omega index should be over 8 to gain the therapeutic health benefits. Take a good triglyceride form omega 3 fish oil with a minimum of 1500 mg of omega 3.
Fortifeye Super Omega is many doctors choice for dry eye
The correct dosage of omega 3 will reduce inflammation in the Meibomian glands and improve the tear production. Most patients after taking the correct form omega 3 supplement in the right dosage will have a dramatic improvement in the tear production from the Meibomian glands. Fortifeye Super Omega gives the ratio of DHA and EPA that has been working in large dry eye clinics through out the world. Omega index studies indicate that two per day dosing of Fortifeye Super Omega will bring the omega index to an average between 9.1 and 11 in patients under 240 lbs. The goal is to bring the omega index to a minimum of 8. People over 240 lbs may need to double the concentration of omega 3 to get the same results. Most patients with dry eyes and meibomian gland dysfunction will improve by starting the correct dosage and form of omega 3 fish oil. However some moderate to marked dry eye symptoms may need some additional nutritional help. I recommend adding the most potent antioxidant /anti inflammatory nutrient on the planet called astaxanthin at 6mg.
Fortifeye Focus improves dry tired eye symptoms. Works well with Fortifeye Super omega.
Astaxanthin for dry eye is rapidly gaining a strong foothold in the natural medicine realm. Astaxanthin is a super carotenoid derived from algae. Astaxanthin when added to omega 3 fish oil will enhance the anti inflammatory effects. Astaxanthin will also help to reduce dry tired eye symptoms. Astaxanthin has many other amazing health benefits. I recommend using an organically grown algae called astareal. The combination of triglyceride form omega 3 and 6 mg of astaxanthin will help combat against oxidation and inflammation in the eye and entire body. This combination will also improve circulation to the eye and may indirectly help other eye problems like glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. One final nutrient that can be added for the more extreme dry eye is GLA from Black currant seed oil. I like a ratio of close to 10 to 1 GLA to omega 3. 140-160 mg of GLA in addition to 1400-1600 mg of omega 3 fish oil is ideal. The exact combination can be obtained by taking two Fortifeye super omega along with 140mg-160 mg of GLA. GLA has some additional anti inflammatory properties that stimulate series one prostaglandins and aids in healthy tear production. GLA also is amazing for the skin, hair, nails and joints. The triple whammy of dry eye nutrition is TG form omega 3, Astaxanthin and GLA. GLA for dry eye when used in combination with omega 3 and astaxanthin works very well. This combination is also even better for skin, hair, nails and joint health. 
2. One of the main reasons for dry eye symptoms and Meibomian gland dysfunction is a build up of microbial flora on the eye lashes and inside the Meibomian glands. This condition is called blepharitis. If lids are quite inflamed ,red and crusty then proper lid hygiene is crucial as the first step at natural dry eye relief. I recommend scrubbing the lids and lid margins with a commercial preparation like occusoft lid scrub foam. This scrubbing will eliminate much of the bacterial flora on the lashes that can clog the Meibomian glands that secrete the crucial outer layer of the tear film. Often times if a patient has a chronic irritated red-eye even after doing lid scrubs with occusoft they may have another condition causing the problem, Another type of blepharitis is related to a small parasite called demodex. Demodex is a small parasite that crawls into the hair follicle at night and multiplies. The demodex may cause lids to become red, inflamed, crusty , and itch. It is important to wipe the lashes and lid margins with a special pre medicated pad called cliradex right before bed. Cliradex has the demodex killing properties derived from tea tree oil and is extremely effective for the treatment of demodex related blepharitis and secondary dry eyes. Scrub lashes first with occusoft, rinse then rub the Cliradex onto lashes and lids before bed and do not rinse. This combination of lid hygiene will help to eliminate the microbial flora ( staph and demodex) that is blocking the Meibomian glands and causing the dry eyes. Proper lid hygiene is one of the most important steps in dry eye control.
3. Meibomian glands often times need a jump-start to help them secrete a better tear film. Heating and massaging the lid margins is crucial to unclog the meibomian glands so the glands can secrete the crucial outer layer of tear film. This needs to be done for 10-15 minutes 2 times a day. The use of a warm wash cloth is an inexpensive way to do this but I have found that the Brueder Mask is the best way to continuously do this treatment. This is a mask that u put in microwave for 20 seconds and then Velcro around your face for 10-15 minutes two times a day. While the mask is on the eyes gently massage the lid margins to help un clog the blocked glands. This mask will also help cut inflammation around and under the eyes. The Brueder eye hydrating mask can last up to two to three years without being replaced. This mask is only $25 and makes the hot compresses a very simple and relaxing task.
