Skip to main content

Dry Eyes

Woman Blond Closeup Dry Eye Treatment Is Possible!

Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a chronic condition that develops when your eyes do not produce and maintain enough tears to keep the eye’s surface lubricated resulting in multiple symptoms that range from person to person. This can be due to a reduction in tear production or increased tear evaporation from a lack of lipid in the tears that stem from oil glands in the eyelids. The effects can range from minor dryness and discomfort to pain, blurred vision and frequent infections.

Symptoms of Dry Eye Disease

Symptoms of dry eye syndrome can vary depending on the severity of the condition but can include:

  • Dry, itchy eyes
  • Burning or stinging
  • Irritation
  • Watery eyes
  • Blurred vision
  • Pain
  • Foreign body sensation

The main function of tears is to maintain the health of the cornea of your eye by washing away foreign matter and ensuring that the surface of your eye remains moist, smooth and clear. Tears also rinse away dust particles from your eyes and contain enzymes that protect your eyes from bacteria that can cause infections. Dry eyes is a condition that develops when the amount of tears produced is not sufficient to maintain the moisture balance in your eye. This can result in that scratchy sensation, a continuous feeling of dryness, stinging and a sensation of a foreign body in your eye. Ironically in an effort to fight off the condition, dry eyes can cause you to produce excessive tears, which is why some people experience watery eyes.

Causes of Dry Eye Disease

Dry eyes can occur naturally as a result of aging or hormonal changes, typically in women who are pregnant, taking oral contraceptives or going through menopause. In fact, women over 50 have a 50% greater risk of dry eye disease than men do of the same age. It can also result from taking certain medications that reduce tear production such as antihistamines, blood pressure medications and antidepressants. Environmental factors can also play a role in drying out the eyes and DED is common in areas where the climate is dry, dusty and windy. Home air conditioners or heating systems and excessive time spent staring at a computer or television screen can also dry out eyes and exacerbate symptoms due to the lack of blinking while staring at our screens.

Individuals that suffer from certain medical conditions such as diabetes, blepharitis, lupus, arthritis and thyroid problems are more vulnerable to developing DED. Other causes can be due to eye surgery including LASIK, certain conditions in which the eyelids don’t close properly or extended contact lens use.

Diagnosis of Dry Eye Disease in Victoria

meiobian glands gradesTypically, dry eye disease can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam and a description of your symptoms. On some occasions the eye doctor might decide to do a test that measures how quickly your tears evaporate from the surface of your eye. By instilling a simple dye (much like food coloring) the eye doctor is able to watch and count how long it takes the tears to start to break up after they’ve asked you to hold your eyes open after a blink. This is called TBUT or a Tear Break Up Time test. A low TBUT generally indicates a lipid (aka oil) deficiency in the tears resulting from oil glands in the eyelids not functioning properly.

In another type of test, called a Schirmer test, a strip of filter paper is placed under the lid of the eye and you will be asked to close your eye for five minutes. Following the test the amount of moisture on the strip will be measured. Schirmer tests are performed less frequently than a TBUT test.

Introducing Meibox Meibography: Your Solution for Dry Eye Care

Meibomian gland characteristics A Typical Meibomian gland orientation with glands

Meibox Meibography is a cutting-edge technology designed to revolutionize dry eye management. Meibography offers a comprehensive assessment of the meibomian glands, allowing our optometrists to accurately diagnose and tailor treatment plans to your specific needs.

With Meibox Meibography, we can identify early signs of meibomian gland dysfunction and formulate personalized strategies to restore optimal ocular health. Our commitment to innovation and patient care ensures that you receive the highest standard of dry eye treatment at Cadboro Bay Optometry.

We are one of the very few clinics offering this service in Victoria.

Treatment for Dry Eyes

There are many treatment options for dry eyes which are highly dependant upon the cause and severity of the condition. Many mild forms of DED can be alleviated using artificial tears or lubricant eye drops to make up for the lack of natural tears usually produced by your eyes. If over-the-counter drops don’t alleviate your symptoms, your doctor might prescribe prescription drops that actually stimulate tear production or steroids for short-term relief.

