Dry Eye Therapy

Dry eye syndrome is a common yet overlooked eye condition that can significantly impact eye health and overall quality of life. It is characterized by an imbalance in the quantity or quality of tears produced by the eyes, leading to discomfort and impaired vision. At Yaletown EyeCare, our team of experienced optometrists provides comprehensive dry eye evaluations and personalized treatments, helping individuals relieve symptoms and maintain optimal eye health.

Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome occurs when the eyes either produce insufficient tears or tears of poor quality, resulting in inadequate lubrication and hydration for the ocular surface. Several factors contribute to the development of dry eye, including:

• Aging: As people age, the natural tear production process can decline, especially during menopause for women. This reduction in tear production is one of the primary reasons older individuals are more prone to dry eye syndrome.
• Environmental factors: Exposure to dry, windy, or cold environments can exacerbate dry eye symptoms by causing tears to evaporate more rapidly. In addition, situations that require extended periods of focused attention, such as computer work or reading, can lead to reduced blink frequency and increased tear evaporation.
• Certain medications: Some medications, like antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications, can cause a reduction in tear production as a side effect, leading to the development of dry eye symptoms.
• Medical conditions: Autoimmune disorders, such as Sjögren’s syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis, can directly affect tear production and lead to dry eye syndrome. Other conditions, like diabetes, thyroid disorders, and vitamin deficiencies, can indirectly contribute to dry eye symptoms.

Dry Eye Prevalence in Canada

Dry eye syndrome is prevalent in Canada, affecting millions of individuals across various age groups. Studies suggest that up to 30% of Canadians may experience dry eye symptoms, with certain demographics being more susceptible than others. Timely identification and treatment of dry eye are crucial to maintaining eye health and preventing complications such as corneal damage, eye infections, and declining vision-related quality of life.

Signs and Symptoms of Dry Eye

The common signs and symptoms of dry eye include:

• Grittiness or scratchiness: Individuals with dry eyes often report a persistent gritty or scratchy sensation in their eyes, as if a foreign object or sand were present.
• Redness: Dry eyes can cause the whites of the eyes to appear red and inflamed, often accompanied by a burning sensation.
• Tearing: As a natural response to dryness, the eyes may produce excessive tears, leading to watery eyes—an ironic symptom of dry eye syndrome.
• Sensitivity to light: People with dry eye may experience a heightened sensitivity to bright lights or glare, sometimes causing discomfort or pain.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is essential to seek a comprehensive eye examination at Yaletown EyeCare to determine if dry eye syndrome is the underlying cause.

Dry Eye Diagnosis and Treatment at Yaletown EyeCare

Comprehensive Eye Examination

To accurately diagnose dry eye syndrome, our optometrists at Yaletown EyeCare will perform a thorough eye examination, including a detailed assessment of your eye health, tear production, and ocular surface condition. Specialized tests, such as tear film break-up time and meibomian gland assessment, may be used to measure tear production and evaluate the stability of the tear film.

Tailored Treatment Plans

Upon determining your dry eye’s root cause and severity, our optometrists will recommend the most appropriate treatment plan tailored to your needs. This plan may include:

• Preservative Artificial tears and lubricating eye drops: Over-the-counter artificial tears and lubricating eye drops can offer temporary relief by supplementing your natural tears, helping to maintain moisture on the ocular surface.
• Prescription eye drops: Certain prescription eye drops, such as cyclosporine or lifitegrast, can help increase tear production and reduce inflammation associated with dry eye syndrome.
• IPL therapy: Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses light pulses to target and address the root cause of dry eye, particularly in cases of meibomian gland dysfunction. This therapy has been shown to reduce inflammation, improve tear production, and increase tear quality in affected individuals. We currently refer to a local optometrist/colleague for this treatment.
• Lifestyle recommendations and environmental modifications: Implementing simple changes in daily habits can help alleviate dry eye symptoms – such as taking frequent breaks from screen time, using a humidifier to increase indoor humidity, avoiding exposure to smoke or dust, and wearing protective eyewear outdoors in windy or dry conditions.