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Beyond Eye Drops: Advanced Dry Eye Therapies That Actually Work

Mon, 18 May 2026 13:31:33 GMT

The Case for Advanced Treatment

Dry eye disease is one of the most common — and most mismanaged — conditions in eye care. For millions of patients, artificial tears provide only fleeting comfort, leaving the underlying cause completely unaddressed. That's because dry eye isn't a single problem. It can stem from meibomian gland dysfunction, inflammatory lid disease, an unstable tear film, or a compromised ocular surface — and each demands a targeted response.

At Perspective Eye Care Long Island, we offer a full spectrum of evidence-based dry eye therapies, from in-office energy treatments to advanced biologic interventions. Here's what each treatment does, who it's for, and what patients can expect.

16M+

Americans with dry eye disease

86%

of dry eye involves meibomian gland dysfunction

6

Advanced treatments at our practice

1. ENERGY THERAPY

Low Level Light Therapy (LLLT)

Photobiomodulation for gland health and inflammation control

Low Level Light Therapy — often called photobiomodulation — uses targeted, low-intensity wavelengths of light applied to the eyelids and surrounding tissue. Unlike lasers or high-energy devices, LLLT doesn't cut or heat; it communicates with cells directly at the mitochondrial level, stimulating natural repair and anti-inflammatory pathways.

The treatment works by activating cytochrome c oxidase within the mitochondria, which boosts ATP production and accelerates cellular repair. For dry eye patients, this translates to improved meibomian gland secretion, reduced eyelid inflammation, and a more stable lipid layer in the tear film — the oil-based component responsible for preventing evaporation.

Sessions are gentle, completely painless, and typically take under 20 minutes. Most patients complete a series of four sessions over several weeks. Many notice significant improvement in comfort, redness, and tear film quality by their third or fourth visit — with results that can last months beyond the end of treatment.

KEY BENEFITS

• Stimulates meibomian gland secretion

• Reduces periocular inflammation

• Non-invasive and pain-free

• No downtime required

• Pairs well with RF and IPL therapies

Safe for medication-sensitive patients

2. ENERGY THERAPY

Radiofrequency (RF) Treatment

Thermal gland therapy for meibomian gland dysfunction

Radiofrequency therapy delivers controlled thermal energy to the eyelids, gently heating the meibomian glands to liquefy and release thickened, stagnant meibum — the waxy oil secretion that forms the critical protective lipid layer of the tear film. When meibum solidifies or plugs the gland openings, the lipid layer breaks down rapidly, triggering the hallmark symptoms of evaporative dry eye: burning, grittiness, and fluctuating vision.

RF treatment doesn't just unclog glands in the short term. The controlled heating effect also stimulates collagen remodeling in the eyelid tissue, which helps restore the structural integrity of the meibomian glands over time — a meaningful advantage for patients with chronic or moderate-to-severe MGD. Clinical studies have demonstrated sustained improvements in tear break-up time and symptom scores at six to twelve months following a treatment series.

The procedure is comfortable and brief. Patients often describe the sensation as a warm massage over the eyelids. Following RF treatment, we perform manual meibomian gland expression to maximize clearance of softened secretions. There is no recovery period, and most patients return to normal activities immediately.

KEY BENEFITS

Liquefies and clears blocked
Stimulates collagen remodeling in lid tissue
Sustained results at 6–12 months
Comfortable, spa-like experience
Zero downtime
Effective for moderate-to-severe MGD

3. LIGHT THERAPY

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

Targeting the vascular root cause of inflammatory dry eye

Intense Pulsed Light therapy delivers precisely calibrated broad-spectrum light pulses to the skin around the eyelids, targeting the abnormal blood vessels (telangiectasias) that drive chronic eyelid inflammation. These small, dilated vessels leak inflammatory mediators onto the lid margin — disrupting meibomian gland function and perpetuating the cycle of evaporative dry eye that artificial tears alone cannot break.

IPL works in two complementary ways. First, the light energy is absorbed by oxyhemoglobin in the abnormal blood vessels, causing them to collapse and be reabsorbed — reducing the inflammatory load on the ocular surface. Second, the heat generated around the meibomian glands softens hardened meibum and stimulates gland activity. This dual mechanism makes IPL particularly effective for patients with rosacea-associated MGD, a common and frequently under-recognized combination.

