TearCare® Treatment

Name: TearCare
Brand: Eye Surgeons of Indiana
Rating: 5 (4602 reviews)

Relief for chronic dry eye begins here. At Eye Surgeons of Indiana, our TearCare treatment offers precise, physician-controlled therapy to restore the natural function of your eyelid glands and stabilize your tear film for longer-lasting comfort and better eye health.

A Targeted Path to Healthier Tears

At Eye Surgeons of Indiana, our dry eye specialists use TearCare to address the root cause of many dry eye problems: Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). We personalize treatment to your needs, restoring the oil layer of your tears so your eyes feel more comfortable and your vision stays stable.

What Are Meibomian Glands?

The Meibomian glands are tiny, oil-producing glands located along the edges of your eyelids. They secrete the essential oil layer of your tears, which prevents tears from evaporating too quickly and keeps your eyes lubricated. When these glands become blocked or underactive, it can lead to dry, irritated eyes, blurred vision, and long-term damage to the ocular surface. Meibomian glands are named after Heinrich Meibom, who first described them in 1666.

What Is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)?

MGD is a common condition in which the tiny oil-producing glands along your eyelids don’t function properly. Meibomian glands secrete oils that form the outer layer of your tear film. When the glands become blocked, inflamed, or produce poor-quality oil, it can lead to dry, irritated, or itchy eyes, redness, blurred vision, and a gritty or tired sensation. MGD is one of the leading causes of chronic dry eye, and identifying it early is key to protecting your ocular surface and maintaining healthy vision.

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What Is TearCare?

TearCare is a clinically proven, FDA-cleared system that delivers regulated, therapeutic heat to your eyelids using a flexible “SmartLids®” apparatus.

The device allows you to blink naturally while warming the Meibomian glands to an optimal temperature, loosening hardened oils.

Immediately after, your doctor manually expresses the glands to clear blockages, restoring healthy gland function.

Why Choose Eye Surgeons of Indiana?

Our team includes board-certified ophthalmologists and optometrists with experience in diagnosing and treating dry eye disease; some doctors specialize only in treating dry eye. As a team, we take a full-picture approach; not just soothing symptoms, but restoring the function of your tear-producing glands. With TearCare, you're getting a treatment backed by scientific rigor and performed in our modern, patient-centered practice.

How the TearCare System Works SmartLids + SmartHub™ Technology

TearCare uses single-use SmartLids that conform to your eyelids and connect to a portable SmartHub. The SmartHub controls temperature delivery with continuous sensor feedback to maintain a precise, therapeutic heat.

Therapeutic Heating Protocol

Over the course of approximately 2–3 minutes, the system gently increases the temperature to a range between 41–45° C. This is the precise window needed to safely melt the thickened oils that block your Meibomian glands. The system maintains this temperature for 15 minutes to ensure effectiveness.

Gland Expression

Immediately after heating, a specialized tool called a Clearance Assistant™ is used by your eye care provider to gently express the melted oils from your Meibomian glands. This step is critical to unlock your gland function and restore a healthier tear film.

Your Comfort Is Our Priority

After the TearCare device has gently heated the eyelids to soften the Meibomian gland oils, your provider can apply a numbing eye drop or gel to ensure comfort during manual gland expression. This makes the process nearly painless while allowing the doctor to fully clear any blockages and restore healthy oil flow. Most patients report only mild pressure or light manipulation sensations, with the anesthetic helping to minimize any discomfort.

Am I a Candidate for TearCare?

TearCare is intended for adults with dry eye caused by MGD, especially when traditional eye drops haven’t fully helped. One of our optometrists or ophthalmologists will evaluate your eyelids, tear quality, and gland structure to make sure TearCare is right for you.

Safety, Comfort, & Clinical Evidence

The TearCare System is FDA-cleared for treating evaporative dry eye due to MGD. The procedure is well-tolerated: most patients feel only gentle warmth as the SmartLids heat the eyelids and slight pressure during gland extractions.

Potential side effects are rare but may include temporary redness, mild eyelid irritation, or slight swelling. The treatment is carried out only after a detailed evaluation to ensure it’s appropriate and safe for each patient.

The Power of Long-Term Gland Restoration

Because TearCare directly melts the blockage inside the Meibomian glands and then expresses the liquid oil, it restores the glands’ ability to secrete healthy oil, a key component of the tear film. Research supports that TearCare can restore gland function and extend its benefits over time, with many patients reporting improved symptoms beginning within a week and lasting many months. This means fewer days of dry, irritated eyes and potentially reduced reliance on daily artificial tear drops. Just imagine how much freedom and comfort that brings.

What to Expect During and After TearCare Treatment

Preparation: We place the SmartLids on your eyelids, connected to the SmartHub.
Treatment Session: The device gradually heats your eyelids, while you may blink naturally throughout.
Expression: Immediately after heating, your provider manually expresses your glands for maximum clearance.
Recovery: There is minimal discomfort and no downtime. Many patients return to normal activities right away.
Follow-Up: We monitor your outcomes and may recommend repeat treatment depending on your progress and symptoms.

I am happy with my care. They are compassionate, knowledgeable and caring.

L.J.

Professional & friendly all the way from  check-in to surgeon. Best run office I’ve ever been to. Surgery & sight as promised.

Anne H.

Had a visit with Dr. Morrow today and he was very thorough and helpful. I’d recommend this establishment to anyone.

Aron J.

Very efficient. Wait time limited and they  got me in quickly. Went above and beyond to make sure I was attended to.

MJ K.

Very good experience. The best part was meeting the team everyone was so friendly. And I like the Dr I had. He was very thorough.

Delores B.

I am thrilled with the level of service that  I have received. All staff members have been excellent to work with.

Clay O.

Reported Patient Benefits

Patients who receive TearCare often report:

Softer, more comfortable eyelids
Less stinging, burning, and irritation
More stable vision throughout the day
Fewer flare-ups of chronic dry eye symptoms
Improved gland function and tear film health for lasting comfort

Why a Doctor’s Consultation Matters

Treating dry eye isn’t one-size-fits-all. At Eye Surgeons of Indiana, we examine not only your tear quantity and quality but also the health of your Meibomian glands, eyelids, cornea, and other eye structures.

This holistic evaluation ensures that TearCare is the right treatment for your needs and helps us develop a comprehensive plan that supports overall eye health, not just temporary relief.

Protecting Your Vision Long-Term

If left untreated, Meibomian gland dysfunction can lead to increased tear evaporation, inflammation, and even damage to the ocular surface. By clearing gland blockages and restoring healthy oil production, TearCare helps preserve the delicate balance of the tear film, supporting better comfort, clearer vision, and healthier eyes over time.