Relief from Dry Eyes at Dorchester Optometry
If you’re grappling with symptoms like eye fatigue, watery eyes, irritation, or blurry vision, dry eyes could be the culprit. Dorchester Optometry is your ally in combating this common issue with thorough dry eye assessments and personalized treatment plans.
We offer comprehensive dry eye management through the use of innovative, in-office technologies. Book an appointment online with us today.
Understanding Dry Eye
Dry eye extends beyond discomfort—if left untreated, it can lead to corneal damage. Healthy tear production is vital in preventing dry eyes. Your tears consist of 3 layers (oil, water, and mucous), which all play a role in keeping your eyes hydrated. Our dry eye assessments delve into the root causes of your symptoms to find the right treatment for your unique case of dry eye.
Recognizing Dry Eye Symptoms
Dry eyes can manifest in various ways. Recognizing the symptoms is key to managing your symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms of dry eyes include:
- Eye fatigue
- Red eyes
- Blurry vision
- Gritty or foreign body sensation
- Stringy discharge
- Sensitivity to light
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Eye discomfort
- Excessively watery eyes
Our dry eye assessments take into account your specific symptoms to tailor a solution just for you.
Digital Eye Strain & Dry Eye
Digital eye strain and dry eye disease have become increasingly common in the era of screen-intensive lifestyles. The prolonged use of digital screens contributes significantly to these interconnected conditions.
One of the symptoms of digital eye strain can be dry eyes. If you find yourself seated in front of your screen and feel the symptoms of dry eye, including blurry vision, watery eyes, and irritation, we can provide treatment.
Along with treatment options for dry eye, you can use a few helpful strategies to minimize the impact of digital eye strain.
Incorporate the 20-20-20 rule: Take a break every 20 minutes and look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to reduce eye strain.
We tend to blink less when looking at screens. Practice conscious blinking to keep your eyes adequately lubricated during screen use.
Optimize your screen brightness, contrast, and font size to reduce strain on your eyes. Matching your screen brightness to the room you’re in can be especially helpful.
By recognizing and addressing the actions that digital devices have on our lives, we can better manage the symptoms of digital eye strain and dry eye for a more comfortable visual experience.
Our Dry Eye Assessment & Quiz
Dry eyes can have a variety of root causes. We offer comprehensive dry eye assessments to determine the cause of your dry eyes and create a tailored treatment or management plan to meet your needs. Our team will perform a series of diagnostic tests to assess your eyes and determine the right course of action.
If your eyes feel dry and irritated, please take our dry eye pre-screening quiz to determine if dry eye may be the cause.
Access Your CEQUA Savings Card Online
Patients can access the CEQUA savings cards virtually (and easily) by visiting http://www.cequa.ca and selecting the “Enroll in CEQUA Patient Benefit Program” on the homepage.
OR
You can go directly to https://www.cequapatientbenefitprogram.ca/ to enroll.
It will only take you around 2 minutes to fill out, and it can be done on your mobile device or the clinic desktop at Dorchester Optometry before you leave the office. The CEQUA Savings Card provides patients with a virtual rather than physical savings card that they can show to their pharmacist.
Patients will need to select “No” when asked if they have a physical card and will be asked to input their CEQUA DIN #: 02512629. This number never changes.
For more information, feel free to ask our team.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction & Dry Eye
Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) affects the meibomian glands responsible for producing the tear film’s crucial oil layer. This leads to insufficient oil production and quicker tear evaporation, creating an environment conducive to dry eyes. Symptoms of MGD include dryness, grittiness, redness, and stinging sensations, which require a comprehensive treatment plan for effective management.
In-Office Dry Eye Treatments
Dorchester Optometry provides a range of in-office treatments, carefully considering your unique eye health and symptoms. Our thorough diagnostic process helps us choose from a selection of treatments and personalize our plan to address your individual needs.
Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy precisely targets meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) through the use of light pulses, offering a specialized approach to alleviate symptoms.
LipiFlow uses a combination of gentle heat and light pressure. It is designed to provide effective relief for MGD, helping improve gland function and offering long-term solutions.
Radiofrequency technology is a treatment that targets clogged meibomian glands, addressing the root cause of dry eyes and promoting optimal gland performance.
ZEST treatments can help relieve dry eye symptoms by effectively removing bacteria, debris, and residue from the eyelids. This treatment can be beneficial for dry eye caused by blepharitis.
At-Home Dry Eye Treatments
Supplementing our in-office treatments, we may recommend at-home solutions, which are available on our online store. Our at-home treatments are selected carefully based on proven results and backed by clinical studies.
If you have either chronic or occasional dry eyes, your optometrist may suggest you increase your intake of some nutrients and minerals, such as omega-3s.