Multiple clinical trials have demonstrated 50–70% improvements in tear break-up time and symptom scores following a series of IPL sessions. Treatment typically involves three to four sessions spaced three to four weeks apart, followed by maintenance visits as needed. Results compound over the series and continue to improve for weeks after the final session.

KEY BENEFITS

Closes abnormal inflammatory blood vessels
50–70% improvement in symptom scores (clinical trials)
Highly effective for rosacea-associated MGD
Also improves skin texture around the eyes
Results continue building after final session
Combines well with RF for maximum effect

4. LID HYGIENE

ZEST Therapy

Okra-based deep lid cleansing for Demodex and biofilm

ZEST — Zocular Eyelid System Treatment — is a specialized in-office lid cleansing procedure that uses an okra-derived polysaccharide gel to deeply exfoliate the eyelid margins, removing the biofilm, crusting, and debris that accumulate at the base of the lashes. This buildup is a primary breeding ground for Demodex mites — microscopic parasites that infest eyelash follicles and meibomian gland openings in a significant percentage of adults, with prevalence increasing sharply with age.

Demodex infestation is a frequently overlooked driver of chronic dry eye, blepharitis, and eyelid inflammation. The mites disrupt meibomian gland openings, introduce bacteria and their waste products to the ocular surface, and trigger persistent inflammation that conventional treatments don't address. ZEST physically removes the mite population and the collarette debris they leave behind, providing immediate relief while creating a cleaner lid environment that supports better gland function.

The procedure is quick and comfortable, performed right in our office. Many patients notice a significant reduction in lid irritation, redness, and foreign body sensation within days of treatment. ZEST is an excellent adjunct to energy-based therapies and is recommended as a starting point for patients with visible collarettes or a history of chronic blepharitis.

KEY BENEFITS

Removes Demodex mites and biofilm
Clears debris from meibomian gland openings
Quick improvement in lid comfort and redness
Natural okra-based gel — no harsh chemicals
deal for chronic blepharitis patients
Creates a foundation for other dry eye therapies

5. BIOLOGIC THERAPY

Amniotic Membrane Therapy

Regenerating the ocular surface with biologic tissue

Amniotic membrane therapy represents one of the most powerful options in our dry eye toolkit — a biologic treatment derived from human placental tissue that is used to regenerate and heal a damaged or severely compromised ocular surface. The amniotic membrane is remarkably rich in growth factors, anti-inflammatory cytokines, and extracellular matrix proteins that support tissue repair in a way no pharmaceutical can replicate.

When placed on the eye, the membrane acts as a biological scaffold, reducing inflammation, inhibiting scarring, and actively promoting the regeneration of healthy corneal and conjunctival epithelium. We use cryopreserved amniotic membrane delivered via a dissolving ring or contact lens device, making application simple and well-tolerated. The membrane dissolves over several days, releasing its healing factors continuously while in place.

This treatment is particularly transformative for patients with severe or refractory dry eye who have not responded to conventional therapies — including those with corneal epithelial defects, filamentary keratitis, persistent surface breakdown, or dry eye associated with autoimmune conditions such as Sjogren's syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis. It is also used after ocular surgery to support healing and reduce post-operative inflammation.

KEY BENEFITS

Delivers growth factors for tissue regeneration
Reduces corneal inflammation and scarring
Effective for severe refractory dry eye
Treats corneal epithelial defects and keratitis
Supports healing post-ocular surgery
Dissolving delivery — no removal needed

6. RETENTION THERAPY

Punctal Plugs

Preserving your natural tear volume through occlusion

Punctal plugs are tiny, biocompatible devices inserted into the tear drainage openings (puncta) at the inner corners of the upper and lower eyelids. Their mechanism is straightforward but remarkably effective: by slowing the drainage of tears from the ocular surface, they increase the volume of natural tears available to lubricate and protect the eye throughout the day.

