Meet exceptional providers of local care.
NVision Optix
During springtime in the Sierra, outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to the area’s beauty, but this time of year also brings a rise in seasonal allergies. Many people use antihistamines to alleviate their symptoms. However, these medications can reduce tear production, while airborne irritants such as pollen can worsen ocular inflammation, potentially leading to dry eye disease and meibomian gland dysfunction. DED is a common condition in which the eyes do not remain adequately lubricated. This can be due to poor-quality tears, insufficient tear production, or excessive tear evaporation. The resulting imbalance triggers inflammation, which can cause symptoms such as fluctuating vision, excessive tearing, burning, stinging, and a gritty sensation.
Several factors contribute to the development of DED, including certain medications, systemic health conditions, a dry environment, aging, excessive Demodex mites causing blepharitis or eyelid inflammation, and increased screen time.
At NVision Optix in Reno, Dr. Jacqueline Donahue, Dr. Brian Benitz, and their team of eye-care experts use intense pulsed light and radio frequency to address the root causes of MGD. This noninvasive treatment reduces inflammation at the lid margin, eliminates mites contributing to inflammation, and warms the meibomian glands to improve oil production, preventing tear evaporation. This therapy typically requires four sessions, spaced two to four weeks apart. Most patients notice symptom relief by the third session, with improvements continuing for several months.
“We also use intense pulsed light therapy to treat ocular rosacea and styes, reducing or eliminating the need for oral antibiotics,” Donahue explains. “However, intense pulsed light therapy is not suitable for all types of dry eye. Proper evaluation from an eye care professional is recommended before starting any treatments. A bonus side effect of combined treatments is new collagen production surrounding the treatment sites, which helps fine lines and uneven skin tone. Ongoing treatment may be needed depending on disease severity.”
Protective eye shields are placed during treatment, and ultrasound gel is applied to the area. Mild stinging and warmth may be felt with each light pulse. Next, the gel is removed, and a special lotion is applied to enhance the radio frequency heat conduction, which softens oil in the meibomian glands. The radio frequency procedure is relaxing, similar to a hot stone massage. Post-treatment, patients may experience slight skin sensitivity or mild eye irritation lasting up to a day. Increased sun sensitivity occurs for the next few weeks, so daily sunscreen use is essential.
For details, visit Nvisionoptix.com.
Sierra Sleep Airway and Wellness Center and Sierra Smiles
Sleep divorce is a real thing. According to an American Academy of Sleep Medicine survey, more than one-third of respondents said they occasionally or consistently slept in another room to accommodate a bed partner. Men were most likely to hit the sofa or guest room, with almost half of men surveyed (45 percent) reporting they occasionally or consistently slept in another room, compared with just one-fourth (25 percent) of women. Dr. John Bocchi, owner of Sierra Sleep Airway and Wellness Center and Sierra Smiles Complete Health Dentistry in Reno and Lake Tahoe, recognizes that snoring causes not only health and sleep issues, but it can play a large role in sleep divorce situations, too.
“Sierra Sleep Airway and Wellness Center can use a laser, along with other therapies and mouth appliances, that can help a person stop snoring, allowing better sleep and sharing the bed with their partner again,” Bocchi explains. “The QuietNite laser procedure provides our patients with a pleasant, safe, and effective treatment experience that can improve your quality of sleep in as little as 10 minutes.”
The Sleep Foundation reports that snoring affects nearly 50 percent of men, 40 percent of women, and 20 percent of children in the United States; prevalence increases with age. Snoring or mouth breathing can cause many health issues. Mouth breathing can lead to snoring, which also causes dry mouth and increases the risk of cavities. Breathing through your nose while sleeping is extremely important as it produces nitric oxide, lowers airway resistance, results in quiet breathing, promotes better sleep, improves circulation, and offers additional benefits such as lowering blood pressure and reducing dry mouth.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, people who breathe through their mouth and not their nose are more likely to develop sleep disorders, including sleep apnea. Children who breathe through their mouth are more likely to have dental problems such as malocclusion and facial differences.
“Snoring is a common and often-overlooked issue in many adults and children today,” Bocchi says. “Snoring is a form of sleep-disordered breathing that often can lead to sleep apnea and other serious chronic diseases and should be taken very seriously. At Sierra Sleep, we have a wide range of noninvasive treatments for mouth breathing, snoring, and sleep apnea, along with habit correction, health, wellness, and sleep coaching to tailor to the individual needs of our patients.”
Sleep divorce is real, but it doesn’t have to affect you. With help from Sierra Sleep Airway and Wellness and Sierra Smiles, patients become healthier, breathe better, and improve their sleep. Schedule a consultation today!
For details, visit Sierrasleepwell.com and Sierrasmiles.com.
Beam
Treat yourself to Beam’s one-of-a-kind laser oxygen facial, meticulously crafted to hydrate and rejuvenate the skin for a luminous appearance. Owner Allex Nevis will start your journey with Sciton ClearSilk, which penetrates the skin to enhance firmness and elasticity while offering gentle exfoliation. This step smooths out fine lines and improves overall skin texture, leaving you with a fresh, youthful glow.
Next, indulge in the cutting-edge Sciton BBL Skin Tightening treatment.
“This innovative technology brightens your skin tone, creating a more uniform complexion while stimulating collagen production deep within,” Nevis says. “The comfortable, low-heat delivery in a gentle massage pattern ensures a soothing experience, allowing you to relax and enjoy a touch of luxury.”
A revitalizing oxygen infusion, using Luzern cosmeceuticals, infuses skin with vital vitamins and antioxidants, resulting in a refreshed, hydrated, and radiant complexion. The Beam laser experience combines the power of firming, brightening, and hydration for a beautifully revitalized look. It’s suitable for all skin types and can be repeated every two to four weeks.
Schedule your session today and reveal your skin’s inner glow by visiting Beamlasers.com.
Coolsculpting by Marci
Be summer ready with Coolsculpting. Say goodbye to stubborn fat and hello to a more confident you. Embrace the summer with a smoother, more sculpted body. Coolsculpting is a noninvasive procedure that helps reduce fat in areas of your body such as the chin, abdomen, love handles, thighs, and arms. Whether it’s a way to supplement your fitness progress or a means to motivate you to get started, Coolsculpting is a fantastic option. The procedure requires no surgery or incisions, there is very little down time, and most people can resume their normal activities soon after the procedure.
To schedule your treatment, visit Bodysculptingbymarci.com.
