08/21/2026
Zach Maio Thank you!!
Ensight Eyecare will unveil new dry eye treatment option at launch event
Written by Zack Maio
Photo by Zack Maio
Ensight Eyecare in Andalusia will soon unveil a new noninvasive treatment platform designed specifically for dry eye, giving patients throughout Covington County and the surrounding area another option for managing the condition.
The practice will host a public launch event from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, August 25, where guests can learn more about Envision by InMode, meet members of the Ensight team, see the technology firsthand and ask questions about dry-eye treatment.
The procedure is designed to address some of the underlying contributors to dry eye, particularly Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) and inflammation.
“Ensight EyeCare is a locally owned practice here in Andalusia. We provide comprehensive eye exams, medical eye care, contact-lens services, optical services, and treatment and management for conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and dry eye,” Practice Manager Jennifer Devlin said. “We see so many patients who have been dealing with dry-eye symptoms for years. Many have tried artificial tears, prescription drops, punctal plugs, warm compresses, and several other treatments but are still uncomfortable. We wanted to be able to offer something that goes beyond temporarily relieving the symptoms and helps us address what may actually be causing the problem.”
The August 25 event will feature food, door prizes and a raffle, with prizes including a pair of prescription glasses and a free Envision by InMode treatment session.
According to Devlin, one of Ensight’s goals is to care for patients as a whole.
“That means listening to what they’re experiencing, explaining what we find, and making sure they understand their options. We also want our patients to have access to advanced eye care without automatically having to travel outside our community,” she said.
Devlin said Ensight sees a significant number of patients of all ages who have been diagnosed with dry eye, but there are several misconceptions about what the condition can look and feel like.
“Most people think dry eye simply means their eyes feel dry, but that isn’t always how it presents. Symptoms can include burning, grittiness, redness, light sensitivity, tired or heavy-feeling eyes, fluctuating vision, difficulty wearing contact lenses, and even excessive watering,” Devlin said. “Your eyes can water because they are dry. If the tear film is unstable, the eyes may respond by producing a lot of watery tears, but those tears may not stay on the eye long enough to provide lasting comfort.”
While artificial tears can provide relief, Devlin explained that they may only address one part of the problem.
“A healthy tear film needs an oil layer to keep tears from evaporating too quickly. That oil comes from tiny meibomian glands along the eyelids. If those glands are blocked or not producing healthy oil, you can keep adding artificial tears, but they may evaporate quickly, too,” she said. “Inflammation may also be part of the problem. That is why it is so important to evaluate what is causing a person’s symptoms instead of assuming every case of dry eye should be treated in exactly the same way.”
Envision by InMode offers two treatment options, depending on each patient’s individual needs.
“Radiofrequency, or RF, provides controlled warmth around the eyelids. That warmth can help soften the thickened oils in the meibomian glands and help those glands function better. Intense Pulsed Light, or IPL, uses carefully controlled pulses of light around the eye area to help address inflammation and abnormal blood vessels that may contribute to dry eye,” Devlin said.
“The simplest way to explain it is that we are working to improve the oil glands and calm the inflammation so the patient’s natural tears can work better.”
While the focus of the upcoming event is on the new technology, Devlin emphasized that Envision will not necessarily be the right solution for every patient.
“That doesn’t mean traditional treatments no longer have a place. Artificial tears, prescription drops, warm compresses, eyelid hygiene, and punctal plugs can all be helpful for the right patient. Envision simply gives us another option,” she said. “Dry eye is not the same for everyone, so we don’t believe in giving every patient the exact same treatment plan. We evaluate first, explain what we find, and then recommend the options that make sense for that individual.”
The first step is a dry-eye evaluation. If Envision treatment is deemed appropriate, the patient is comfortably positioned and the eyes are properly protected. Depending on the treatment plan, most appointments can be completed in approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
“We want to understand the patient’s symptoms and look closely at the tear film, eyelids, and meibomian glands before recommending anything,” Devlin said. “With radiofrequency, the patient will generally feel a controlled warming sensation while the applicator is moved around the treatment area. With IPL, the patient may notice a brief flash of light and a mild snapping or warming sensation.”
