In-Office Treatment in Wilmington, Delaware

Q: How long should punctal plugs stay in?

Different types of punctal plugs have different lifespans. Some are designed to stay in temporarily for a few weeks and other plugs can be left in permanently. Temporary plugs are made from collagen or other types of material that dissolve naturally into the body.

Q: What are the disadvantages of punctal plugs?

Punctal plugs are generally safe and have minimal risks, but complications can occur. Punctal plugs can fall out or become displaced, which could cause eye irritation. A scratchy sensation and redness are also possible side effects. If any of these symptoms occur, please schedule an appointment to remove or replace the punctal plug.

Q: What are the advantages of therapeutic contact lenses?

Therapeutic contact lenses protect the cornea while relieving pain and promoting healing after a corneal injury. They deliver drugs directly to the ocular surface and seal wounds.

Q: What determines if contact lenses are medically necessary?

Contacts are considered medically necessary when they provide better vision improvement than glasses. Certain eye conditions like keratoconus, dry eye, and anisometropia or corneal diseases and scarring are common reasons for patients to receive contact lenses.

Q: What are the side effects of BlephEx?

The most common side effect of BlephEX is mild irritation that goes away shortly after the procedure. Less common side effects include redness, swelling, and itchiness but the risk of these potential complications is limited when you receive BlephEX from our expert team.

Q: Is BlephEx treatment worth it?

Almost all patients enjoy the benefits of their BlephEx treatment and find it well worth the time. The procedure takes less than thirty minutes and requires no downtime.

Q: Is meibomian gland damage permanent?

Meibomian gland damage (MGD) can become permanent if left untreated. The glands will continue to shrink and the tear film can become permanently damaged without early treatment.

Q: What worsens meibomian gland dysfunction?

Natural aging, frequent use of contacts for long periods, eye strain from computer use, certain medications, and environmental factors like smoke, pollution, and wind can all contribute to meibomian gland dysfunction.

Q: Who should not receive OptiLIGHT IPL?

Patients with a history of seizures or epilepsy should not receive OptiLIGHT IPL and those with an active eye or eyelid infection should wait to receive treatment. You will also have to schedule your procedure for a later date if you have had eye surgery in the last six months or are scheduled for chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Q: What are the side effects of OptiLIGHT IPL?

The most common side effects of OptiLIGHT IPL are mild swelling, redness, light sensitivity, and a scratchy feeling. These symptoms typically improve within a few days after treatment but if they do not, please schedule an appointment right away.

At Eye Consultants, we offer a variety of in-office treatments that can help relieve your dry eye symptoms for good. From small devices to light therapy to contact lenses, we can help you discover the right dry eye treatment for you.

Punctal Plugs

Punctal plugs are tiny devices that are placed in the tear ducts of your eyes. The plug is about the size of a grain of rice and prevents the tears from draining from the eye. This allows the surface of the eye to stay moist and will relieve dry eye symptoms. These plugs come in dissolvable or permanent options.

OptiLight/IPL

OptiLIGHT is a highly safe and effective treatment for dry eyes caused by underproduction of the oil component of your tears. It uses intense pulsed light therapy to reach the more delicate parts of the eye to improve the function of the meibomian gland, lessen your dry eye symptoms, and stop inflammation of these glands.

Therapeutic Contact Lens Treatments

Standard soft contact lenses absorb moisture from the eye, often leading to dry eyes. Therapeutic contact lenses, also known as scleral lenses, are worn to protect and heal the cornea, also helping to provide improved vision for patients with certain corneal conditions. When you insert the lens, you’ll first apply saline solution, which will work as a barrier between the cornea and the lens. This extra moisture helps relieve irritation and promote healing.

Blephex

BlephEx is the first and only eyelid-cleaning procedure that aims to help maintain clean and healthy lids. By utilizing a specialized handheld device with a spinning tip, the procedure effectively removes excess bacteria, toxins, and debris, promoting clean and healthy eyelids and removing any irritants that may be causing inflammation and dry eyes.

Meibomian Gland Treatments

There are a variety of treatments used to treat meibomian gland dysfunction. While there are some steps you can take at home to ease symptoms and an array of different eye drops, we also offer in-office treatments as well. These treatments can open up the meibomian glands to improve oil production, unclog the glands, or reduce inflammation and bacterial overgrowth.

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Recognizing Dry Eye Syndrome Beyond Just Dryness

Schedule A Consultation

No longer suffer with dry eyes alone! Our team at Eye Consultants is ready to help you find the relief you’re looking for. To start, schedule a consultation today! Call our Wilmington, DE office at 302-581-8087 or use our online contact form. We proudly serve Wilmington, Dover, Middletown, Newark, Smyrna, Townsend, and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should punctal plugs stay in?

What are the disadvantages of punctal plugs?

What are the advantages of therapeutic contact lenses?

What determines if contact lenses are medically necessary?

What are the side effects of BlephEx?

Is BlephEx treatment worth it?

Is meibomian gland damage permanent?

What worsens meibomian gland dysfunction?

Who should not receive OptiLIGHT IPL?

What are the side effects of OptiLIGHT IPL?

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Dr. Alissa Long

Comprehensive Optometrist

Dr. Alissa Long is an Optometrist whose expertise encompasses a variety of eye conditions and abnormalities, as well as vision concerns. She is dedicated to ensuring each and every patient receives the best personalized care and results possible. Dr. Long’s personable care and seasoned experience lends to her ability to tailored yet comprehensive attention for her patients.… Continue reading Dr. Alissa Long

Contact Us Today

Your health is our top priority and we look forward to assisting you in your eyecare journey. Please call the office at (302) 998-2333 or fill out our contact form to schedule your appointment.

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Real Patient Recommended

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This is an excellent facility. I have glaucoma and have been treated by Dr. Dealy for over four years. Mine is not an easy case and Dr. Dealy has been so knowledgeable and thorough in answering all questions. She has always spent the time necessary to put me at ease. The front office staff are kind, welcoming, and genuine.

Professional, but friendly. Staff, including the doctors, are knowledgeable, ensuring patient understands diagnosis and treatment options.

When it comes to my eyes, it’s one less thing I have to worry about because I know Eye Consultants is taking care of all my needs.

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Eye Care &
Cosmetics

Comprehensive Services

From routine eye checks to glaucoma treatment to cataract surgery, our team at Eye Consultants provides a full range of eye care services to ensure each and every patient who walks through our doors receives the top-quality care they deserve.

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Comprehensive
Eye Services

Keeping up with your regular eye checkups is important to maintaining healthy eyes and catching any concerns before they turn into issues. Our comprehensive services allow us to monitor your eye health and provide guidance for treatments and maintenance.

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Cosmetic
Procedures

Our team also offers cosmetic eye procedures, including blepharoplasty, dermal fillers, and Botox, so patients can simultaneously address their aesthetic concerns and their eye health.

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Surgery

If you’ve been diagnosed with cataracts, the only way to have a cataract removed is through surgery. Our surgeons have performed thousands of successful cataract surgeries and will make sure you are fully prepared for your procedure.

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Contact Lenses

Properly fitting contact lenses are vital to not only your vision but also your eye health. We’ll help you determine if contact lenses are right for you and ensure your lenses fit so comfortably that you’ll forget they’re there.

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Dry Eye

Say goodbye to dry eyes with the help of Eye Consultants! We’ll determine the cause of your dry eyes and build a customized treatment plan to help you finally find the relief you deserve.

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Eyewear

Currently at Eye Consultants we offer a full range of refractive services, including determining your glasses prescription. Coming soon in 2025, we will proudly offer optical solutions for our patients who need glasses.

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In-Office Treatment