Dry Eye Disease Center
Dry Eye Disease Center in Glen Allen, VA
Get back to life and forget thinking about your eyes!
That is our goal along with improving the your quality of life at our dry eye disease center in Glen Allen, VA. Our experienced team at Eye Doctor MD PC led by Dr. Pradhan is dedicated to delivering expert care to individuals suffering from dry eye syndrome. With our range of advanced diagnostic tools and personalized treatment options, we’re able to address your unique needs, all in a warm and welcoming environment. Read on to learn more about dry eye disease and how our team can help you achieve healthier eyes.
What Is Dry Eye Disease?
Dry eye disease occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears are poor in quality. This can cause irritation, scratchiness, or the feeling that something is in your eye. Over-the-counter drops may provide temporary relief, but they often don’t address the root cause.
What are the Symptoms?
- Blurry Vision That Comes and Goes, and Can Get Better with Blinking
- Watering of Your Eyes (May Not Be Making the Right Type of Tears)
- Dry Eye Feeling
- Eyes Burning
- Eye Irritation
- Eye Fatigue or Discomfort
- Gritty or Sandy Feeling in the Eyes
Some of these symptoms can also be associated with allergies and exposure to dry weather conditions. To get a complete evaluation of your symptoms, see a dry eye specialist like Dr. Pradhan. Contact Eye Doctor MD PC today for an accurate diagnosis of your condition and to get a customized treatment plan to improve tear quality, comfort, and vision.
What Is Dry Eye Disease?
Dry eye disease occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears are poor in quality. This can cause irritation, scratchiness, or the feeling that something is in your eye. Over-the-counter drops may provide temporary relief, but they often don’t address the root cause.
What are the Symptoms?
- Blurry Vision That Comes and Goes, and Can Get Better with Blinking
- Watering of Your Eyes (May Not Be Making the Right Type of Tears)
- Dry Eye Feeling
- Eyes Burning
- Eye Irritation
- Eye Fatigue or Discomfort
- Gritty or Sandy Feeling in the Eyes
Some of these symptoms can also be associated with allergies and exposure to dry weather conditions. To get a complete evaluation of your symptoms, see a dry eye specialist like Dr. Pradhan. Contact Eye Doctor MD PC today at 804-270-3333 for an accurate diagnosis of your condition and to get a customized treatment plan to improve tear quality, comfort, and vision.
Dry Eye Diagnostic Tests
How Can You Tell If I Have Dry Eye Disease?
A complete eye exam helps identify the cause of dry eye, allowing for more effective treatment. Simple steps like limiting direct air flow, resting your eyes during long tasks, removing makeup nightly, using tear drops, and taking omega-3s (either in your diet or as a supplement) can help.
At Eye Doctor MD PC, Dr. Pradhan will recommend personalized care after your exam.
Dry Eye Tests
We have objective methods of determining your dry eye disease, including:
- Schirmer’s Basal Tear Production
- TBUT (Tear Break-Up Time)
- Corneal Staining on Slit Lamp Examination
- LipiScan for Meibomian Gland Disease
- Omega-3 Index by Omega Quant
- Evaluation for incomplete blink
- Evaluation for lower eyelid laxity
- Referral to a Rheumatologist to evaluate for Sjogren’s Disease or Vitamin A Deficiency with Lab Tests
Some doctors may use the Tear Osmolarity Test by TearLab (abnormal being >/ 308 mOsm/L or an intereye difference of >/ 8 mOsm/L). Dr. Pradhan does not offer this anymore as it was not found to be as useful for her.
Dry Eye Treatment
What Can I Do for My Dry Eye Disease?
A complete eye exam and appropriate testing are important to diagnose the cause of your dry eye syndrome. Once we have determined the cause, we can treat it more effectively. Simple things you can do include environmental monitoring, basic eye care, using supplemental tear drops, and taking oral fish oil.
Environmental monitoring includes not pointing the vent at your face in the car and giving your eyes a break after concentrated activities like reading or computer use every 20-30 minutes. Basic eye care means taking off your makeup every night. After a complete exam, Dr. Pradhan can recommend additional and specific treatment for your dry eyes. It could be as simple as sleeping with nighttime sleep goggles, especially if you wake up with dry, burning, red eyes that get better after using tears or blinking in the morning.