This makes punctal plugs an excellent solution for patients whose primary challenge is aqueous-deficient dry eye — a condition where the lacrimal glands simply don't produce enough tears to maintain adequate coverage. They're equally valuable as a complement to other dry eye therapies, amplifying the benefit of prescription eye drops like cyclosporine (Restasis) or lifitegrast (Xiidra) by extending the contact time of the medication on the ocular surface.

Insertion takes just a few minutes in our office and is entirely painless — most patients don't feel the plug at all once it's placed. We offer both temporary dissolvable plugs (ideal for trialing the treatment or for post-surgical use) and permanent silicone plugs for ongoing management. If a plug ever needs to be removed, it can be done quickly and easily at any visit. For many patients, punctal plugs represent the simplest, most low-maintenance step they can take toward meaningful, lasting relief.

KEY BENEFITS

Increases natural tear retention on the surface
Painless in-office insertion in minutes
Reversible — removable at any time
Temporary or permanent options available
Amplifies effectiveness of prescription drops
Low maintenance with lasting results

Ready to find the right treatment for you?

Dry eye is rarely one-size-fits-all. Dr. Brian Cho will evaluate your tear film, gland health, and ocular surface to build a personalized treatment plan — so you get relief that lasts.

Book a Dry Eye Evaluation at perspectiveli.com

A Personalized Path to Lasting Comfort

Dry eye disease is rarely one-dimensional, and the most effective treatment plans usually aren't either. Many of our patients benefit most from a combination approach — for example, ZEST to clear the lid environment, followed by a series of IPL and RF to treat gland dysfunction and underlying inflammation, supported by punctal plugs to maintain tear volume between visits. For patients with severe surface disease, amniotic membrane therapy can provide the reset the ocular surface needs before other treatments can achieve their full effect.

The common thread in all of these treatments is that they address causes, not just symptoms. Unlike drops that provide momentary relief and nothing more, these therapies work with your body's natural biology to restore function, reduce inflammation, and rebuild a healthy ocular surface.

If dry eye has been affecting your vision, comfort, or daily life — whether for months or years — we encourage you to come in for a comprehensive dry eye evaluation. The right treatment may be closer than you think.

Dr. Brian Cho, O.D., F.A.A.O.

Perspective Eye Care Long Island • perspectiveli.com

Most Common Cause of Dry Eye

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 12:10:12 GMT

That Gritty, Burning Feeling in Your Eyes? It Has a Name — and a Solution

What you need to know about Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, the most common cause of dry eye — and why it becomes more common after 55.

You’ve probably chalked it up to allergies, or aging, or too much time in front of a screen. But if your eyes regularly feel gritty, dry, or like there’s something stuck in them — even when there isn’t — there’s a good chance something specific is going on beneath the surface.

That something is called Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, or MGD. It’s the leading cause of dry eye, it’s extremely common in people over 55, and the good news is that it’s very treatable. You don’t have to just live with the discomfort.

So, What Exactly Is MGD?

Your tears aren’t just water. They’re made up of three layers working together: an oily outer layer, a watery middle layer, and a sticky inner layer that helps everything cling to the surface of your eye. Each layer plays a role in keeping your eyes comfortable and your vision clear.

The oil layer — called meibum — is produced by tiny glands along the edges of your eyelids called meibomian glands. Its job is to slow evaporation and keep your tear film stable between blinks. When those glands get clogged or stop producing enough oil, the tear film breaks down too quickly. Your eyes dry out faster, become irritated, and that familiar gritty, burning feeling sets in.

That’s Meibomian Gland Dysfunction — and it’s far more common than most people realize.

Does Any of This Sound Familiar?

MGD can show up differently from person to person, but the most common symptoms include:

• A persistent gritty or sandy feeling in your eyes

• Burning or stinging, especially later in the day

• Eyes that water excessively — which sounds counterintuitive, but is actually a reflex response to dryness

• Blurry vision that improves briefly when you blink

• Red, sore, or irritated eyes

• Crusty or sticky eyelids, particularly in the morning

• Difficulty wearing contact lenses comfortably

Symptoms often get worse in air-conditioned rooms, dry or windy weather, or after extended time on a screen. If any of these sound like your daily experience, you’re not alone — and you’re not stuck with it.

