While ageing is a reality, so are the signs associated with it such as wrinkles, acne scars and sagging skin. Marketing and promotions may say they can reverse ageing but what they are actually saying is you can diminish signs related to ageing. Botox, face-lift and other cosmetic procedures have been known to delay these signs but in recent times, non-surgical methods such as Tixel treatment too have gained popularity as safer alternatives to other skin rejuvenation methods.

But did you know that the Tixel device can also be used for treating symptoms of dry eyes? 

Dr Sunil Shah, a corneal surgeon, explains how Tixel - a device for skin rejuvenation - can also help relieve symptoms of dry eyes, besides treating wrinkles and acne scars. Despite being a disease that affects millions, people know very little about dry eye. So before we get into how Tixel treatment works, and its effects on dry eyes, let’s take a quick look at the dry eye disease itself. 

What Are Dry Eyes? 

Under normal circumstances, there’s always a tear film - a thin layer of tears coating your eyes - which keeps the eyes moisturised at all times. But when the eyes are unable to create this tear film or produce enough tears, it can be a case of dry eyes. It can be extremely uncomfortable and painful to have dry eyes, as they compromise a patient's quality of life and cause difficulties in their daily routines. There’s always this scratchy feeling of something being in your eyes that doesn’t go away despite washing your eyes several times.

Common Symptoms Of Dry Eyes  

• Blurred eyesight
• Scratching
• Burning and stinging sensation
• Red eyes 
• Sensitivity to light
• Eye fatigue 

Tixel Treatment: The Procedure 

Unfortunately, while there is still no permanent cure for dry eyes, Tixel treatment comes close. It’s a non-laser treatment technology that lubricates the eyes by sending thermal energy to the skin around the eyes. The effect lasts longer than the use of eye drops. Tixel treatment takes less than one minute and the patient feels very little discomfort with little to no pain.

What Is A Tixel?

Tixel is a simple hand-held device that resembles a small hair dryer. The device comes in two formats. The standard headpiece with a 1cm tip is used for the face and body. Whereas, the small tip handpiece which has a 0.3 cm tip is used for the eyes. 

The device has a high-quality titanium tip that burns the skin for a fraction of a second, creating small microthermal zones in the target area. The titanium tip is kept at 400-degree celcius which keeps the device constantly sterilised. Tixel can be used on the face, eyelids, upper brow, back of hands and plunging neckline.

Treatment For Dry Eyes 

The procedure is quick and simple with no downtime. For treating dry eyes, the doctor first places the tip of the device under the eyes, creating a controlled burn effect for eight milliseconds. Then the device is placed on the eyes, and the patient receives 10 shots on each eyelid.

In most cases, three Tixel treatments, with an interval of two-three weeks between each treatment should be enough. However, in more acute cases, the doctor may recommend upto four treatments.

Key Takeaway

Awareness around Dry Eyes has been steadily rising. According to Google trends, searches for “dry eye syndrome” have doubled between December 2010 and July 2020. While there’s no permanent cure for it, there are certain treatment options that offer the next best thing. Eye drops and at-home remedies may offer some relief, but nothing can beat Tixel treatment. 

Despite being a treatment method originally intended for wrinkles and acne scars, Tixel treatment is increasingly gaining popularity for dry eyes. Partly because, Tixel does not disturb the tear concentration and offers long term relief without invasive surgery. 

Disclaimer: The above content is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician or doctor. The Company does not vouch for or endorse any of the above content, and disclaims any and all warranties, express or implied, relating to the same.