Manage and improve your comfort and symptoms.
Dry Eye Disease is a common condition that affects about 20% of the population.
Affecting people of all ages with varying severity of ocular signs and symptoms, Dry Eye Disease is caused by a tear film that is in distress.
Your tear film is composed of 3 layers:
- Mucoid layer: a thin layer of mucous that adheres to the eye.
- Aqueous layer: the thickest layer of your tear film. This watery component represents 90% of your tear film.
- Oily layer: a thin layer of oil that lays on the outermost layer of your tear film.
The balance and composition of these three layers are very delicate. The imbalance of the components is the basis of a “tear film in distress.”
Symptoms of Dry Eye Include:
- Burning
- Grittiness
- Redness
- Light sensitivity
- Excessive tearing
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
Risk Factors that Contribute to Dry Eye Include:
- Age
- Gender
- Hormonal changes
- Environmental factors
- Certain medications
- Certain medical conditions
- Reduced or impaired blinking
How We Diagnose Dry Eye Disease
We carefully examine the ocular surface, the tear film, the oil-producing glands (meibomian glands), and eyelids.
Precise tests analyze your tear volume, quality, chemistry, and oil component. In addition, we evaluate the integrity and function of your meibomian glands present in your eyelid utilizing specialized imaging technology.
How We Treat Dry Eye
Dry Eye Disease is a chronic condition. Although there is no cure, we offer many exciting treatment options to improve your comfort and symptoms.
Our doctors will formulate a personalized treatment plan that may include:
- Artificial tears and lubricants
- Punctual plugs
- Prescription medications
- Nutritional supplements
- Scleral contact lenses
- IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) therapy
- TempSure Envi (RF) therapy
Advanced Therapeutic Technologies
In addition to more standard approaches like the use of eye drops, medications, and so on, we’ve introduced treatments that revolutionize the way we treat the underlying causes of dry eye disease.
TempSure Envi
This treatment uses radiofrequency energy that gently penetrates your eyelids to produce heat.
This therapeutic heat stimulates and relieves congested meibomian glands, allowing these glands to produce a rich oil layer for your tear film. It also triggers the body’s natural fibroblasts to produce more collagen, resulting in tighter and healthier-looking eyelids.
Bonus: Be prepared to walk away with tighter and brighter skin around your eyes. Say bye-bye to wrinkles and fine lines.
The treatment takes approximately 15-30 minutes. No surgery or downtime is required.
ICON IPL
Intense Pulsed Light is an effective treatment that has been used for years by dermatologists to treat facial rosacea.
IPL uses special wavelengths and intensities of light to reduce the inflammation around your eyes. Not only can we rejuvenate your meibomian glands, but we can also prevent further destruction of these essential oil-producing glands.
Bonus: Tighten pores, reduce wrinkles, and minimize the appearance of red and brown spots and vascular lesions. Say hello to revitalized skin.
The treatment takes approximately 15-30. No surgery or downtime is required.
FAQs
Is this covered by OHIP?
As with many newer diagnostic and treatment technologies, IPL and RF dry eye treatments are not covered under OHIP.
How will I know the Tempsure Envi or ICON IPL is working?
Ideally, your dry eye symptoms will begin to improve soon after treatment.
How many treatments will I need for the Tempsure Envi or ICON IPL?
Multiple monthly treatments (3 to 4) are most effective for initial treatment. Afterwards, maintenance treatments are recommended at 6 to 12-month intervals depending on the severity of your dry eye disease.
What lifestyle changes can I make to help my dry eye?
Avoiding diuretics (e.g., caffeine) and staying well hydrated is a good start. Using a humidifier in your home and protecting your eyes from UV (eg. sunglasses) is also helpful.
