Name: Forma-I
Brand: Austin Face & Body
Rating: 4.8 (186 reviews)

Forma-I for Dry Eye Disease

As its creators, we are proud to be the first American practice to offer Forma-I, the latest medical technology designed to address the symptoms of dry eye disease due to Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). This cutting-edge device is used in the periorbital area and eyelids to relieve inflammation of meibomian glands and eye irritation.

About Forma-I

MGD is a significant cause of ocular discomfort, and 86% of dry eye patients demonstrate signs of the condition. With Forma-I, we can provide a non-drug alternative for millions of MGD and dry eye sufferers.

The innovative thermal technology delivers targeted bipolar radiofrequency energy to small, delicate ocular areas. Treatments are quick and easy and performed safely in-office. Forma-I is a medical solution that will benefit millions of dry eye disease sufferers, aiding our commitment to helping patients improve their quality of life.

Treatments are quick and easy and performed safely in-office. Forma-I delivers an efficacious, non-drug alternative to improve meibomian gland function and the symptoms of dry eye that will benefit millions of dry eye disease sufferers, aiding our commitment to helping patients improve their quality of life.

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Pairing Forma-I With Lumecca IPL

Lumecca IPL therapy is a light treatment that can help alleviate dry eye symptoms by treating MGD. The treatment uses intense pulsed light (IPL) to heat the meibomian glands, which helps liquefy the glands' oil and improve their function. This, in turn, helps improve the tears' quality and reduce dry eye symptoms.

In addition to treating MGD, Lumecca IPL therapy can also address other skin concerns. The treatment can help reduce the appearance of sun damage, age spots, and other pigmentation issues. It can also stimulate collagen production, improving the skin's overall texture and tone. Lumecca IPL therapy can relieve those who have exhausted conventional treatments and enhance the dry eye practice of eye care professionals.

Finish With Morpheus8 for Comprehensive Results

Morpheus8 is a device that uses radio frequency (RF) energy to improve the function of the Meibomian glands by stimulating them. The treatment involves placing a small applicator on the eyelid to deliver RF energy to the glands. This energy heats the glands, liquefying the hardened oil and unclogging them to restore their proper function. The Morpheus8 treatment is a non-invasive procedure that takes less than 30 minutes to complete and is performed in the doctor's office without requiring any incisions or anesthesia. Patients experience little to no discomfort during the treatment and can resume their normal activities immediately afterward.

In addition to treating Meibomian gland dysfunction, Morpheus8 can also tighten the skin around the eyes. The device uses RF energy to heat the deeper layers of the skin, which stimulates collagen production and tightens the skin. This results in a reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin around the eyes. The treatment involves placing a small applicator on the skin around the eyes to deliver RF energy to the deeper layers of the skin. The non-invasive procedure takes less than 30 minutes to complete, with little to no discomfort experienced by patients.

What is Dry Eye?

Dry eye is a common condition where the eyes do not produce enough quality tears to lubricate and nourish the eye. As we blink, a film of tears forms over the eye; this keeps the eye’s surface smooth and clear. Tears are necessary to maintain the eye's front surface's health and provide clear vision.

The tear film is made of three layers:

Mucous: The tear film's inner layer helps spread the watery layer over the eye’s surface. Without mucous, tears would not stick to the eye.
Watery: The middle layer of the tear film makes up most of what we see as tears and comes from the lacrimal glands in the eyelids. This layer cleans the eye, washing away foreign particles.
Oily: The oily layer is outside the tear film, making the surface smooth. This layer is made in the eye’s meibomian glands, preventing tears from drying too quickly. 85% of dry eye cases are related to this layer.

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Symptoms of Dry Eye

General symptoms can be moderate to severe and include the following:

Sporadic watery eyes
Intermittent blurry vision that clears with blinking
Contact lens discomfort
Light sensitivity in indoor lighting or moderate settings

These symptoms can progress to:

Chronic red, burning, and itchy eyes
Severe pain and discomfort
Fluctuating vision
The feeling of something foreign within the eye

When left untreated, the condition can lead to extreme outcomes, such as scarring of the meibomian glands, cornea, and surrounding tissue.

About InMode

InMode is a leading global provider of innovative medical technologies. The company has leveraged its medically-accepted minimally-invasive devices harnessing novel radiofrequency ("RF") technology for plastic surgery, gynecology, dermatology, otolaryngology, and ophthalmology.

About Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)

MGD occurs when the meibomian glands become blocked or dysfunctional, decreasing the quantity or quality of the produced meibum. Meibum is an oily substance that helps to lubricate the eyes and prevent tear evaporation. The tear film can become unstable when meibum is insufficient or poor quality, leading to dry eye symptoms.

Several factors can contribute to the development of MGD, including:

Age
Hormonal changes
Certain medications
Environmental factors such as air pollution and low humidity
Certain medical conditions, such as rosacea and blepharitis

The symptoms of MGD can vary depending on the severity of the condition but commonly include the following:

Dryness
Burning
Itching
Redness of the eyes
Blurred vision
Sensitivity to light
The feeling of something in the eye

MGD Complications

Meibomian gland dysfunction can lead to various complications affecting the ocular surface and the patient's quality of life, including:

Eyelid Margin Inflammation

MGD can cause inflammation of the eyelid margin, resulting in blepharitis. The inflammation can lead to:

Redness, swelling, and tenderness of the eyelid margins
Crusting and scaling of the eyelashes
Ulceration of the eyelid margin

Corneal Complications

When the glands are dysfunctional, the tears can evaporate too quickly, causing dryness and irritation of the eyes. This can lead to corneal damage, such as abrasions, ulcers, and even corneal scarring.

Impact on Quality of Life

The symptoms of MGD, such as dry eyes, irritation, and discomfort, can affect your ability to perform daily activities, such as reading, driving, and working on a computer. These symptoms can also affect your social life and cause you to avoid activities that involve being outdoors or in dry environments.

Forma-I at Austin Face & Body

Because MGD can lead to various complications affecting the ocular surface and quality of life, patients with MGD need treatment such as Forma-I. Contact one of our plastic surgeons in Austin to learn more!

Read Dr. Paul's Publication on this:

Transcutaneous Radiofrequency-mediated Meibomian Gland Expression is an Effective Treatment for Dry Eye: A Prospective Cohort Trial

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