dry eye clinic
Symptoms
- Burning
- Red
- Pain
- Sandy Feeling
- Teary/Watery
- Blurry Vision
- Heavy/Tired Eyes
- Light Sensitivity
- Excessive Blinking
Dry Eye Disease
Dry Eye is a condition that occurs when there is insufficient quality tear production. Reduced quality of tears may lead the body to produce increased amount of tears, in turn, causing watery eyes. Poor quality tears creates poor lubrication of the eye surface, which leads to dry eyes.
This chronic condition is common with increasing age, contact lens use, side effect of commonly used medications (eg. antidepressants, antihistamines, birth control). Additionally, specific medical conditions and environmental factors can also contribute to poor lubrication of the eye surface.
Our dry eye clinic is designed to assess the eye's ability to produce quality tears. Based on the health status of the eye, we can advise on in-clinic and at-home dry eye therapy options.
Quality tears, in the correct quantity, leads to comfortable and improved vision.
Dry Eye Therapy
In-Clinic Sessions
During your first visit to the Dry Eye Clinic, the doctor will perform various tests and procedures to determine the cause of your poor tear quality.
For most people with mild dry eye symptoms, it's enough to use over-the-counter eyedrops. However, persistent, serious symptoms may require targeted therapies that focus on managing the condition or factor that is causing the dry eyes. Based on the initial assessment, the doctor will advise which therapy option will be best suited for your condition.
Blocked Oil Glands
During this therapy, the doctor will apply a gentle warm massage-like pressure on your eyelids. The sessions lasts approximately 40mins.
The goal of this therapy is to increase lipid production, and improve tear quality to lubricate the eye surface.
Eyelid Inflammation Control
During this therapy, the doctor uses mechanical debridement of the eyelid margin. The sessions lasts approximately 40mins.
The goal of this therapy is to reduce bacteria buildup, and gently remove eyelash collarettes to reduce tear debris and improve tear quality to lubricate the eye surface.
Maintenance Eyelid Care
In certain conditions, more frequent eyelid care is required. Staggered sessions will prevent the buildup of bacteria, and blockages of glands.
These sessions lasts approximately 20mins.
The goal of this therapy is to aid in continuous upkeep of eyelid health.
No OHIP Coverage
Effective September 1, 2021, Ontario optometrists will no longer be providing seniors', children's, and urgent eye care that are covered by OHIP.