Why MGD Becomes More Common After 55

MGD isn’t something you did wrong. It’s largely a function of how our eyes change over time — and several things that happen naturally after 55 make it more likely:

• Hormonal changes — Menopause and declining androgen levels affect oil gland function in both women and men, making it one of the most significant triggers for MGD in this age group.

• Common medications — Antihistamines, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and hormone therapies can all affect tear production and gland function.

• Screen time — When we stare at a screen, we blink significantly less often. Blinking is what naturally expresses the meibomian glands and keeps oil flowing. Less blinking over time can gradually impair gland function.

• Underlying health conditions — Rosacea, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, and other autoimmune or skin conditions are closely linked to MGD.

The important thing to know is that these causes are well understood — and that means we can address them effectively.

What Treatment Actually Looks Like

One of the most common frustrations we hear from patients is that they’ve been using eye drops for years with only partial relief. That’s because over-the-counter drops treat the symptom, not the source. Without a functioning oil layer, even the best lubricating drops evaporate off the eye quickly.

At Perspective Eye Care, Dr. Brian Cho takes a different approach: identifying the root cause of your dry eye and treating it directly. Depending on what’s driving your MGD, treatment might include:

• Warm compress therapy — A gentle first step that softens clogged gland openings and gets oil flowing again. Simple, but genuinely effective for mild to moderate cases.

• In-office gland treatments — Advanced therapies including low-level light therapy, radiofrequency, and intense pulsed light (IPL) that address the glands themselves rather than just the symptoms. Many patients notice meaningful improvement after just a few sessions.

• Omega-3 supplementation — Supported by good evidence for improving oil quality in the tear film.

• Prescription therapies — Topical antibiotics, cyclosporine, or short-course corticosteroids when inflammation is part of the picture.

• Targeted eye drops — When drops are appropriate, Dr. Cho will recommend the right formulation for your specific situation — not just the first thing off the shelf.

Every treatment plan is built around you — your symptoms, your lifestyle, and what will actually make a difference in your day-to-day comfort.

You Shouldn’t Have to Live With Uncomfortable Eyes

If your eyes have been bothering you — whether it’s been weeks or years — a dry eye evaluation at Perspective Eye Care is a great place to start. Dr. Brian Cho will take the time to understand what’s going on, explain your options clearly, and put together a plan that fits your life. No rushing, no jargon, just answers.

Book your evaluation at perspectiveli.com or call our Bellport or Coram office. We’d love to help.

Understanding Dry Eye Disease Causes: A Guide by Perspective Eye Care

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 14:20:25 GMT

At Perspective Eye Care, our caring team of optometrists and eye care specialists are committed to helping you see and feel your best — because healthy vision starts with a healthy ocular surface. If you've noticed your eyes feeling scratchy, tired, or irritated lately, you're not alone. Dry Eye Disease (DED), also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is one of the most common conditions we identify during comprehensive eye exams — and it affects women over 55 more than almost any other group. The hormonal shifts that naturally occur during and after menopause can directly impact your tear glands, reducing both tear volume and tear quality, and leaving your ocular surface vulnerable to irritation and inflammation. Your tear film is actually made up of three protective layers working together — the lipid layer from your meibomian glands, the aqueous layer from your lacrimal glands, and the mucin layer from your goblet cells — think of them as a shield that keeps your eyes comfortable and your cornea lubricated. When even one of those layers is out of balance, it can lead to corneal exposure and make everyday activities like reading, driving, or screen time uncomfortable and difficult to enjoy.

How Your Daily Routine and Environment Play a Role

Dry Eye Disease rarely has a single cause — and that's something our optometrists hear about every day. The most common culprit we diagnose is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) , a condition where the meibomian glands in your eyelids become blocked, reducing the lipid layer of your tear film. Without that protective oily coating, tears evaporate too quickly, leaving your cornea exposed, irritated, and vulnerable to ongoing ocular surface inflammation.

The Role of Age, Hormones, and Your Medical History

You may be surprised to learn that your lifestyle habits can have a direct impact on your tear film health. Prolonged screen time — whether on a phone, tablet, or computer — naturally reduces your blink rate, which means your tears aren't being evenly redistributed across your ocular surface. At the same time, everyday environmental factors like air conditioning, indoor heating, and wind can accelerate tear evaporation, triggering that familiar gritty, burning, or stinging sensation that so many of our patients describe.