Following treatment, Devlin said there is usually very little downtime, if any.
“Most patients can go back to their usual activities shortly afterward. Some people may notice temporary warmth, mild redness, or sensitivity around the treated area. We give each patient specific aftercare instructions based on the treatment they receive, including any guidance about sun exposure or skincare products,” she said.
Devlin said people experiencing ongoing symptoms such as burning, grittiness, watering, fluctuating vision, redness, light sensitivity, tired eyes or difficulty wearing contact lenses may be candidates for Envision, particularly when MGD or inflammation is contributing to their symptoms.
However, she stressed that an evaluation is necessary before determining whether the treatment is appropriate.
“We never want someone to assume that Envision is automatically the right answer just because their eyes feel dry. The first step is an evaluation. We need to identify what is causing the symptoms and make sure the treatment is both appropriate and safe for that patient,” she said.
As with any medical procedure, results can vary among patients. Treatment plans are also dependent upon the severity and underlying causes of an individual’s dry-eye symptoms.
“Everyone responds differently, but many patients begin noticing improvement after the second treatment,” Devlin said. “A typical initial treatment plan includes four sessions scheduled about one month apart. Because dry eye is often a chronic condition, some patients may also benefit from occasional maintenance treatments. The number of treatments really depends on the individual and the severity of the condition, the health of the glands, and how the patient responds.”
Devlin said some patients who visit Ensight are already familiar with Envision, and the response to the practice adding the treatment has been encouraging.
“People are interested because so many have been dealing with these symptoms for a long time. A lot of patients are surprised when they learn that watery eyes, fluctuating vision, or eyes that constantly feel tired can be related to dry eye,” she said. “We also hear from people who feel like they have tried everything or who have simply accepted the discomfort as something they have to live with. I think people appreciate learning that there may be another option and that we are going to take the time to figure out what is causing their symptoms before recommending it.”
Rather than a lengthy formal presentation at the launch, the event will allow attendees to enjoy refreshments while exploring the technology and learning more about their eye-care options.
“Dr. (James) Barton will also be available to provide individual consultations and answer questions about whether Envision may be an appropriate option. Guests who are ready to take the next step will be able to schedule their appointments that evening,” Devlin said.
Devlin said it was important for Ensight to introduce the technology through an educational event where people can see it firsthand and ask questions before deciding whether to pursue treatment.
“Dry eye can be confusing. People may have symptoms without realizing what is causing them, or they may not know that treatment has moved beyond simply buying another bottle of eye drops,” she said. “The event gives people an opportunity to see the technology and ask questions without feeling pressured to make a decision. We want them to understand what Envision does, what it doesn’t do, and why a proper evaluation is necessary before we recommend treatment.”
As Ensight prepares to offer another advanced dry-eye treatment option locally, Devlin said access to newer technology can be especially important for patients living in smaller communities.
“We are proud to bring that technology to Andalusia and make it more accessible to patients throughout Covington County and the surrounding areas. It also means patients can be evaluated, treated, and followed by a team they already know and trust,” she said.
For patients who have lived with dry-eye symptoms for an extended period of time, Devlin encourages them to have their symptoms evaluated rather than simply accepting the discomfort.
“They don’t have to assume that being uncomfortable all the time is normal. If your eyes burn, water, feel gritty or tired, bother you when you read or drive, or cause your vision to come and go, it is worth having them evaluated. An evaluation doesn’t mean you are committing to a particular treatment. It simply helps us understand what is happening. Once we identify what is contributing to the symptoms, we can explain what we see and talk through the available options,” she said.
Ensight Eyecare is located at 847 West Bypass, Suite D, in Andalusia. For more information, call 334-222-8561 from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday or 7:30 a.m. to noon Friday or visit the practice’s page.
“Dry eye is different for every patient, so our job is to listen, figure out what is going on, and help that person find the approach that makes the most sense for them,” Devlin said.