More severe cases of dry eyes might be treated with a punctal insert which is a tiny insert containing a slow-release lubricating substance that is placed inside the lower eyelid. Since DED is often related to eyelid inflammation known as blepharitis your doctor may prescribe a heated hot compress mask, specialty eyelid scrubs and sometimes an antibiotic ointment. Finally, punctal plugs might be recommended for severe cases which would be inserted into the tear ducts to reduce the tear drainage in your eyes to keep them from drying out.

In cases where discontinuation or switching to different medications is possible this can eradicate symptoms. It is possible that the eye doctor may also recommend that you limit or refrain from contact lens use for a certain amount of time or switch to a different brand or type of contact lens which will reduce dehydration.

E-Eye Treatment for Dry Eye

E>Eye is the first medical device in the world using IRPL® technology that has been specifically designed for the treatment of dry eyes due to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).

e eye image (1)

Meibomian gland dysfunction has been identified as a principal cause of dry eye disease. It results in the tear film becoming unstable, leading to insufficient production, or excessive evaporation of tears. It is now acknowledged that most cases of evaporative dry eye are primarily due to a compromised external lipid layer of the lacrimal film, caused by malfunctioning meibomian glands.

E-Eye is a dry eye treatment that generates a new polychromatic pulsed light by producing perfectly calibrated and homogeneously sequenced light pulses. The sculpted pulses are delivered under the shape of regulated train pulses. The energy, spectrum and time period are precisely set to stimulate the meibomian glands to improve their function.

unnamed

Session treatments take only a few minutes.

  • Patients are comfortably seated on a treatment chair, preferably tilted. The metal eyewear protection is adjusted on the patient’s eyes. Optical gel is then applied to the cheekbone and the temporal areas.
  • A series of 5 flashes is applied under one eye, starting from the inner canthus up to the temporal area, using the nominal power.
  • The same process is then repeated under the other eye.

Quantified Efficiency

Clinical studies have been conducted in France, New Zealand, and China. These studies have shown the following:

A considerable improvement in the symptoms perceived by patients, with a 90% satisfaction rate after the first two treatments.

This improvement was confirmed by patients’ opinions regarding their level of discomfort before treatment versus their level of discomfort after treatment, as well as the improvement in fixation time while reading or watching television. An improvement was felt by patients quickly following the initial treatment, and for several days after treatment. Perceived improvements became more prolonged after the second and third treatments.

Experience the Gentle Power of ZEST at Cadboro Bay Optometry

ZEST (Zocular Eyelid System Technology) is a revolutionary natural okra-based treatment designed to provide deep cleansing and rejuvenation for your eyelids. Harnessing the power of the okra polysaccharide complex, ZEST offers superior results without causing irritation to the delicate eye area.

Your eyelids play a crucial role in the complex ecosystem of ocular health, and ZEST ensures they receive the care they deserve. Our expert optometrists utilize ZEST to address various eyelid conditions, including blepharitis and demodex providing gentle yet effective relief.

Experience the soothing and revitalizing benefits of ZEST at Cadboro Bay Optometry. Say hello to refreshed, vibrant eyes and bid farewell to discomfort.

Demodex Before After ZEST 1024×510

Preventing Dry Eyes

If the cause of your dry eyes is something external or environmental, eliminating that cause may solve the problem and resolve the symptoms. Avoid dry environments, hair dryers, heaters and fans, (particularly directed toward the eyes) and smoky environments and wear eye protection such as wrap around glasses or goggles when in dusty or windy areas. Use a humidifier to add moisture to dry indoor air. If working on computer or watching television, make sure to blink purposefully as our natural tendency is to reduce our blink rate when staring at a screen. Also avoid rubbing your eyes as this can further irritate them. Staying hydrated by drinking at least 8 to 10 glasses of water per day can also help.

Dry eye disease won't have a permanent effect on your vision, but there is no reason to endure dry, itchy and uncomfortable eyes, especially since there are so many treatment options to increase moisture and comfort. It’s also important to realize that this is a chronic disease that needs consistent treatment. Your Victoria eye doctor will work with you to create a long term strategy to keep your eyes as comfortable as possible.