Contact Eye Doctor MD PC so Dr. Pradhan can provide you with a customized treatment plan.
What Can I Do for My Dry Eye Disease?
A complete eye exam and appropriate testing are important to diagnose the cause of your dry eye syndrome. Once we have determined the cause, we can treat it more effectively. Simple things you can do include environmental monitoring, basic eye care, using supplemental tear drops, and taking oral fish oil.
Environmental monitoring includes not pointing the vent at your face in the car and giving your eyes a break after concentrated activities like reading or computer use every 20-30 minutes. Basic eye care means taking off your makeup every night. After a complete exam, Dr. Pradhan can recommend additional and specific treatment for your dry eyes. It could be as simple as sleeping with nighttime sleep goggles, especially if you wake up with dry, burning, red eyes that get better after using tears or blinking in the morning.
Contact Eye Doctor MD PC so Dr. Pradhan can provide you with a customized treatment plan.
Additional Treatment Services Offered Include:
- LipiFlow®
- Intense Pulse Light Treatment with the Lumenis M22 (Dr. Pradhan has been doing this since 2017.)
- Lumenis OptiPlus Radiofrequency Treatment
- NuVissa Plasma Pen Treatment for Conjunctivalchalasis
- NuVissa Plasma Pen Treatment for MGD
- Punctal Plugs (Oasys) or Lacrifill (Watch some testimonials on YouTube.)
- Prescription Medications (Anti-Inflammatory): Restasis, Xiidra, Cequa, or Vevye
- Prescription Medications: Tyrvaya Nasal Spray or Miebo
- Autologous Serum Drops
- BlephEx for Blepharitis
Dry Eye Omega-3s
Omega-3 fatty acids (especially DHA and EPA, found in fish oil) help reduce inflammation and support eye, heart, and brain health. While foods like fish, walnuts, flaxseed, and edamame provide omega-3s, many people benefit from supplements. Not all fish oils are equal—look for high-quality, toxin-free, triglyceride-based products for best absorption. At Eye Doctor MD PC, Dr. Pradhan recommends PRN or Nordic Naturals as trusted brands.
You can also test your Omega-3 Index in our office to see if you’re getting enough. Regular intake may take two to three months to improve dry eye symptoms.
Dry Eye Treatment
What Can I Do for My Dry Eye Disease?
A complete eye exam and appropriate testing are important to diagnose the cause of your dry eye syndrome. Once we have determined the cause, we can treat it more effectively. Simple things you can do include environmental monitoring, basic eye care, using supplemental tear drops, and taking oral fish oil.
Environmental monitoring includes not pointing the vent at your face in the car and giving your eyes a break after concentrated activities like reading or computer use every 20-30 minutes. Basic eye care means taking off your makeup every night. After a complete exam, Dr. Pradhan can recommend additional and specific treatment for your dry eyes. It could be as simple as sleeping with nighttime sleep goggles, especially if you wake up with dry, burning, red eyes that get better after using tears or blinking in the morning.
Contact Eye Doctor MD PC so Dr. Pradhan can provide you with a customized treatment plan.
Additional Treatment Services Offered Include:
- LipiFlow®
- Intense Pulse Light Treatment with the Lumenis M22 (Dr. Pradhan has been doing this since 2017.)
- Lumenis OptiPlus Radiofrequency Treatment
- NuVissa Plasma Pen Treatment for Conjunctivalchalasis
- NuVissa Plasma Pen Treatment for MGD
- Punctal Plugs (Oasys) or Lacrifill (Watch some testimonials on YouTube.)
- Prescription Medications (Anti-Inflammatory): Restasis, Xiidra, Cequa, or Vevye
- Prescription Medications: Tyrvaya Nasal Spray or Miebo
- Autologous Serum Drops
- BlephEx for Blepharitis
Dry Eye Omega-3s
Omega-3 fatty acids (especially DHA and EPA, found in fish oil) help reduce inflammation and support eye, heart, and brain health. While foods like fish, walnuts, flaxseed, and edamame provide omega-3s, many people benefit from supplements. Not all fish oils are equal—look for high-quality, toxin-free, triglyceride-based products for best absorption. At Eye Doctor MD PC, Dr. Pradhan recommends PRN or Nordic Naturals as trusted brands.