Omega-3 supplements from PRN (Physician Recommended Nutriceuticals) can help improve tear film quality to prevent tears from evaporating too quickly. Research has shown that consuming omega-3 fatty acids can significantly improve tear quality.
PRN DE3 omega-3s have been clinically proven and evaluated by Health Canada to improve and relieve the symptoms of dry eye.
Thealoz Duo eye drops may be prescribed to patients with moderate to severe dry eye to be used in conjunction with regular in-office treatments. As its name suggests, these eye drops contain 2 significant ingredients: trehalose and sodium hyaluronate.
Trehalose is used to protect the eye’s epithelial cells so they can become more resistant to the everyday stress of dry environments and tear film changes that can cause dry eye. Sodium hyaluronate is used to help your tears retain the water they need to hydrate and lubricate your eye’s surface.
Thealoz Duo drops are clinically proven to increase film thickness for up to 4 hours, with Thealoz Duo gel increasing tear film thickness for up to 6 hours.
Bruder masks use gentle, warming heat to provide relief from dry eyes caused by MGD and blepharitis. The mask uses heat to melt thickened meibum, improving meibomian gland function and slowing the evaporation rate of your tears.
Warm the mask in the microwave for around 20 seconds. Then, place the mask over your eyes for 10 minutes. Gently massage through the mask with the palm of your hand every minute or so to express the warmed meibomian glands in your eyelids.
OCUNOX Eye Ointment is designed for overnight corneal protection. The cornea is particularly sensitive to drying at night since our eyes don’t typically produce tears while we are sleeping. OCUNOX is designed to protect the surface of the eye and improve your tear film, providing long-lasting dry eye relief during the day.
OCUNOX ointment is preservative and phosphate-free, with vitamin A to improve the tear film overnight.
ZocuFoam is a natural eyelid cleanser formulated with okra complexes to address the root cause of irritated and dry eyes. ZocuFoam provides a soothing and calming action. With its gentle foaming formula, this product efficiently removes debris on the lids and lashes, helping to manage dryness and discomfort.
ZocuFoam can also help treat Demodex issues, which can cause blepharitis, resulting in inflammation of the eyelids and severe dry eye.
ZocuFoam is recommended to be used 1 time daily for 2 months, then 2 times per week ongoing after that.
Zaspray is a 3-in-1 solution for soothing, hydrating, and relieving dry eyes caused by allergies. With its unique formulation and natural plant extracts, Zaspray can provide long-lasting relief from itchy, irritated, and red eyes.
This easy-to-use spray contains sodium hyaluronate, offering a lubricating effect to keep your eyes moisturized and comfortable throughout the day.
BIHOCL O.D. features powerful active ingredients and an innovative formula and can provide fast and effective relief from the discomfort of dry eyes.
This eye drop solution works to moisturize and soothe your eyes, promoting hydration and comfort.
Blephaclean wipes are preservative-free individual sterile lid wipes. These wipes can help to reduce signs and symptoms of blepharitis.
Blephaclean wipes are used about 1 or 2 times daily per week.
Blephagel Duo is a preservative-free cleansing gel that helps maintain optimal ocular hygiene. Blephagel Duo is recommended to be used 1 or 2 times daily as needed.
Visit Us Today for Dry Eye Relief
Dorchester Optometry is dedicated to helping you find relief from dry eyes. Schedule an appointment today to see the personalized treatment options and comprehensive dry eye care we can offer.
Explore Our Brands
Explore More of Our Services
We have even more services to offer at Dorchester Optometry.
Laser Eye Surgery Consultations
We offer comprehensive laser eye surgery consultations for patients considering LASIK and PRK. We provide co-management for pre and post-operative care with your surgical team. Learn more about what to expect when you visit us for a consultation.
Emergency Eye Care
Eye emergencies can happen at any moment. We can help prevent serious consequences for your eye health. If you or someone you know is experiencing an eye emergency, call Dorchester Optometry right away at 226-212-7361 for a same-day emergency appointment or proceed to the nearest emergency room.
Diabetic Eye Exams
Diabetes can affect more than just your blood sugar—it can also affect your vision. Our diabetic eye exams can provide more information about how diabetes may be affecting your vision. Learn more about our diabetic eye exams today.
Gallery
Google Reviews
Take a look at what our patients are saying about their Dorchester Optometry experience.
Come See Us
Dorchester Optometry is conveniently located on Dorchester Road, in the same plaza as the Tim Hortons, with free parking available onsite.
We know it isn’t always easy to make time to visit the optometrist during regular work and school hours, which is why we offer extended hours on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Our Address
- 2135 Dorchester Rd.
- Dorchester, ON N0L 1G3
Contact Information
- Phone: 519-268-6875
- Email: [email protected]
