Welcome to Eterna at
Downtown Vision

Treating Dry Eye with Radio Frequency

Dry Eye Treatment 

Eterna™ is a noninvasive, FDA-cleared radiofrequency device offering highly efficient, patient-tailored eye and face treatments. The device incorporates innovative technological solutions to guarantee optimal clinical results while maintaining safety and minimal patient social downtime.

What is radiofrequency?

Radiofrequency (RF) is a technique that stimulates collagen production by safely delivering high-frequency electrical currents to the skin's surface. The electrical currents generate heat at a predetermined temperature, prompting a natural healing response that promotes an increase in collagen production within the superficial and deeper layers of the skin. This results in the creation of new collagen fibers that are firm and dense, helping to tighten the skin and improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

How can Eterna™ treatments help dry eye?

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) causes about 80% of dry eye syndrome. MGD occurs when the meibomian glands become blocked or clogged by thick secretions. It impacts the normal flow of oil into the tear film and affects the quantity, quality as well as rapid evaporation of tears, which in turn causes dry eye symptoms.

Radiofrequency has been proven effective in alleviating dry eye syndrome caused by MGD.

Utilizing a gentle radio frequency energy emission through a special handpiece, Eterna™ safely heats the skin adjacent to the eyes. The heat melts the thick oil secretions clogging the meibomian glands, enabling improved oil flow into the tears. 

Eterna™ also helps reduce inflammation around the eyes, which may contribute to your dry eye condition. 

How long does the Eterna™ treatment take?

This non-invasive, in-office procedure takes approximately 30 minutes, but treatment times may vary. You can expect to be in the office for 45 minutes to an hour to allow for preparations and some rest after your treatment.

How long does it take to see results?

It takes about 3 to 4 treatments to notice optimal results, spaced approximately four weeks apart. Depending on your age, the severity of dry eye, and individual response, more treatments may be necessary to see and feel the results.

Eterna™ Treatment

The FDA-Cleared Eterna™ offers versatility through multiple handpieces to deliver targeted radiofrequency treatments based on the patient's needs.

Benefits of Eterna™

There are many benefits to the Eterna™ treatment, including:

  • Zero social downtime

  • Fast treatment times

  • Suitable for all skin types

  • Safe and effective

  • Results continue to improve over time

What Eterna™ Treats

Eterna™ can be used to treat a variety of concerns with the eyes and face, including:

  • Dry eye syndrome

  • Crow’s feet

  • Lower eyelid wrinkles

  • Forehead lines

  • Glabellar lines

  • Perioral lines

  • Lip lines

  • Marionette lines

  • Facial contour/lifting  

Eterna™ FAQs

What should I do to prepare for treatment?

Come in with a clean face and no makeup. A gentle cleanser before treatment will remove lotions and topicals. Hydration before treatment is encouraged to amplify your results. You may want to wear a loose-fitting shirt and, for ladies, a sports bra, as the treatment requires a metal conductive plate placed on your back. 

Is the Eterna™ treatment painful?

You shouldn’t feel any pain or discomfort (Only mild heat, which most patients say feels good) during your Eterna™ treatment; no anesthetic is needed.

The doctor or paraoptometric technician will apply a soothing conductive gel to your upper eyelid, the skin around your eye, and beneath your lower eyelid. They will then use the special Eterna™ handpiece to massage the areas for approximately 10 minutes per eye. If you feel any discomfort, please let the provider know, as they can adjust the heat and add more gel if needed.

What can I expect following Eterna™ Treatment?

After the treatment, you may notice light erythema, redness, and mild swelling around your eyes, but it should subside within an hour. You may have some dryness over the next 1-2 days post-treatment, so keep hydrated, moisturize your skin with lotion with SPF 50, and avoid excessive direct sun exposure for 72 hours, if possible. 

What areas can this device treat?

Of course, your eyes, but any area of the face where you want to target skin laxity or aging concerns. However, radiofrequency is not to be used over any metal implants, screws, artificial joints, or on people with mechanical heart valves or pacemakers.