Dry Eye Therapy | Eyes On Weston | Woodbridge, Vaughan

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. Adults might turn to redness-relieving eye drops, while kids often rub their eyes. But neither strategy tackles the true cause of tired, scratchy eyes.

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 lower productivity.

But relief is available! Book an appointment today for a comprehensive eye exam to diagnose your dry eye. If left untreated, dry eye 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 more worrisome conditions.

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Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye symptoms generally occur (but can also present in one eye or asymmetrically) in both eyes at the same time and can include:

Stinging or burning
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
Fluctuating vision

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, book your appointment to explore dry eye treatment options today.

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What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye is exactly what it sounds like—it is when the tears are not optimal and that leaves the underlying surface dry and exposed.

There are 2 main types of dry eye. The first—and least common—occurs when the eyes simply don’t produce enough tears. The second occurs when the tears are of poor quality. Most commonly it is a combination of the 2.

Treatment options are tailored to individual symptoms and surface appearance. Given the multiple components of dry eyes there are various treatment options available: lubricating eye drops and ointments, eyelid scrubs and cleansers, hot compresses, anti-inflammatory drops, cyclosporine eye drops, autologous serum drops, scleral lenses, punctal plugs AND MANY MORE.

Decreased Tear Production

Reasons for decreased tear production are varied and might include:

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

Poor Quality Tears

Good-quality tears depend on a balanced and effective tear film. The tear film is made up of 3 layers—a mucus layer to spread the tears over the surface of the eye, a water layer to hydrate the eye, and an oil layer to keep the water from evaporating too quickly. If there’s an imbalance in the tear film, dry eye can result.

The tiny glands along the top and bottom edges of the eyelids, called the meibomian glands, are responsible for producing the oil layer of your tear film. Blockages in these glands can cause a reduction in the amount of oil produced, leading to dry eyes. This also makes us more prone to hordeolums also known as styes

When we diagnose your dry eye, we’ll also look at the condition of your meibomian glands and recommend treatment options if they’re not functioning properly.

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. Start on the path to clear, comfortable vision today!

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