WHAT IS DRY EYE?
The reduction of tears or their low quality causes this condition. This decrease in production or quality is often caused by a dysfunction of the Meibomius glands. These glands are essential to eye hydration. Located at the base of each lash, they secrete oil called meibum with each full blink. Symptoms associated with dry eye occur when tear formation is compromised by impaired meibum secretion. As the tears are no longer as oily as they should be, the brain compensates by sending out more water. However, without the oil layer, water evaporates, causing dry eyes.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES?
The widespread and increasing use of tablets, smartphones, TV, and computer screens is certainly one of them. Increased screen use significantly reduces blinking. Since we don’t blink as much as we should, our glands become less active. As a result of being unsolicited, they become clogged, may even atrophy, and eventually disappear entirely.
Many other factors can contribute to dry eye, including certain medications, aging, medical conditions such as eczema or hormonal imbalance, cataract or LASIK surgery and many others.
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF DRY EYE
- My eyes sting or burn
- My eyes are constantly blinking
- My eyes are often watery
- My eyes are red
- My eyes are sensitive to light or wind
- My eyes get tired faster
- My vision gets blurry
- I can’t tolerate contact lenses
HOW DO YOU TREAT DRY EYES?
There are now effective treatments for dry eye. Whether you have symptoms or not, it is essential to act quickly to prevent pain from developing and complicating care, or to prevent the consequences from becoming irreversible.
Eye care professionals can detect and treat dry eye. Several technologies are available, certified and authorized by Health Canada. Dry eye is a multifactorial disease. Offering all available treatments allows us to address each factor contributing to your dry eye. Do not hesitate to see your eye professional.
AVAILABLE SOLUTIONS
- Lipiflow® This painless technology uses a precise algorithm to free up blocked glands responsible for dry eyes.
- iLux This device manually applies heat and pressure to specifically clear glandular obstructions.
- IPL This technology stimulates the Meibomius glands and prevents early evaporation of the tear film. It can also treat rosacea.
- LLLT mask This technology uses a low-intensity light to activate the production of ATP, which regulates and stabilizes the tear film. It’s also used to treat chalazia and styes.
- BlephEx® This device removes the residue of eyelid blepharitis.
- Punctual plug It contributes to increase the tear film and the surface moisture of the eye.
DRY EYE CARE AND TREATMENT: IS IT FOR YOU?
Do you feel you’re living with dry eye symptoms? Before treating it, an evaluation should be done to determine your condition and how best to manage it. During this 45-minute appointment, your eye professional will perform a series of tests, including an image of your eye glands to determine their condition and an analysis of your blinks. Your tears will also be checked for water and oil content.
Given the prevalence of dry eye in the population, a screening test at the annual eye exam is recommended. If you are currently experiencing discomfort or pain in your eyes, your Meibomius glands are likely having some trouble. We encourage you to consult your optometrist to find out the cause of the problem so that you can get the right care for your eyes.
