Dry Eye Treatment

Find a Path to Dry Eye Relief with Customized Treatment

You know the feeling: that scratchy, gritty sensation that makes reading a chore, working on the computer a nightmare, and light sensitivity that makes a pleasant Inner Harbour stroll uncomfortable.

You might think dryness wouldn’t be a problem with all that fresh ocean air. But dry eye is a common, often chronic condition—and even watery eyes can be a sign that your eyes need relief.

At our practice, we craft treatment plans that are as unique as you are, considering your eye health, lifestyle, and preferences. We work with you over time, adjusting your treatment plan as needed and offering support when you need it.

We’re here for you. Book your appointment now.

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What to Watch for: Common Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye symptoms can vary from person to person, so there’s no one-size-fits-all treatment. We’ll talk about your experience so we can create a personalized and effective treatment plan.

Common dry eye symptoms include:

Redness
Stinging or scratchiness
Burning or gritty sensations
Watery eyes
Feeling like something’s stuck in the eye

What Causes Dry Eye?

Dry eye is often caused by a combination of factors, from how healthy your eyes are to the environment around you. Factors like air conditioning, indoor heating, allergies, or over-using eye drops (especially those with preservatives or redness-relieving drops) can make it worse.

Dry eyes can also be a symptom of other eye conditions, like digital eye strain or a stye (a blocked gland at the edge of the eyelid). It’s important to have your eyes checked by an eye doctor to receive appropriate treatment.

Some of the most common contributing factors include other conditions that affect the eyes, such as blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction, as well as aging and other medical conditions.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is a common eye condition that causes inflammation of the eyelids. The inflammation can clog the glands that produce oils for your tears. These oils help keep your tears from evaporating too quickly.

When these glands are clogged, your tears evaporate too quickly, leading to dry eye symptoms like irritation, burning, and scratchiness.

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)

The oily layer of your tears helps stop moisture from evaporating too quickly, but it can be disrupted by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). MGD can occur when your eyelids become inflamed or the tiny oil glands along the eyelid margin (meibomian glands) get clogged.

Ocular Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that can cause red, flushed skin, usually on the nose and cheeks. Ocular rosacea occurs when inflammation affects your eyes and the skin around them, which can disrupt the oil glands needed for healthy tears.

Contact Lens Use

While contacts are wonderful for many, they can sometimes contribute to dry eyes. That’s because soft contact lenses can absorb moisture from the eye, leading to discomfort while you wear them.

Medical Conditions & Medications

Certain health issues and medications can also play a role in your risk of developing dry eyes, including diabetes and some autoimmune disorders.

Aging

Anyone at any age can experience dry eyes. However, it can be more common among older adults, as tear production can naturally decrease when you get older.

Our Thorough & Personalized Approach to Refreshing Dry Eyes

We offer a range of dry eye treatments and we’ll help you find the options that meet your needs. Whether your symptoms are mild or you’ve been experiencing chronic dry eyes, we can help.

From soothing eyelid masks and eyelid sprays to omega-3 supplements, we aim to promote eye health from the inside out. We may also recommend medicated eye drops or an in-office treatment.

When you come in for your comprehensive eye exam, we will create a personalized treatment plan to help your eyes feel comfortable and refreshed again.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy is a noninvasive treatment that uses targeted light pulses to help reduce inflammation and improve the function of your meibomian glands. The light creates gentle heat that can melt the natural oils clogged in tear glands, helping your eyes stay hydrated for longer.

OptiLIGHT by Lumenis

Radiofrequency

Radiofrequency technology uses high-frequency electrical currents to gently heat and unblock your meibomian glands. The treatment can help natural oils flow more freely on your eyes, leading to improved tear quality and reduced dryness.

iLux

Systane iLux combines controlled warmth and pressure to help clear tear gland blockages and encourage healthy oil production. This handheld device can assess and visualize the glands during treatment. It uses smart tip technology to apply heat directly to the glands, safeguarding the eye’s surface.

Think of it as a warm compress with a gentle massaging boost.

BlephEx

BlephEx is an in-office treatment that focuses on eyelid hygiene. A gentle, medical-grade rotating brush removes debris and bacteria from your eyelids, promoting a healthy environment for your tear glands to function properly.

Punctal Plugs

Punctal plugs are tiny inserts that act like little dams in your tear ducts. They can help slow the drainage of your natural tears, keeping your eyes lubricated for longer and reducing irritation.

Punctal plugs can be dissolving (temporary) or semi-permanent.

Meibomian Gland Expression

Meibomian gland expression is an in-office procedure that involves gently applying pressure to your eyelids to push oils from the meibomian glands. It’s a safe and effective way to help clear blockages and improve tear quality.

ZEST

ZEST (Zocular Eyelid System Treatment) acts like an eye shampoo, cleansing and exfoliating the eyelids and lashes. Its powerful okra-based formula helps reduce inflammation, ease irritation, and improve tear flow to relieve dry eye symptoms. Simply apply the gel with a cotton swab in a circular motion until it lathers, and then rinse away with a saline solution.

How We Can Measure & Monitor Dry Eye

We use a variety of diagnostic tools to assess the severity and cause of dry eyes.

Meibography: This imaging technique allows us to see the health and function of your oil-producing meibomian glands.
Schirmer’s Test: This simple test uses a special paper filter to assess tear quality.
TearLab: This device can provide a quick and objective measurement of your tear quality.
InflammaDry: This test can help us identify markers in your tear film to assess the level of inflammation.

By combining these tools with a thorough eye exam and discussion of your symptoms, we can create a personalized treatment plan to help refresh your eye comfort.

Start Your Tailored Dry Eye Treatment Today

Don’t let dry eyes hold you back from enjoying all the beauty Victoria has to offer. Our team is here to listen to your concerns and help you find lasting relief.

Schedule an appointment today so we can get to know you and your eyes.

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