Tear Care
Tear Care Treatment Overview
What is Tear Care?
Tear Care is a gentle in-office treatment designed to help relieve symptoms of dry eye disease-especially when caused by blocked or poorly functioning oil glands in your eyelids
Why is this treatment needed?
Your tears are made of three layers. The outer oily layer (from your eyelid glands) prevents tears from evaporating too quickly. When the glands become blocked: Tears evaporate faster, eyes feel dry, irritated, or watery and vision may become blurry. Tear Care helps unblock these glands and restore healthier tear function.
How does Tear Care work?
The treatment uses small, flexible devices placed on your eyelids that:
1. Gently warm your eyelids to melt the thickened oils and
2. Allows Dr Polakoff to clear out the blocked glands.
This helps your eyes produce better quality tears.
What happens during the procedure?
You will sit comfortably in the exam chair. Soft warm devices are placed on your eyelids. You can blink normally during the treatment. After warming, Dr Polakoff will gently press on your eyelids to clear the glands.
What should I expect after the treatment?
You may notice improved comfort in your eyes, less dryness or irritation and better, more stable vision. Some patients feel relief within days, while others improve gradually over a few weeks.
Who is a good candidate?
Tear Care may be right for you if you have dry, irritated or burning eyes or if you have watery eyes (yes, this can be a form dry eyes) or no relief from artificial tears or other treatments.
How should I prepare for the treatment?
Avoid wearing eye make-up and contact lenses on the day of the visit.
How long will the visit be?
Expect to be there for an hour including the 30 minutes treatment.
If you have any questions or concerns, or if you want to make an appointment please contact the Verona office at 973-743-5665. This procedure is done only at our Verona office. Dr Polakoff is our specialist in Tear Care. We are here to help you feel comfortable and informed. The QR codes below are videos to explain more about Tear Care.
This procedure is only covered by Medicare with a supplemental insurance policy.