Dry eye clinical trial underway

Fairfield, Conn. (WTNH) -- Millions of Americans are more at risk for the common dry eye condition as they get older. Now a study looks at how intense pulsed light therapy will spell relief.

For three years now, nothing has eased Albert Addazio's dry eye condition.   

"Your eyes are irritated all the time, around the bottom lids were red swollen, and you tear quite a bit."

The culprits are the blood vessels in his lower eyelids, plugging up oil glands ,  then secreting poor quality tears.

Ophthalmologist Dr. Robert Noecker explained,  "The problem is these blood vessels leak out a lot of kind of inflammatory stuff and the inflammatory stuff makes the surface of the eyelid not work well."
 
So with no lubrication there are dry spots in the eyes.

He said,  "This is what we are targeting with the light therapy is to get rid of these blood vessels which in turn are plugging up the oil glands."

Albert is now getting relief from the Intense Pulsed Light Clinical study offered at Ophthalmic Consultants of Connecticut in Fairfield. 

Dr. Noecker is using the same light therapy already used to treat the chronic skin condition Rosacea.

Albert said,  "It might make you jolt a little bit, it doesn't hurt."

Dr. Noecker pointed to lower eyelid,  "This is what we are targeting with the light therapy is to get rid of these blood vessels which in turn are plugging up the oil glands."

After undergoing 5 of the 6 treatments, Albert's oil glands are back to doing their job.

Dr. Noecker added,  "He still has these little blood vessels here but they are like 98 percent gone."    

Albert smiled saying, "It's great not having your eyes red all the time, with tissues in your pocket all the time."   

An added plus for Albert,  it got rid of his Rosacea.

The study is really aimed at patients who are dealing with oil gland changes.

It continues through the end of the year.

For more information visit occeye.com or call 203-366-8000 or check out