The Role of Age, Hormones, and Your Medical History

As we get older, our lacrimal glands gradually produce fewer tears — and for women, the hormonal changes that come with menopause can further reduce both tear volume and tear quality. This is why chronic dryness is so prevalent in women over 55. Certain medications can also quietly contribute to the problem. Antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure treatments are among the most common prescription-related dry eye disease causes we uncover. Autoimmune conditions such as Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus can also compromise your goblet cells and aqueous layer, making a thorough review of your medical history an essential part of your care.

How Perspective Eye Care Diagnoses and Treats Dry Eye Disease

Getting the right treatment starts with getting the right diagnosis. Our team uses advanced comprehensive eye exams to evaluate your tear film stability, measure tear volume, and assess the health of your cornea and ocular surface. Whether you're experiencing watery eyes — a common reflex response to dryness — blurred vision that shifts when you blink, or persistent light sensitivity, we have the tools and expertise to pinpoint exactly what's driving your discomfort. From clinically proven treatment options to personalized lifestyle modifications, we'll build a care plan that works for your eyes and your life.

Protecting your vision for the long term

Your eye health is not something that should wait until a problem becomes impossible to ignore. Many women over 55 are surprised to discover that what they assumed was simply "tired eyes" or normal aging is actually a manageable and treatable condition. The sooner Dry Eye Disease is identified, the easier it is to protect your cornea, preserve your tear film, and prevent long-term damage to your ocular surface.

At Perspective Eye Care, we believe that proactive, personalized care makes all the difference. Our optometrists will work closely with you to monitor your tear quality and tear volume over time, adjusting your treatment plan as your needs evolve. Whether that means in-office therapies to unclog your meibomian glands, prescription eye drops to reduce ocular surface inflammation, or simple daily habits to support your lacrimal gland health, we are here to guide you every step of the way.

Because healthy, comfortable vision isn't a luxury — it's something everyone deserves to enjoy at every stage of life. Schedule a comprehensive eye exam with our team today and take the first step toward lasting relief.

Myopia Management

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 12:12:34 GMT

Is Your Child A Candidate For Myopia Management?

Rapidly progressing myopia is more than just a hassle — today’s research shows that it will put your child at increased risk of developing serious eye diseases in late adulthood, such as glaucoma, cataracts, retinal detachment and macular degeneration.

Fortunately, Dr. Brian Cho can help slow the progression of your child’s myopia with a customized myopia management program.

What is Myopia Management?

Myopia management is an evidence-based program that can halt or slow the progression of myopia in children. Each myopia management treatment has varying benefits and levels of efficacy; Dr. Brian Cho can help you decide which method is most suitable for your child depending on their age and myopia level.

Is Myopia Management Right for My Child?

The ideal candidate for myopia management is a child or young adult with practically any degree of myopia. Although it’s best to begin myopia management as early as possible, many older children, teens, and college students can still benefit from this treatment.

But first, here are a few factors to consider before embarking on a myopia management program:

The patient must be at least 6 or 7 years of age
He or she must be willing and able to care for contact lenses
Must have a certain level of maturity and responsibility

Below are some examples of myopia management patients:

A 9-year-old recently diagnosed with myopia is already noticing the need to increase her prescription. She begins myopia management to slow down or stop her deteriorating distance vision. This is a great time to start myopia management, as it offers the best chance of preserving long-term eye health.

Myopia management is also suitable for young teens or pre-teens. A 12-year-old who wants to eliminate the need for daytime glasses or contact lenses may find certain myopia management treatments to be very appealing.

A young teen who feels insecure about their appearance when wearing glasses, or who finds that glasses interfere with sports and other activities, may also find myopia management to be a great option.

A 16-year-old teen with mild to moderate myopia hopes to undergo corrective surgery in the future. If they begin myopia management at 16, they have a good chance of stabilizing their vision until they meet the age requirements for corrective surgery a few years later. In addition to decreasing their risks of future eye disease, slowing their myopia progression may increase their chance of successful corrective surgery.

