Lange Eye Institute Now Offers TearCare® — Advanced Treatment for Dry Eye Disease Covered by Medicare for Many Qualifying Patients
Written by Dr. Michael Lange OD, CNS on July 21, 2026
At the Lange Eye Institute, we are committed to bringing the latest advancements in eye care to our patients. We are excited to announce that we now offer TearCare®, an innovative treatment designed to address one of the most common causes of dry eye disease—Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD).
What is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)?
MGD occurs when the tiny oil-producing glands along the eyelid margins become blocked or stop functioning properly. These glands produce the protective oil layer of your tears that prevents tears from evaporating too quickly. When they become clogged, the tear film becomes unstable, leading to evaporative dry eye disease.
Common symptoms include:
- Burning or stinging eyes
- Gritty or sandy sensation
- Excessive tearing
- Fluctuating or blurry vision
- Red, irritated eyes
- Light sensitivity
- Contact lens discomfort
- Eye fatigue, especially when reading or using digital devices
Many people mistakenly believe these symptoms are simply a normal part of aging, but in most cases they can be effectively treated.
What is TearCare®?
TearCare® is an advanced, FDA-cleared in-office treatment that gently applies therapeutic heat directly to the eyelids while allowing you to blink naturally throughout the procedure. This unique approach softens hardened oils trapped within the meibomian glands, making it easier for your eye care provider to express the glands and restore healthier oil flow.
Unlike artificial tears that only provide temporary relief, TearCare® is designed to treat the underlying cause of evaporative dry eye disease, not just the symptoms.
Benefits of TearCare®
Patients often experience:
- Improved tear film stability
- Healthier meibomian gland function
- Reduced burning and irritation
- Less fluctuating vision
- Increased comfort while reading or using digital devices
- Better contact lens comfort
- Long-lasting improvement in dry eye symptoms
Treatment is comfortable, performed in our office, and requires little to no downtime.
A Comprehensive Dry Eye Center
At Lange Eye Institute, TearCare® is just one component of our comprehensive dry eye program. Depending on your specific condition, your personalized treatment plan may also include:
- Advanced Dry Eye Evaluations
- Meibography (imaging of the meibomian glands)
- Lumenis OptiLight® IPL
- OptiLift® Radiofrequency
- Prescription medications
- Nutritional therapy
- Lid hygiene treatments
- Customized home care recommendations
Our goal is to identify the root cause of your dry eye and develop the most effective treatment plan for your individual needs.
Medicare Coverage Available
We are pleased to offer TearCare® with Medicare coverage for many qualifying patients. Coverage is based on medical necessity and individual insurance benefits. Our team will gladly review your coverage and discuss any potential out-of-pocket costs before treatment.
Is TearCare® Right for You?
If you suffer from dry, burning, watery, irritated, or blurry eyes, you may be a candidate for TearCare®.
Schedule a comprehensive dry eye evaluation with one of our experienced doctors and discover whether TearCare® can help restore healthier tears and improve your quality of life.
Contact Lange Eye Institute Today
Lange Eye Institute – The Villages
📞 (352) 753-4014
Experience Advanced Dry Eye Care
Better Vision. Better Comfort. Better Quality of Life.
TearCare® and Dry Eye FAQs
Learn more about Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, TearCare® treatment
and advanced dry eye care at Lange Eye Institute.
What is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)?
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction occurs when the tiny oil-producing
glands along the eyelid margins become blocked or stop functioning
properly. This can destabilize the tear film and cause evaporative
dry eye disease.
What is TearCare®?
TearCare® is an FDA-cleared, in-office dry eye treatment that
gently applies therapeutic heat to the eyelids while allowing you
to blink naturally. The treatment softens hardened oils so the
meibomian glands can be expressed by an eye care provider.
What are the potential benefits of TearCare®?
TearCare® may help improve tear-film stability and meibomian gland
function while reducing burning, irritation, fluctuating vision
and discomfort associated with evaporative dry eye disease.
Individual results may vary.
Does Medicare cover TearCare®?
Medicare coverage may be available for many qualifying patients
when treatment is medically necessary. Coverage depends on your
individual insurance benefits. Our team will review your coverage
and discuss any potential out-of-pocket costs before treatment.
Is TearCare® right for me?
Patients experiencing dry, burning, watery, irritated or blurry
eyes may be candidates for TearCare®. A comprehensive dry eye
evaluation is needed to determine the cause of your symptoms and
whether TearCare® is an appropriate treatment.
Dr. Michael Lange is an Optometric Physician, Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS), founder of Lange Eye Institute, founder of Fortifeye® Vitamins, and host of the nationally syndicated Ask the Dr. radio program. For more than 35 years, he has dedicated his career to educating patients about the connection between nutrition, healthy aging, and lifelong vision.