4. Lubricating eye drops are important to use frequently in beginning phases of natural dry eye treatment. Using a good unpreserved artificial tear that has some hyaluranic acid for dry eye relief is my first choice. I recommend either Oasis tears plus or Blink to minimize dry eye symptomatology and both have hyaluronic acid in them . Hyaluaronic acid has some anti inflammatory effects and makes these two lubricating eye drops my first choice for dry eyes. For the extreme dry eyes and Meibomian gland dysfunction patients I like adding a special lubricating eye drop called Retain MGD. Retain MGD helps to replenish the outer lipid layer of tear film that may be deficient in Meibomian gland dysfunction patients. This combination helps to replenish all layers of the tear film.
Michael Lange OD states if the four steps above are followed carefully most people with dry eye and meibomian gland problems will improve. Many people will notice improvements in as little as five days but it will take up to four months to gain the full potential for dry eyes. These steps will in many cases eliminate the need to have more expensive dry eye procedures like Meibomian gland probing, lipiflow dry eye treatment or IPL laser dry eye treatment performed. Dry eye kits including everything mentioned above are available at a discounted price at http://www.fortifeye.com. I recommend all readers of this blog see their local optometrist or ophthalmologist if they have any problems with their eyes. This blog is for educational purposes only. If you are in the Florida area come by one of the 10 Lange Eye Care locations. http://www.langeeyecare.com , http://www.drmichaellange.com
Everything discussed in this article can be purchased at http://www.fortifeye.com or u can call 866 503 9746
Michael Lange OD, CNS (Board Certified Optometric Physician and Certified Nutrition Specialist) 10/06/2013
Natural Dry Eye Treatment by Dr. Michael Lange Optometrist and Certified Nutrition Specialist
Natural dry eye treatment may be the best treatment for dry eyes.
by Michael Lange OD, CNS
Dr. Michael Lange in front of The Lange Eye Institute in The Villages Florida, home of the dry eye!
What is the best treatment for dry eyes? This is a question that optometrists and ophthalmologists have been trying to figure out for years. A lot of money and research is used in developing a dry eye treatment that works. Everyone is looking for that magic potion or miracle dry eye treatment. Patients with dry eyes will try anything to get relief of their symptoms. Currently the traditional approach to dry eye treatment is to use artificial tears, oral and topical antibiotics, topical steroids and punctal plugs. Some newer dry eye treatments are Meibomian gland probing, IPL ( intense pulse light therapy), and Lipiflow. These newer treatments for dry eye are all aimed at unplugging the Meibomian glands to allow a healthier flow of the crucial outer lipid layer of the tear film. These treatments are not covered by insurances and are relatively expensive and not permanent.
Sometimes the simplest and most natural approach is the best. I have been seeing dry eye patients in an extremely busy dry eye practice since 1992. I have been able to determine what works and what doesn’t work. I have taken all of my years of experience in clinical dry eye treatment and nutrition and formed a natural dry eye treatment plan that works quite well . I have patients that travel 1000s of miles to come to The Lange Eye Institute in the Villages Florida to learn about natural eye care . We take a wellness approach to our patients at Lange Eye Care and help the patient to become pro active in their future health through dietary changes and lifestyle modifications. We use this wellness approach to complement our traditional medical and surgical care of our patients. Many patients come to Lange Eye Care for a second opinion because the traditional dry eye treatment was not working and they are seeking out a different approach. We have been able to help many patients that traditional dry eye treatments have failed through a more natural approach.
Wild Alaskan Salmon and plenty of vegetables ia a Paleo diet for dry eyes.
Patients respond favorably to a natural dry eye treatment approach. First and foremost most patients will need a diet overhaul. The typical American with dry eye is consuming a pro inflammatory diet that is very high in omega 6 fatty acids. These patients will respond well by simply changing their diet to an anti inflammatory diet . I recommend a combination of the gluten-free, Paleo and mediterranean diets. Eating more fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, nuts and seeds and staying away from processed foods is the idea behind these diets. Simply by adjusting their diet many patients will report less dry eye symptoms and feel better and look better. Most patients with dry eyes are also dehydrated. They are not drinking enough good quality water and drinking too much coffee, sodas and alcohol. When we bump up their water consumption to half their body weight in ounces of good quality water and add a few glasses of coconut water many of the signs of dehydration will start to improve including dry eye symptoms. A small amount of coffee may actually be good for dry eyes. Some recent studies prove that small amounts of caffeine may stimulate the tear glands. I do still recommend one to two cups of coffee a day. I also recommend consuming green tea, white tea, almond milk and coconut milk throughout the day. When consuming large amounts of water drink only spring water or filtered well water. Stay away from reverse osmosis and distilled water due to the acid ph and the lack of minerals. Try to drink spring water out of a glass bottle however if you can’t find it in glass it is ok in plastic as long as it is kept at room temperature.
coconut water for dry eyes
Smoking lowers serum antioxidant levels in the blood and increases the risk of all eye problems including dry eyes. Smoking cessation is tops on the list to help improve dry eyes. Patients that are overweight are also more likely to have dry eyes ,cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration. Weight loss is also a step in the right direction of helping to eliminate the dry eye suffering many patients are plagued with.