We Can Help Control Your Child’s Myopia

Myopia management works best when parents wish to take a proactive role in preserving their child’s vision in the long term. The earlier a child receives myopia management, the easier it is to control myopia’s progression and the better the long-term results.

If your child has myopia, take action and help mitigate their risk of developing eye disease in the future. For further information or to schedule your consultation, contact Bellport Perspective Eye Care today.

Our practice serves patients from Bellport, Coram, Patchogue, and Sayville, NY and surrounding communities.

REFERENCES

https://optometry.nova.edu/ce/orlandoweekend/micklesteabcoamyopia
https://www.mykidsvision.org/blog/when-to-start-and-when-to-stop-myopia-management/

What are Scleral Lenses?

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 12:07:54 GMT

Custom-fit scleral lenses help patients with corneal distortions and irregularities achieve dramatic improvements in visual acuity and comfort. Scleral lenses vault over the cornea and prevent discomfort by resting on the sclera so as not to place any pressure on the cornea. This creates a new optical surface to replace the distorted cornea. Moreover, the reservoir of pure saline solution between the back surface of the lens and the front of the cornea ensures that the eye is always in a liquid environment – making it optimal for healing.

Due to their size, scleral lenses are more stable on the eye than conventional GP lenses and are therefore less likely to accidentally dislodge from the eye. This stability makes them more comfortable, especially for sensitive eyes or irregularly shaped corneas. Moreover, all scleral lenses are made with highly breathable gas permeable material so that plenty of oxygen reaches the front of the eye, keeping it healthy and comfortable.

Types of Scleral Lenses

These three categories are based on the lenses’ size and primary contact with the surface of the eye.

Corneo-scleral lenses and semi-scleral lenses are significantly larger than traditional GP lenses and rest near the junction between the cornea and the sclera.
Mini-scleral lenses vault over the whole corneal surface and rest on the anterior sclera.
Full scleral lenses are the largest in size and provide the most clearance between the back surface of the lens and the cornea.

If you are interested, contact Bellport Perspective Eye Care to find out if scleral lenses are right for you. Our staff helps patients from all over Bellport and Coram , NY , and Dr. Brian Cho will provide a comprehensive evaluation and the highest level of care.

Scleral Lenses Provide More Comfort and Improved Vision

Our patients report comfort as the most prominent feature of the scleral lens. Throughout the fitting process, we survey our patients on how the lenses feel, and not surprisingly, the usual feedback we get is “fine” or “I can’t feel them at all”.

Traditional contact lenses are much smaller, typically 9 -10 mm in diameter. With each blink, the contact lens moves a bit over the cornea and the lid tends to roll over the edge of the lens as well. Many patients report being unable to wear them for more than a few hours at a time due to the discomfort.

The scleral lens, on the other hand, is larger in diameter and spreads its weight over a much greater, less sensitive area so that when you blink the eyelid doesn’t catch the edge of the lens. Because the lens sits firmly on the eye, it offers more stable vision than traditional lenses. Moreover, having the lens vault over the cornea protects it from any abrasion caused by blinking or external irritants. It is made up of highly oxygen permeable materials and provides a soothing bath of artificial tears that refresh the ocular surface. Scleral lenses not only improve comfort but make for more stable vision.

Who is a Good Candidate for Scleral Lenses?

Anyone seeking to achieve the best vision with contact lenses is a great candidate for scleral lenses. That said, these lenses are particularly useful in managing the following conditions:

Hard-to-fit eyes: Those with an irregularly shaped cornea, whether due to natural causes, an eye condition (i.e. keratoconus), or complications following surgery, tend to develop vision problems which cannot be fully corrected using soft contact lenses, as the shape of their eye cause the lenses to easily dislodge. For those people, scleral lenses provide a more comfortable, secure fit and improved vision, which may be even better than glasses.

Any of the following conditions can make wearing traditional contact lenses more challenging:

Keratoconus
Astigmatism
Dry Eyes
Giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC)
Post-refractive surgery (i.e. LASIK, PRK)
Presbyopia

Dry Eyes: Those with dry eyes may find traditional contact lenses difficult to wear. Scleral lenses provide a tear reservoir between the back surface of full scleral lenses and the cornea, keeping the front of your eye moist and comfortable.