You can also test your Omega-3 Index in our office to see if you’re getting enough. Regular intake may take two to three months to improve dry eye symptoms.
Dry Eye Treatment
What Can I Do for My Dry Eye Disease?
A complete eye exam and appropriate testing are important to diagnose the cause of your dry eye syndrome. Once we have determined the cause, we can treat it more effectively. Simple first steps are the ABCs: Avoid things that dry eye you out with environmental monitoring (see below), Basic eye care and support like using supplemental tear drops and taking oral omega-3’s (1000 mg of a triglyceride form) and Consult your doctor if those are not enough.
Environmental monitoring includes not pointing the vent at your face in the car and giving your eyes a break after concentrated activities like reading or computer use every 20-30 minutes. Basic eye care means taking off your makeup every night. After a complete exam, Dr. Pradhan can recommend additional and specific treatment for your dry eyes. It could be as simple as sleeping with nighttime sleep goggles, especially if you wake up with dry, burning, red eyes that get better after using tears or blinking in the morning. These are especially helpful if you sleep with a CPAP mask.
Contact Eye Doctor MD PC at 804-270-3333 to schedule your dry eye evaluation so Dr. Pradhan can provide you with a customized treatment plan.
Additional Treatment Services Offered Include:
- Intense Pulse Light Treatment with the Lumenis M22 (Dr. Pradhan has been doing this since 2017.)
- Lumenis OptiPlus Radiofrequency Treatment
- Lumenis OptiLift DMSt (Dynamic Muscle Stimulation technology)
- NuVissa Plasma Pen Treatment for Conjunctivalchalasis
- NuVissa Plasma Pen Treatment for MGD
- Punctal Plugs (Oasys) or Lacrifill (hyaluronic acid)
- Prescription Medications (Anti-Inflammatory): Restasis, Xiidra, Cequa, and Vevye
- Prescription Medications (Neuro-stimulators): Tyrvaya Nasal Spray or Tryptyr eye drops
- Autologous Serum Drops (AST)
- Prokera (Amniotic Membrane)
- BlephEx for Blepharitis
- LipiFlow®
Dry Eye and Omega-3s
Omega-3 fatty acids (especially DHA and EPA, found in fish oil and other food like walnuts and olive oil) help reduce inflammation and support eye, heart, and brain health. While foods like fish, walnuts, flaxseed, and edamame provide omega-3s, many people benefit from supplements. Not all fish oils are equal—look for high-quality, toxin-free, triglyceride-based products for best absorption. At Eye Doctor MD PC, Dr. Pradhan recommends PRN, Nordic Naturals, and Oasys as trusted brands.
You can also test your Omega-3 Index via the Omega Quant website to see if you’re getting enough. Regular intake may take two to three months to improve dry eye symptoms.
Dry Eye and Blepharitis
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is typically thought of a crusting of your eyelashes.
Anterior blepharitis – crusting of your eyelashes – can be caused by skin bacteria, the demodex mite or seborrheic (fungal) causes. Posterior blepharitis – clogging of the eyelid oil glands – is also known as meibomitis or meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Both types of blepharitis cause inflammation of the eyelid margin, poor oil on the ocular surface and the tear film to evaporate faster.
A stye (internal hordeolum) is a clogged and infected meibomian gland. A chalazion is a healed scarred version of a stye full of granulomatous debris. Both are signs of MGD and are on the spectrum of dry eye disease.
Demodex Blepharitis
Demodex Blepharitis caused by the Demodex mite is a huge factor and cause of dry eye disease. These microscopic mites can cause significant inflammation, loss of eyelashes and skin disease of the face, eyebrows, scalp and other areas of your body. Treating dry eye disease must include treating for demodex blepharitis if you have them.
Eyelid Hygiene Tips:
- Remove Eye Makeup Every Night
- Use Warm Compresses for 10 Minutes Nightly (Eye masks available in our office)
- If you have Demodex blepharitis, Xdemvy (lotilaner) drops are 85% effective in eliminating the mites. There is an immune component however and they can come back if you have a low immune system or you recontaminate youself from your bedsheets, pets or partner.
