Treatment and Prevention
Click Here For More Information
Determining the Appropriate Course of Treatment for Dry Eye
By addressing environmental factors as well as direct eye treatments, the eye doctors at North Toronto Eye Care can help you to find relief from your dry eye symptoms. Frequent causes of Dry Eye Disease include:
Environmental Factors
Environmental factors that may cause dry eye disease include the weather and elements, altitude levels, smoke, allergies, and dust.
Lifestyle Factors
Lifestyle factors that can cause dry eye include computer or screen time spent without sufficient blinking, smoking or being around smoking often, contact lenses, LASIK eye surgery, and consumption of certain medications that may cause dry eye.
Physical Conditions
Physical factors that may contribute to Dry Eye Disease include hormonal changes, Thyroid related disorders, and Sjogren’s Syndrome.
Most commonly, Dry Eye Disease is caused by Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, which describes a gland disruption that prevents proper lubrication of the eyes. Blockages disrupt the meibomian glands’ ability to secrete oil, and without the appropriate oil levels tear films evaporate quickly and lead to Dry Eye Disease. In many cases, treatment of Dry Eye Disease necessitates clearing these blockages.
Symptom Management:
- Restasis, a prescription eye drop that increases the number of tears that are being produced and heals the corneal damage associated with dry eye.
- Adding omega-3 fatty acids to the diet as food or supplements. Omega-3s have been known to decrease inflammation and improve tear production.
- The use of artificial tears or a moisturizing ointment/drops. Your doctor may recommend advanced lubricating eye drops that do not contain irritating preservatives. It is typically recommended to use these drops 3-4x/day in both eyes.
- Be aware of your environment. Avoid air conditioning or windy conditions outdoors and increase humidity levels at home or work.
- Wash your eyelids or use warm compresses to control inflammation and keep the area free of excess oils.
- Stop smoking and avoid exposure to second-hand smoke.
- Limit the use of allergy and cold medicines.
- Blinking exercises
Advanced Dry Eye Therapy:
Following your consultation, your eye doctor will develop a Customized Treatment Plan to help relieve some of the dry eye symptoms you may be experiencing. Dry Eye is a chronic condition, but it can be controlled with some or all of the following treatment options:
LipiFlow® is an advanced thermal-mechanical device designed to treat Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) and Evaporative Dry Eye. It works by gently heating the eyelids and applying a light massage to the Meibomian glands, effectively clearing blockages and restoring gland function. The patented device uses Vectored Thermal Pulsation technology to apply heat and massage the inner eyelids, removing any obstructions within the glands.
LipiFlow® is a 12 minute in-office treatment that targets the root cause of your dry eyes rather than just treating symptoms. This Health Canada approved treatment has been shown to alleviate dry eye symptoms for a year.
IPL therapy is an in-office treatment that uses pulses of light to liquefy hardened oil that can plug the meibomian gland, clearing it and stabilizing the tear film. IPL also kills bacteria and mites, and decreases inflammation by closing abnormal blood vessels. By targeting these vessels, IPL generates heat that triggers the body’s natural healing process, helping to remove abnormal blood vessels and reduce inflammation. IPL therapy is considered the gold standard treatment to address the root cause of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), Blepharitis, and Ocular Rosacea.
Signs and symptoms improve after just 1 to 2 treatments and continue to improve throughout the therapy course. Initial therapy typically involves 3-4 sessions spaced 2-4 weeks apart. IPL is followed by manual meibomian gland expression. Maintenance therapy depends on the duration, severity, and frequency of symptoms and is usually recommended every 6-12 months.
We combine IPL therapy with LipiFlow® treatment to target both inflammation and blockages in the Meibomian glands, offering a comprehensive solution for dry eye and MGD.
IPL is known to not only improve dry eye symptoms but also increases collagen production, enhancing the overall appearance of the skin.