Can Children Wear Scleral Lenses?

Young children (over 6 months of age) with an ocular surface disease or severe dry eyes can benefit from wearing full scleral lenses, as they need to protect as much of the eye as possible.

Mini-scleral lenses, typically ranging from 15.0mm to 18.0mm in size, and are a great choice for young children with normal corneas and high refractive errors or for those who have irregular corneas such as keratoconus. Mini-scleral are also great for kids who are intolerant to corneal GP lenses and want the comfort of a soft contact lens.

What happens during scleral lens fitting?

We carefully map the patient’s cornea using the latest corneal topography equipment. This generates a detailed diagram of your cornea, which is used to make customized scleral contact lenses.

How difficult is it to insert and care for scleral lenses?

Initially, inserting scleral lenses can be challenging. But after a short period, and thorough training by the optometrist, inserting and removing contact lenses becomes habitual. Scleral lenses are very durable, easy to handle and are easy to care for once the patient is well trained.

What Changes Will I Notice with Scleral Lenses?

Once you have been properly fitted for scleral lenses, you can expect to gradually see improvements in clarity, color and detailed contrast between multiple images and objects within your visual field. The comfort you’ll experience will enable you to wear your custom-made scleral lenses all day long so that you can keep doing all the things you love – but with better vision.

Watch this video to learn how easy and comfortable they are to insert, remove, and wear all day.

When Should I See An Eye Doctor Specializing in Scleral Lenses?

If you are interested in seeing whether scleral lenses are right for you, make sure that the eye doctor you visit has the knowledge and experience required to correctly fit you for the lenses. Scleral lenses require precise customization, and every patient’s case varies in degrees of severity and corneal measurements.

Experts in scleral lenses, Dr. Brian Cho and the attentive staff at Bellport Perspective Eye Care will ensure that you receive top-notch eye care for all your vision needs.

Does Insurance Cover Scleral Lenses?

When it comes to scleral lenses, every insurance company is different. Some cover the examination and custom fitting, but not the actual lenses. Others may cover a portion of the cost or 100% of the cost, but only if other treatment methods have been exhausted. To understand the coverage and fees you can contact us or check with your specific insurance provider to understand the particulars.

Our practice serves patients from Bellport, Coram, Patchogue, and Sayville, NY and surrounding communities.

What is Diabetic Retinopathy and How Can It Be Treated?

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 12:04:17 GMT

Are You Diabetic?

All diabetics are at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, which generally presents without warning signs or symptoms in its early stages. Fortunately, by having regular dilated eye exams, your eye doctor can diagnose and manage the condition to help you avoid vision loss.

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy affects approximately 35% of diabetics worldwide. It occurs when the small blood vessels in the retina swell and leak as a result of high blood sugar levels. The new thin and fragile blood vessels that grow may bleed, causing scar tissue. Eventually, if left untreated, this leads to permanent vision loss, perhaps even blindness.

If you’re diabetic, controlling blood sugar levels and undergoing routine eye exams are crucial to preventing vision loss. Several risk factors associated with diabetic eye problems include:

Poor blood sugar control
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Excess weight/obesity
Smoking
Pregnancy

Why Are Eye Exams Important?

Since diabetic retinopathy is typically painless and shows no symptoms until its advanced stages, many diabetics are unaware they have it.

It’s possible that as the condition worsens, it will cause:

Poor night vision
Blurred vision
Vision loss
An increased number of floaters
Colors to appear washed out or faded
Blank or dark areas in your field of vision

By getting annual eye evaluations, your eye doctor will be able to detect these signs early enough which can help lower your risk or minimize vision loss.

How Can Diabetic Retinopathy Be Treated?

The treatment options listed below may help improve your vision.

Medication
Anti-VEGF or steroid injections
Laser surgery
Vitrectomy

How Can Diabetic Retinopathy Be Prevented?

Below are a few ways you can preserve your vision.

Control blood sugar levels
Maintain healthy cholesterol levels and blood pressure
Keep to a healthy diet and exercise regimen
Quit smoking, if applicable

To prevent and manage diabetic retinopathy, a multi-disciplinary approach involving your eye doctor and other medical professionals is needed. Your eye doctor will conduct a comprehensive eye exam to determine whether you have diabetic retinopathy, assess its seriousness, and explore prevention and treatment options.