- Vaseline, coconut oil or castor oil on your lashes at night are studied and found to be somewhat effective in treating blepharitis.
In-Office Treatment for Blepharitis and Meibomitis:
- For Blepharitis, BlephEx cleaning/debridement (available at in our office)
- For Demodex Blepharitis, tea tree oil-containing cleansers are helpful (available in our office)
- For Blepharitis, eyelid sterilizers like hypochlorous acid eyelid spray (available in our office)
- For meibomitis, imaging to diagnose the meibomian gland dysfunction and then treatment with IPL and OptiPlus can be immensely helpful (available in our office)
MGD and LipiScan/LipiFlow System
Meibomian Gland Disease (MGD)
Meibomian gland dysfunction is one of the leading causes of dry eye disease. The meibomian glands in your eyelids produce the oil layer that protects your tears from evaporating. When these glands are blocked by bacteria, makeup, or even reduced blinking from computer and phone use, they stop working properly and may eventually die. Once they’re gone, they cannot be regenerated, so early treatment is essential.
Causes of Poor Blink
Frequent screen time reduces your blink rate, leading to incomplete blinks that prevent the glands from releasing protective oils. Certain neurological conditions, like Parkinson’s disease, can also affect blinking.
Diagnosis with LipiScan
At our office, we use the LipiScan to image and grade the health of your meibomian glands, along with other dry eye diagnostic tests.
Treatment Options for MGD:
- Daily Warm Compresses (EyeEco’s DERM mask available in our office.)
- Oral Omega-3s (minimum of 1000 mg of a triglyceride form daily – if okay with your doctor)
- Prescription Medications (Such as Doxycycline)
- Blinking Exercises
- Advanced treatments like the IPL or OptiPlus or OptiLift
Procedures lincluding IPL, OptiPlus and OptiLift
At Eye Doctor MD PC, we invest in the latest technology to help treat your dry eye disease.
LipiFlow is the only FDA-approved device that treats MGD using gentle thermal pulsation. This quick 12-minute, in-office procedure restores the oil layer of your tear film
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) stimulate the stem cells of your meibomian glands to help regenerate them and help them make better meibum (oil) from your meibomian glands.
OptiPlus is a radiofrequency device which gently heats the meibum allowing it to flow more effectively.
OptiLift is a dynamic muscle stimulation technology along with radiofrequency to help patient with poor blink and lower lid laxity.
Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL)
IPL for Dry Eye and Rosacea
At Eye Doctor MD PC, Dr. Pradhan is proud to offer IPL (intense pulsed light) therapy for patients with dry eye disease, rosacea, and skin discoloration. IPL uses gentle light pulses to reduce inflammation, improve meibomian gland function, and rejuvenate the skin.
How IPL Helps Dry Eye
The meibomian glands in your eyelids produce the oils that keep tears from evaporating. When these glands are blocked or inflamed (a condition common with rosacea), they lead to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and dry eye symptoms. IPL reduces abnormal blood vessels, stimulates oil production, and improves gland function. Many patients feel relief after just one to two sessions. The recommended treatments are 2-4 sessions initially based on your level of disease.
What to Expect:
- Quick 15-Minute In-Office Procedure
- Protective eye shields are worn throughout
- Typically requires a series of two to four treatments (three to five weeks apart), followed by and then a maintenance treatment every 4-6 months.
- Safe and comfortable with advanced cooling technology (Lumenis M22 System)
Is IPL Right for You?
- IPL is most effective for patients with ocular or facial rosacea. Dr. Pradhan will determine whether IPL, LipiFlow, OptiPlus or OptiLift or a combination of a couple of modalities is the best treatment for your dry eye. Note: Insurance does not cover any of these procedures. Please contact our office for pricing.
Dry Eye and Blepharitis
Blepharitis and Meibomitis Treatment
A complete eye exam and appropriate testing are important to diagnose the cause of your dry eye syndrome. Once we have determined the cause, we can treat it more effectively. Simple things you can do include environmental monitoring, basic eye care, using supplemental tear drops, and taking oral fish oil.
