Imagine the discomfort of having dry, itchy, and irritated eyes every day. For millions of people worldwide, this is their reality, but it doesn’t have to be.
Symptoms are often caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), which leads tears to evaporate too quickly. Dry eye syndrome can also result from insufficient tear production, or be worsened by contributing factors like screen time or the environment.
At Northland Eye Care, we’re your Calgary experts in treating dry eye syndrome, offering new treatment options with proven efficacy. Stop suffering from irritating symptoms, and get lasting relief from this common and bothersome condition.
What Causes Dry Eyes?
Dry eye syndrome or dry eye disease occurs when your eyes do not produce enough quality tears to keep the surface of the eye adequately lubricated. Tears are essential for maintaining eye health. They provide moisture and protect against irritants. Some dry eye sufferers simply don’t have enough tears to properly lubricate their eyes, while others may be afflicted with poor tear quality, causing tears to evaporate too quickly.
Many causes can contribute to dry eyes, but meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is one of the leading underlying conditions and is responsible for as many as 80% of dry eye cases. Meibomian glands are located in the eyelids and produce an oil that helps to prevent tears from evaporating. When these glands become clogged or dysfunctional, the tear film’s stability is compromised, leading to dryness and discomfort.
In other cases, dry eye symptoms may be caused by aging, as tear quantity and quality naturally declines, or other factors like environmental conditions or medical issues. Extended use of computers, smartphones, and digital devices can also lead to reduced blink rates and increased evaporation of tears, contributing to digital eye strain and dryness.
What are the Symptoms?
Dry eye symptoms can vary from mild to severe. Typically, they include a persistent feeling of dryness, itchiness, and irritation in the eyes. You might also experience a burning or stinging sensation, increased redness, or temporarily blurred vision. Some individuals notice an increased sensitivity to light, known as photophobia. If you’re a contact lens wearer, you might find that you experience more discomfort and intolerance when wearing your contacts.
Paradoxically, dry eyes can also cause excessive tearing. A lot of dry eye patients actually complain that their eyes are constantly watering. This happens because our bodies try to overcompensate for the dryness by producing more reflex tears. However, these tears may not be sufficient enough quality to provide proper lubrication.
Finding Relief for Dry Eyes
Thankfully, several innovative treatments have emerged to address the root causes of dry eyes, offering significant relief to those suffering from this condition. At Northland Eye Care, we provide dry eye sufferers with personalized treatment plans right in the comfort of our convenient Calgary eye clinic.
One highly effective option is LipiFlow, a treatment that’s designed specifically to address meibomian gland dysfunction. It uses a combination of heat and gentle pressure to clear clogged meibomian glands, allowing them to resume their normal function.
Lipiflow can improve the quality and flow of the oily component of tears (meibomian), thereby reducing dry eye symptoms and promoting a healthier tear film. LipiFlow treatments are non-invasive and fast, with patients often experiencing significant relief within weeks.
Light therapy has also been proven effective in dry eye treatment. Intense LED light is applied to the periorbital areas around the eyes, providing targeted relief by unclogging hardened oil in the meibomian glands. Patients experience a gentle warming of their skin, and often report dramatic results.
Additionally, our skilled team offers other treatments, depending on the underlying cause of your dry eye symptoms. BlephEx is a professional-grade, in-office treatment that addresses blepharitis, a common condition associated with dry eye. It uses a specialized microsponge to remove biofilm and debris from the eyelids and lashes, reducing irritation and dry eye symptoms. BlephEx is comfortable and quick, and can often be performed during your routine eye exam.
ZEST is a minimally invasive treatment that can provide long-term relief from dry eye symptoms by treating blepharitis. It’s a gentle foam that’s applied to the eyelids to cleanse them from irritants. Often, ZEST can enhance the effectiveness of other dry eye treatments.
Relief is Here
Dry eye syndrome can be a frustrating and uncomfortable condition, but Northland Eye Care has the expertise and treatment options to provide you with noticeable relief. Once we identify the underlying cause of your dry eyes, our expert team can make personalized recommendations to get you the lasting results you deserve.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of dry eyes or suspect you may have meibomian gland dysfunction, take comfort in knowing that we’re committed to providing you with innovative, safe, and minimally invasive treatment options that have provided significant relief to many patients.
Book your consultation with one of our optometrists to have your condition assessed. Don’t let dry eyes limit your comfort and quality of life. Visit Northland Eye Care to explore proven solutions for dry eye syndrome, and take the first step towards clear, comfortable vision.