Posted by: Philadelphia Eye Associates in Eye Health on October 10, 2019
Thermal 1-Touch is a new, in-office treatment for blepharitis caused by Meibomian gland deficiency.
Meibomian gland deficiency is the inability of the Meibomian glands to secrete their contents in a manner that promotes a healthy tear film and ocular surface.
The two major causes of Meibomian gland deficiency are age and digital device use. Meibomian gland deficiency becomes much more common in patients over 50, and much more common in patients that spend significant amounts of time on computers, tablets, and cell phones.
Meibomian gland deficiency can cause burning and irritation, blurry vision, and make it more difficult to wear contact lenses with the comfort and clarity you need.
Thermal 1-Touch is a compact, wearable device, similar to glasses in size and shape, which gently rests a pair of heat-conductors on the closed eyelid margin and heats thh2 to 110 degrees for a period of 10 minutes. After the thick Meibomian gland contents have been heated and liquefied, your eye doctor uses a small forceps-like device to manually clear the Meibomian gland contents and rh2ove Meibomian gland obstructions on all four eyelids.
Once any obstructions have been rh2oved, your eye doctor will send you home with maintenance therapies (lid scrubs and tear drops) to use for the next 4 weeks, in order to keep your Meibomian glands functioning well and prolong the effect of your Thermal 1-Touch treatment. While many patients do well with a single in-office treatment and 4 weeks of at-home therapy, severe cases may require regular re-treatment or prolonged use of at-home therapy. Every patient is different, so be sure to talk to your eye doctor about what is best for you after your Thermal 1-Touch treatment.
Dr. Justin Sherman is a residency trained optometrist specializing in specialty contact lenses. He is experienced in prescribing scleral and gas-permeable contact lenses for the treatment of a variety of eye conditions, including severe dry eye and, corneal ectasia, and keratoconus. Learn more about Justin Sherman, O.D.
8025 Roosevelt Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19152