Environmental monitoring includes not pointing the vent at your face in the car and giving your eyes a break after concentrated activities like reading or computer use every 20-30 minutes. Basic eye care means taking off your makeup every night. After a complete exam, Dr. Pradhan can recommend additional and specific treatment for your dry eyes. It could be as simple as sleeping with nighttime sleep goggles, especially if you wake up with dry, burning, red eyes that get better after using tears or blinking in the morning.
Contact Eye Doctor MD PC so Dr. Pradhan can provide you with a customized treatment plan.
What are Blepharitis and Meibomitis?
Blepharitis is eyelid inflammation, often caused by bacteria or mites, which leads to crusting around the lashes. Meibomitis occurs when the oil glands behind the lashes become blocked, causing tears to evaporate too quickly. Keeping the lashes and glands clean is essential for eye comfort and health.
Eyelid Hygiene Tips:
- Remove Eye Makeup Every Night
- Use Warm Compresses for 10 Minutes Nightly (Eye masks available in our office.)
In-Office Treatment for Blepharitis and Meibomitis:
- For Blepharitis, BlephEx Cleaning/Debridement (Available at Eye Doctor MD PC.)
- For Demodex Blepharitis, Tea Tree Oil-Containing Cleanser Like Cliradex (Available in our office.)
- For Blepharitis, Eyelid Cleanser Like Avenova (Available in our eye center.)
- For Meibomitis, Imaging and LipiFlow System (Available in our eye center.)
MGD and LipiScan/LipiFlow System
Meibomian Gland Disease (MGD)
Meibomian gland dysfunction is one of the leading causes of dry eye disease. The meibomian glands in your eyelids produce the oil layer that protects your tears from evaporating. When these glands are blocked by bacteria, makeup, or even reduced blinking from computer and phone use, they stop working properly and may eventually die. Once they’re gone, they cannot be regenerated, so early treatment is essential.
Causes of Poor Blink
Frequent screen time reduces your blink rate, leading to incomplete blinks that prevent the glands from releasing protective oils. Certain neurological conditions, like Parkinson’s disease, can also affect blinking.
Diagnosis with LipiScan
At our Richmond office, we use the LipiScan to image and grade the health of your meibomian glands, along with other dry eye diagnostic tests.
Treatment Options for MGD:
- Daily Warm Compresses (EyeEco’s DERM mask available in our office.)
- Oral Omega-3s
- Prescription Medications (Such as Doxycycline or Avenova.)
- Blinking Exercises
- Advanced Treatments Like LipiFlow or IPL
LipiFlow Procedure
LipiFlow is the only FDA-approved device that treats MGD using gentle thermal pulsation. This quick 12-minute, in-office procedure restores the oil layer of your tear film and is often recommended yearly. Depending on your exam, Dr. Pradhan may also recommend BlephEx or IPL for added benefit.
Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL)
IPL for Dry Eye and Rosacea
At Eye Doctor MD PC, Dr. Pradhan is proud to offer IPL (intense pulsed light) therapy for patients with dry eye disease, rosacea, and skin discoloration. IPL uses gentle light pulses to reduce inflammation, improve meibomian gland function, and rejuvenate the skin.
How IPL Helps Dry Eye
The meibomian glands in your eyelids produce the oils that keep tears from evaporating. When these glands are blocked or inflamed (a condition common with rosacea), they lead to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and dry eye symptoms. IPL reduces abnormal blood vessels, stimulates oil production, and improves gland function. Many patients feel relief after just one session.
What to Expect:
- Quick 15-Minute In-Office Procedure
- Protective Eye Shields are Worn Throughout
- Typically Requires a Series of Four Treatments (Three to Five Weeks Apart), Followed by Yearly Maintenance
- Safe and Comfortable with Advanced Cooling Technology (Lumenis M22 System)
Is IPL Right for You?
IPL is most effective for patients with ocular or facial rosacea. Dr. Pradhan will determine whether IPL, LipiFlow, or a combination of both is the best treatment for your dry eye. Note: IPL is not covered by insurance. Please contact our office for pricing.