We know that having dry eyes is no fun at all, but we also know that it doesn’t have to be a problem for long! Optiko’s dry eye clinic is designed to help you get the relief you need from the discomfort of dry eyes quickly and easily.

Our experienced optometrists first perform an eye exam, which will determine the cause of your dry eye symptoms through methods such as examining your meibomian gland health and the quality of the tear film in your eyes. After a thorough evaluation, they’ll recommend personalized dry eye treatment options that are right for your situation. We offer everything from simple over-the-counter products such as artificial tears to more advanced in-office treatments like punctal plugs and lid hygiene services.

We know that having dry eyes can be frustrating – but with Optiko’s help, we’re confident you’ll be feeling better in no time!

Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) is a condition that causes your eyes to become dry, inflamed and irritated, which can lead to uncomfortable symptoms like burning, itching, and redness. It is an extremely common condition which results from dysfunction occurring in the tear system of your eyes. DES can be caused by several factors, including aging, lifestyle, certain medications, weather conditions, overuse of contact lenses, meibomian gland dysfunction, and even genetics.

When a person has dry eyes, it is usually because one of two things is happening: either there is not enough tear production or their eyes produce tears which lack an appropriate balance between water and oil.

Tears are produced by glands in your eyelids called meibomian glands. These glands secrete oils into the tear film that help keep your eyes moist and comfortable. The tear film also contains watery fluid from the lacrimal gland, which is located on the inside corner of your eye.

The tear film normally helps prevent evaporation of moisture from your eyes because it forms a protective layer over them; however, if you have dry eye syndrome, this protective layer becomes too thin or too thick to protect your eyes properly.

Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome symptoms are caused by a deficiency in the quantity of tears, or by the poor quality of tears in one’s eyes.

Eye redness is a common symptom of dry eye syndrome, which can be caused by allergies and other irritants, as well as by low tear production. Counterintuitively, excessive tearing is also a symptom of dry eye syndrome, though it’s usually accompanied by dryness and other symptoms.

Dry eye symptoms can also include blurry vision, a burning sensation, excessive tearing, sensitivity to light and an aching sensation in the eyes. You may also experience a scratchy and itching feeling in your eyes or mucus buildup on your eyelids.

If you experience any of these symptoms regularly, it’s important to visit an optometrist who can help you determine whether or not you have dry eye syndrome and help you take back control of your eye health.

Treatments for Dry Eye Syndrome

There are many types of dry eye, and dry eye treatments can vary. Some people will find relief from dry eye symptoms with artificial tear drops, while others will need a different type of treatment.

Artificial Tears

Artificial tear drops can be used to reduce symptoms of dry eyes by lubricating them. These drops can be applied as often as needed throughout the day.

Lubricant Treatment

Lubricant ointment is another option for treating dry eyes. It’s similar to artificial tear drops but may be more effective for some people because it stays in place longer than artificial tears do.

Anti-Inflammatory Drops

Anti-inflammatory drops can also help relieve symptoms of dry eyes by reducing inflammation around the eyes. These drops are usually used when other treatments aren’t working as well as they should be on their own or in combination with other treatments that have been prescribed by your doctor.

Nutritional Supplements

Nutritional supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce inflammation around your eyes and improve blood flow to your optic nerve – which helps you see better!

Prescription Eye Drops

If those don’t work for you, prescription eye drops such as Restasis or Xiidra might be a good option. These are prescription-only drops that help keep your eyes from getting too dry by increasing the amount of tears they produce.

Lid Hygiene Products

Warm compresses can help soften and melt any obstruction at the glands, so they’re a great addition to your home treatment routine. Eyelid cleansing wipes can help remove any debris that might be in your eye and prevent further buildup.

In-Clinic Procedures

Punctal plugs are another option that works to prevent tear drainage; they’re inserted at the corner of your eye by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. BlephEx is another in-clinic procedure that cleanses the eyelids more thoroughly than most other methods, while InMode Forma Radiofrequency (RF) Treatments and InMode Lumecca Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL) Treatments provide more targeted care

Optiko: Your One-Stop Vision Shop

At Optiko, we pride ourselves on having a great team that is committed to providing you with the best experience possible. We have a reputation for being thorough and professional when it comes to eye care, so if you’re seeking relief from dry eyes or simply want to see an optometrist in Calgary AB, visit us at one of our two locations – in Market Mall and Sunridge Mall – or give us a call today!