Meibomian Gland Expression involves applying pressure to the eyelids to release oils from the glands. Eye specialists use small forceps or paddle-like instruments, such as the Mastrota paddle, to apply pressure to the lower and upper eyelids. Successful expression of meibum from the glands helps to improve the quality of oil production and reduces dry eye symptoms. Your eye doctor can determine if additional procedures are needed and can teach you how to perform meibomian gland massage at home for long-term management.
ZEST is a gentle and effective cleasning treatment for the eyelids and base of eyelashes. This in-office based treatment is ideal for removing bacteria, biofilm, demodex mites, dandruff, debris, and oil using a uniquely formulated gel with refined extract of okra. The Zocular formulation additionally has restorative and anti-inflammatory properties that calm and soothes eyelid inflammation which alleviates signs of redness and irritation.
We recommend ZEST for patients with Blepharitis and/or Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) as well as pre-surgically for those preparing for cataract surgery.
Patients often notice significant improvements just after one treatment and is recommended maintenance treatments every 4-6 months.
Serum tears are made from blood and are rich in platelets and growth factors that help cells grow and heal. They also contain important vitamins and proteins that protect and repair the eyes. These tears are especially useful for treating eye conditions like dry eye disease and Sjogren’s syndrome, which can damage the cornea. Studies have shown that serum tears can help regenerate corneal nerves and improve eye health. Additionally, serum tears have antioxidant properties that protect the eyes from damage caused by free radicals.
Punctal Plugs may be inserted in the corners of the inner eyelids to limit tear drainage.
Punctal Cautery
A procedure to permanently close the tear drainage holes.
Eyelid Surgery
A solution if an eyelid condition is causing your dry eyes.
Clinically proven to improve both signs and symptoms of dry eye.
Labtician Eye Drops may be indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate dry eye symptoms. These preservative and phosphate-free eye drops are suitable for daily and chronic use, and compatible with contact lens wear.
Dry Eye Disease is a chronic medical condition, similar to having high blood pressure or diabetes. Chronic conditions require long term treatment and monitoring to determine the severity of the disease and effectiveness of treatment. Treatment plans will be created on a personalized basis to address the problems indicated by each patient’s clinical examination and diagnostic findings.
Preventing Dry Eye
There are certain steps patients can take to prevent the symptoms of dry eye from occurring, which is especially useful for those at an increased risk of developing symptoms. Simple lifestyle modifications such as wearing protective glasses on windy days, giving your eyes a break during reading or other strenuous tasks can effectively reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms.
Your NTEC doctor in the Greater Toronto Area will provide you with instructions as to how you can avoid the symptoms of dry eye based on your individual condition.
The i-lid’n lash® Plus cleansing wipes is a paraben-free eye hygiene product that are used on individuals suffering from symptoms of dry eye and eye discomfort. It is formulated with tea tree oil, which provides effective, gentle cleansing and hydrating without irritating residue or stinging.
The benefits of this formula:
- Hydrates and soothes area around the eyes
- Does not irritate lids or lashes
- Enhances dry eye treatments
- Effective at removing ocular debris and makeup
Thealoz is a drops solution for the management of dry eye symptoms. This formula is preservative-free and helps protect the eyes,
The benefits of this product:
- No preservatives
- Lubrication and protection of the eyes
- Can be used as often as necessary
- Useful for environmental-related dry eye symptoms (such as air conditioning or computer use)
Hyabak drops provide long-lasting relief from eye discomfort and dryness. There is no blurriness after applying the drops, and is completely free from preservatives and phosphates.
The benefits of this product:
Dry Eye Compress masks are an at-home treatment that can be used to promote dry eye relief. These masks are heated in the microwave and applied to the eye, helping to unclog blocked oil glands. They help to treat dry eye and irritation, relieve swelling and inflammation, and improve the production of oils by the Meibomian glands. By promoting proper eye lubrication, the eye can better expel bacteria and debris.
Clinically proven to improve both signs and symptoms of dry eye.