Contact Bellport Perspective Eye Care to schedule your dilated eye exam today, and learn more about what you can do to protect your vision and general health.

Our practice serves patients from Bellport, Coram, Patchogue, and Sayville, NY and surrounding communities.

FAQ

The Benefits Of Ortho-K Contact Lenses

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 11:56:16 GMT

What Are Overnight Ortho-K Contact Lenses?

Ortho-k lenses are customized contact lenses that gently reshape the cornea, the front part of the eye, overnight, allowing children and adults to enjoy clear vision the following day—without needing to wear glasses or contact lenses. They’re ideal for people with myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism.

Studies have shown that ortho-k lenses can help stop the progression of myopia in children and teenagers, which in turn can help prevent eye diseases in adulthood.

Moreover, ortho-k is a great option for athletes of any age who don’t want to deal with contact lenses or glasses while playing sports. The lenses may also allow many adults with presbyopia — a normal part of the ageing process — to forgo reading glasses. The lenses enable professionals like pilots and people in law enforcement to meet their jobs’ unaided vision requirements.

What Is Orthokeratology/Ortho-K?

Orthokeratology (also called ortho-k), is specially fitted and designed gas permeable contact lenses that temporarily and gently reshape the cornea to correct refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. By wearing ortho-k lenses every night, anyone can enjoy clear, sharp vision during the day, without relying on eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Research shows that ortho-k lenses not only effectively removes the need to wear glasses or daytime contact lenses; they can also slow and sometimes stop the progression of myopia. That’s important because children with moderate to severe myopia are at risk of developing sight-threatening eye diseases later in life.

This explains why many optometrists prescribe ortho-k for myopia management.

The Other Names For Ortho-K

Over the years you may have heard different terms and names for orthokeratology. While there are different orthokeratology lens fitting systems and designs, the principles behind them in reshaping the cornea are similar. These names include:

Ortho-k
Accelerated Ortho-K (AOK)
Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT)
Dream Lenses
Global Orthokeratology Vision (GOV)
Gentle Vision Shaping System (GVSS)
Molding Lenses
Natural Vision Improvement
Night Lenses
Overnight Lenses
Overnight Corneal Reshaping (OCR)
Vision Shaping Treatment (VST)

What Are the Benefits of Ortho-K?

Slows the progression of myopia – Having moderate to high myopia is a risk factor for developing serious eye conditions in adulthood.
Correct refractive errors – The lenses can correct myopia, presbyopia, hyperopia and astigmatism.
Provide fast correction – Ortho-k provides fast results. Some people are able to get rid of their corrective lenses after a single night of treatment. However, if you or your child has a strong prescription, it may take a few days or two to three weeks for optimal results.
Clear vision all day long – The gentle corneal reshaping that corrects vision overnight lasts all day and at times even two days.
They’re comfortable – Created with precise mapping technology, ortho-k lenses are custom-fit to the eyes, thus ensuring optimal comfort.
Have an excellent safety record – Orthokeratology lenses provide safe vision correction when used properly and according to hygiene protocols. CRT by Paragon is also FDA-approved for how effective it is!
Reshape the cornea temporarily – The changes to the corneal shape aren’t permanent, so if patients eventually opt for laser refractive surgery, they can stop using the lenses and the cornea will naturally revert to its original shape. This allows for better laser results.

Are Overnight Ortho-K Lenses Safe?

Yes. Ortho-k is a safe, non-surgical, and reversible alternative to LASIK. It is ideal for any adult who is active during the day and doesn’t want to wear contact lenses or glasses.

Unlike standard contact lenses, which can damage your eyes if you wear them overnight, ortho-k lenses are specially designed to be worn while you sleep!

As with any contact lenses, make sure to always follow your eye doctor‘s instructions regarding how to properly handle and care for your overnight lenses.

For more information on ortho-k lenses, contact Bellport Perspective Eye Care today. We’ll be happy to schedule an eye exam and answer any questions you may have.

Our practice serves patients from Bellport, Coram, Patchogue, and Sayville, NY and surrounding communities.