Dry eye vitamins are becoming very popular and there are a variety of dry eye vitamins that can be purchased over the counter at the local drug store. People must be very careful when purchasing their vitamins from the local drug store. Many of the supplements and eye vitamins sold at the local drug store are filled with synthetic nutrients, dyes and trans fats. These supplements in my opinion may sometimes cause more harm than good. I got tired of questioning the quality of the supplements that my patients were getting from the local stores so started Fortifeye Vitamins in 2005. Fortifeye Vitamins is involved in research and developement of science based supplements to help the eyes and total body. www.fortifeye.com
Fortifeye Super Omega is many doctors choice for dry eye.
The number one supplement or vitamin for dry eye is Omega 3 fish oil. The typical fish oil that you purchase at the local drug store will not have a high enough concentration of omega 3 to be effective against dry eye. These typical store bought omega fish oils are made of an inferior oil called ethyl ester fish oil. Ethyl ester fish oil is an inexpensive way to purify and concentrate a fish oil however it makes the molecule very unstable and can therefore go rancid very easily. This is why many people burp up a nasty rotten fish smell. I recommend going with a triglyceride form omega fish oil with a minimal concentration of EPA 850-900 and DHA of 550-600 in two gel caps. Taking these levels of this type of fish oil will move the omega index to a truly healthy level over 9%. The omega index is the ratio of omega 3 to omega 6 in our blood. New studies suggest an omega index over 8% is the healthy zone. Fortifeye super omega is the fish oil I recommend since it full fills all of this criteria. Fortifeye Super Omega has an Epa of 860 and a DHA of 580 in two gel caps. An omega three study proved that two Fortifeye Super omega will bring the omega index on an average over 9.1 % and in many patients as high as 11%. This fish oil has a very good taste ad will not cause any burp back. It is in a gel cap that can be swallowed or is also made as a chewable capsule as well. 1000s of doctors and patients are experiencing the dry eye benefits from taking Fortifeye Super Omega. I recommend patients that have severely dry eyes or patients that weigh over 240 lbs to take three to four of the Fortifeye Super Omega on a daily basis.
Fortifeye Focus improves dry tired eye symptoms. Works well with Fortifeye Super omega.
My second favorite supplement or vitamin for dry eye is a carotenoid called astaxanthin. Astaxanthin is a potent anti oxidant as well as a potent anti inflammatory. Astaxanthin has been shown in multiple studies to reduce eye strain and improve accommodative ability in near point tasks. Astaxanthin is also used by athletes to improve muscle endurance and muscle recovery. Many patients notice less wrinkles and fine lines in their face after taking astaxanthin for a few months. This potent carotenoid also has some sun blocking properties ultimately helping to protect the skin and eyes from the damaging suns rays. Fortifeye Focus is a supplement I developed using 6 mg of astaxanthin, 4 mg of lutein and 200 mcg of zeaxanthin. I have had incredible results with this product and patients with dry eyes. When combined with Fortifeye Super Omega the dry eye benefits are improved dramatically from either one used alone. Many of my patients are noticing dramatic improvement in dry eye and tired eye symptoms after taking both Super Omega and Focus for 1-2 months. Subjective and objective improvements are noted on these patients. Since many of these patients will fall short of eating the 10-13 servings of organically grown fruits and vegetables , I recommend taking a good multivitamin. I have developed a multivitamin called Fortifeye Complete One-per-day for this situation. It is important when dealing with dry eye patients to make sure they are not nutritionally deficient. A nutritional deficiency can be a cause of dry eyes. A Potassium deficiency can also be a cause of dry eye. This is another reason I recommend dry eye patients drinking a few glasses of coconut water a day . Coconut water is very high in potassium and is one of the best ways to hydrate .
Fortifeye One Per Day most potent multivitamin in the industry
It is also important to practice good lid hygiene if you are a dry eye sufferer. I recommend hot compresses with a warm wash cloth for 15 minutes three times a day while massaging the lid margins. This will help to unclog the Meibomian glands and ultimately improve tear flow to the ocular surface. I also recommend scrubbing the eye lashes with a good lid scrub foam like occusoft lid scrub foam two times a day. This will get rid of the bacterial flora that builds up on the lids and clogs the Meibomian glands. Lastly it is important to use a good unpreserved artificial tear to help alleviate the dry eye symptoms. I recommend Oasis Tears Plus and Retaine. Both of these lubricants are preservative free and last longer than the artificial tears you can purchase over the counter. These lubricating eye drops can be used frequently throughout the day. All of the supplements, foam cleanser and artificial tears I have discussed can be purchased through many eye care providers or you can purchase online at www.fortifeye.com
Total Dry Eye System
In summary, Dry eye is a chronic condition that wont go away over night. However if the suggestions made in this article are followed then the chances of your dry eye improving are significant. This article was for educational purposes only and never replaces a comprehensive eye exam from your local optometrist or ophthalmologist. I hope this has been informative!
Keep the faith
Dr. Michael Lange Optometrist and Certified Nutrition Specialist
syndicated talk show host of “Ask the Dr.”.
Dry Eye Treatment 