Dry Eye Treatment

Find Lasting Relief for Dry Eye

That persistent, gritty, scratchy, or burning sensation in your eyes might be dry eye disease, an uncomfortable, chronic condition that is common amongst Canadians.

Many different factors can contribute to the development of dry eye disease, but one thing remains true in every case: having dry eye is a real nuisance.

Dry eye can irritate and frequently distract you when you need to focus. No matter what symptoms you’re experiencing, it’s best to consult your eye doctor and let us help you relieve your discomfort.

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What Is Dry Eye Disease?

Dry eye, also known as ocular surface disease (OSD), affects approximately 30% of Canadians. It typically occurs for 1 of 2 reasons: either your eyes aren’t able to produce enough tears, called aqueous-deficient dry eye, or they produce poor-quality tears that evaporate too quickly, called evaporative dry eye.

Symptoms of Dry Eye

Possible symptoms of dry eye include:

A burning sensation in or around your eyes
The feeling of grit (such as sand or dirt) in your eyes
Eyes that water constantly or excessively
Redness of the skin around the eyes
Eyes that feel bleary or tired, even when you are well-rested
Persistent itching and irritation

Causes of Dry Eye

There are many potential causes or triggers for dry eye. Some causes include:

Aging, hormonal changes, and certain autoimmune conditions
Medications, such as antihistamines or antidepressants
Recent laser vision correction surgery
Contact lens wear
Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)
Blepharitis or Demodex

Dry Eye Treatment Options

We offer numerous therapies for people suffering from dry eye. Begin your journey to relief by booking a dry eye consultation. During this appointment, we will examine your eyes and tear film to check for the root cause of your symptoms. We will also discuss your health history and any conditions or medications that could be contributing to your dry eyes.

Once we determine which treatment options will work for you, we’ll design a plan tailored to your needs. This may include a mix of in-office and at-home treatments, such as medicated eye drops, meibomian gland expression, ZEST eyelid treatment, and more.

Many over-the-counter eye drops can provide temporary relief for people with dry eye. Our eye doctors can recommend an effective prescription option depending on the cause and severity of your dry eye symptoms.

The Zocular Eyelid System Treatment (ZEST) is an in-office eyelid debridement procedure. This procedure is recommended for patients with blepharitis, MGD, and Demodex.

During a ZEST treatment, we will apply an okra-based cleanser to your eyelids, which cleans and exfoliates the eyelids and along the meibomian glands.

In cases of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), artificial tears and other treatments may not be able to get to the root of the problem. The tiny, oil-producing meibomian glands that line your eyelids can sometimes get blocked by oil buildup.

If we determine that MGD is the cause of your symptoms, we may recommend performing a meibomian gland expression. This in-office procedure involves gently heating your meibomian glands and using a light pressure massage to clear any blockages and get oil flowing again.

In patients with evaporative dry eye, supplementing omega-3 can help support the production of a healthy and balanced tear film. In this case, we recommend PRN omega-3 supplements that are specifically formulated for eye health.

Many patients may find relief from a relaxing, heated eye mask or bag. We carry the Bruder Moist Heat Compress and the Blepha Eyebag. These masks are specifically designed for the treatment of dry eye caused by MGD and blepharitis.

The heat from the mask can stimulate oil production, melt blockages, and soothe inflammation. Both masks are designed with anti-bacterial properties for safe reuse.

For those with moderate to severe dry eye, we may prescribe medications approved by Health Canada to treat dry eye and chronic inflammation.

Let Us Help You Find Relief

Don’t let dry eye disrupt your life any more than it already has. Visit us at your earliest convenience and let our friendly professionals help you find lasting relief for this uncomfortable condition.

Take the first step towards soothing your eyes by booking an appointment today.

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