Patients blink naturally
The flexible, gentle SmartLid design keeps the eyes open during treatment, so patients can blink throughout the session.
In-Office Procedures · Thermal Gland Expression
TearCare Thermal-activated gland expression therapy.
The TearCare System applies localized heat to all four eyelids through flexible, sensor-controlled SmartLids, followed by manual expression of the meibomian glands. It is used in-office to treat evaporative dry eye disease due to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) in adults.
15 minThermal procedure
41–45°CTreatment temperature range
4Eyelids treated at once
Up to 1 yrResults may last, starting at one week
How it works
Open-eye heat, then expert expression
TearCare is designed to address meibomian gland dysfunction, the leading cause of dry eye disease. Flexible SmartLids deliver localized heat to the outer eyelids while patients keep their eyes open and blink naturally, and the clinician then expresses the warmed glands by hand.
Results that can begin in one week
Results can begin in one week and may last up to one year, with improved gland function.
Compared with the leading Rx
In studies, TearCare demonstrated significantly better symptom outcomes compared with the leading prescription dry eye medication, with a more convenient patient experience.
Ayres et al. 2023Fewer daily drops
A single in-office treatment can replace months of prescription drops and may reduce medication compliance challenges.
Peer-reviewed evidence
Ten peer-reviewed publications support the efficacy and safety of the TearCare System.
Gupta et al. 2022; Holland et al. 2022Inside the TearCare System
Expert thermal technology combined with expert hands: single-use SmartLids, a battery-powered SmartHub controller and manual gland expression.
- Comfortable open-eye therapy
- Treats all four eyelids
- 15-minute thermal procedure
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SmartLids
Single-use, flexible, sensor-controlled pieces with adhesive backing that adhere to all four eyelids. Each contains circuits, sensors and a microprocessor.
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SmartHub
Battery-powered control unit with a microprocessor, a rechargeable Li-ion battery that powers at least four therapies, a remaining-time display and temperature adjustment buttons.
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Controlled temperature
Heat is held between 41 and 45°C (106 to 113°F), with a maximum allowable temperature of 47°C (117°F). Warmth Level 5 is standard and can be lowered for patient comfort.
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Manual expression
Within three minutes of removing the SmartLids, the clinician manually expresses the meibomian glands using a separate device.
The procedure
The TearCare procedure
Eyelids are cleaned, contact lenses are removed and SmartLids are applied to all four eyelids before the thermal session begins.
15-minute thermal session
SmartLids heat the outer eyelids for 15 minutes while the patient keeps their eyes open. Temperature can be adjusted during the session for comfort.
Manual gland expression
SmartLids are removed and the meibomian glands are manually expressed within three minutes, using a separate device.
After treatment
Contact lenses can be reinserted 60 minutes after the procedure. Results can begin in one week and may last up to one year.
Specifications and safety information
Technical specifications
| Treatment time | 15-minute thermal procedure |
|---|---|
| Temperature range | 41–45°C (106–113°F) |
| Maximum allowable temperature | 47°C (117°F) |
| Standard setting | Warmth Level 5 (adjustable with +/- buttons) |
| SmartLids | Single-use, adhesive, sensor-controlled; four pieces (left and right pair) for all four eyelids |
| Connection | 4-foot cable from SmartLids to SmartHub (L and R ports) |
| Power | Rechargeable Li-ion battery; powers at least 4 therapies per charge |
| Patient age | Adults 22 years and older |
Indications for use
The TearCare® System is a thermal-activated gland expression therapy that improves meibomian gland function in adult patients with evaporative dry eye disease due to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), when used in conjunction with manual expression of the meibomian glands.
Contraindications
- Recent (i.e. within the last 90 days) surgical procedure to the eye or eyelid
- Recent ocular injury
- History of Herpes Simplex or Herpes Zoster of the eye or eyelid
- Active ocular or periocular infection, inflammation or irritation
- Diminished or abnormal facial, periocular, ocular, or corneal sensation
- Ocular surface ulcers
- Hordeolum, stye, or chalazion
- Do not use TearCare in patients under the age of 22 years
- Pacemakers or implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICD)
- Known allergy to acrylate
- Known allergy to silicone tissue adhesives
- Known allergy to copper
Warnings and precautions
- Do not use the TearCare System outside the instructions for use described in this manual
- Do not attempt to connect the SmartHub or SmartLid directly to an electrical outlet
- Do not use the TearCare System in or near an MRI suite or near a magnetic field
- The TearCare System has not been tested in the presence of flammable anesthetics
- Do not apply SmartLids to non-intact skin (i.e., skin with active abrasion, cut, burn, rash, inflammation, redness, etc.)
- Do not reuse the SmartLids™. Cross-contamination can occur
Possible side effects
- Eyelid or eye pain requiring discontinuation of the treatment procedure
- Eyelid irritation or inflammation
- Ocular surface irritation or inflammation
- Ocular symptoms (such as burning, redness, tearing, visual disturbance)
- Burning, erythema, or swelling of the eyelids
- Conjunctival infection (moderate or severe)
- Conjunctival abrasion
- Corneal abrasion
- Corneal deformation
- Allergic or inflammatory reaction to medical adhesive
- Formation of a chalazion or stye
- Decline in visual acuity
- Worsening of dry eye symptoms
- Increased discomfort or pain of ocular surface
- Discomfort or pain of eyelids or orbit
- There is a potential risk of thermal injury to eye or eyelid
Common questions about TearCare
How long does a TearCare treatment take?
The thermal procedure lasts 15 minutes, followed by manual expression of the meibomian glands within three minutes of removing the SmartLids.
Can patients blink during treatment?
Yes. The flexible SmartLids allow patients to keep their eyes open and blink naturally, which also helps heat dissipate during treatment.
What about contact lenses?
Contact lenses are removed before treatment and can be reinserted 60 minutes after the procedure.
How soon do patients see results?
Results can begin in one week and may last up to one year.
Are the SmartLids reusable?
No. SmartLids are single-use only. Reuse can cause cross-contamination.
Who should not be treated with TearCare?
TearCare is not for patients under 22, patients with pacemakers or implantable cardiac defibrillators, recent eye or eyelid surgery or injury, active ocular infection or inflammation, or known allergy to acrylate, silicone tissue adhesives or copper. See the full contraindications list.
Peer-reviewed clinical studies
- Ayres BD, et al. TearCare® vs. Cyclosporine (SAHARA). Clin Ophthalmol. 2023;17:3925-3940. PubMed
- Gupta PK, et al. TearCare for the Treatment of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. Cornea. 2022;41(4):417-426. PubMed
- Holland EJ, et al. A Comparison of TearCare and Lipiflow Systems. Clin Ophthalmol. 2022;16:2861-2871. PubMed
Add TearCare to your dry eye practice
An in-office, open-eye thermal procedure for adults with evaporative dry eye disease due to MGD, completed with manual gland expression by the clinician.
TearCare System is a trademark of Sight Sciences. Review the full manufacturer instructions for use, including all warnings, precautions and contraindications, before use. Individual results vary.
