Dry Eye Therapy | Practice/Clinic Name

Irritating, Uncomfortable Eyes

We use our eyes all day long, but we rarely think of them—unless they’re uncomfortable, and then they’re all we think about.

Dry eye is a chronic, common, and uncomfortable condition, impacting around 6 million Canadians. Not only is it irritating, but it can really put a damper on your daily activities. Dry eyes can decrease your quality of life and hamper productivity.

But relief is available! Book an exam today for a comprehensive eye exam to diagnose your dry eye. While the condition is rarely serious on its own, it can lead to long-term infections and eye damage down the road. Anytime your eyes are uncomfortable, it’s best to pay us a visit and rule out any more worrisome conditions.

Request Appointment

Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye symptoms generally occur in both eyes at the same time and can include:

Stinging or burning
A gritty or scratchy feeling
Foreign body sensation
Red or watery eyes
Blurry vision
Sensitivity to light
Eye fatigue
Stringy mucus in or around your eyes
Discomfort when wearing contacts

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, book your appointment to find relief today.

Request Appointment

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye is exactly what it sounds like—it occurs when your eyes aren’t producing enough lubrication to keep them moist and comfortable.

There are 2 main types of dry eye, aqueous deficiency dry eye and evaporative dry eye. The first—and least common—occurs when the eyes don’t produce enough tears. The second occurs when the tears lack the appropriate chemical composition to be effective.

Aqueous Tear Deficiency Dry Eye

Reasons for decreased tear production are varied and may include:

Contact lens wear
Normal ageing
Medications such as antihistamines or antidepressants
Medical conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or Sjögren’s Syndrome
Recent laser vision correction surgery

Evaporative Dry Eye

High-quality tears depend on a balanced and effective tear film. The tear film is made up of 3 layers:

The mucus layer, which helps spread the tears over the surface of the eye.
The water layer, which helps hydrate the eye.
The oil layer, which helps stop moisture from evaporating too quickly

Dry eyes can result from an imbalance in any of these 3 layers.

Both the top and bottom of your eyelids are lined with tiny, oil-producing glands. These glands are called the meibomian glands. Blockages in the meibomian glands might lead to reduction in the amount of oil produced, causing dry eyes.

When evaluating dry eyes, it’s also important to examine the meibomian glands carefully. If they are not functioning well, there may be other factors at work, such as lid hygiene or inflammation.

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction & Blepharitis

When the meibomian glands are not producing enough oil, meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) or blepharitis may be the cause.

Blepharitis occurs as a result of inflammation in and around the eyelids. Sore, red eyelids with crusty eyelashes are telltale signs of blepharitis.

Eyelid hygiene is important for keeping blepharitis at bay. Debris and bacteria along the eyelid margins can multiply and create an environment for mites to feed on, leading to even more mites and eyelid inflammation.

Too much inflammation can block the meibomian glands, interfering with the production of your tear film’s oil layer.

Dry eye and blepharitis occur alongside one another frequently, so treating the inflammation can help sort out which condition is the root cause of the dryness. If you notice red eyelids, crusty eyelashes, or dry eye symptoms, it’s time to book an appointment for a dry eye diagnostic.

Finding Relief from Dry Eye

No matter the cause of your dry eye, relief is available. We offer customized treatment options tailored to your unique needs. Get support for clear, healthy vision today.

Request Appointment