Eye care services
Dry Eye Treatment Centre
Dry eye syndrome is an extremely common eye condition, affecting up to 50% of people.
Understanding dry eye
What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?
It occurs when the quantity and/or the quality of the tears is compromised, and the eyes are unable to receive the nourishment and protection they need to remain healthy and comfortable.
While there are a number of conditions that can lead to dry eye syndrome, approximately 80% of dry eye cases are caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
See the common symptomsThe most common cause
What Is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?
The oil glands
The meibomian glands are the oil-secreting glands that line the upper and lower eyelids. These tiny glands make the oil (meibum) that makes up the outermost layer of the tear film — the layer responsible for preventing the tears from evaporating from the surface of the eye.
When the glands block
Meibomian gland dysfunction occurs when these tiny glands become blocked from a multitude of factors, preventing the normal flow of oil into the tear film and thus causing dry eyes.
If left untreated
If left untreated, MGD can result in loss (atrophy) of your meibomian glands altogether, which further worsens dry eye symptoms as time goes on.
Common Symptoms of Dry Eye from MGD
- Red eyes
- Crusty discharge in the corner of the eyes
- Itchy eyes
- Burning sensation in or around the eyes
- Watery eyes, especially when in cold/windy weather or air conditioning
- Light sensitivity
- Blurred or fluctuating vision, especially when on screens or driving
- Styes
- Gritty/sandy sensation in the eyes
- Discomfort while wearing contact lenses
Treatment
How Is Dry Eye Treated?
Traditionally, dry eye treatments have often included lubricating eye drops, hot compresses, lid wipes, and supplements. Unfortunately, for many patients, these traditional treatments are not enough to alleviate their symptoms, and they are hard to keep up with.
Our in-office treatment
In-office treatment
Which is why we are thrilled to bring to our patients
Envision by InMode
A non-invasive in-office technology that uses Forma-I (radiofrequency) and Lumecca-I (intense pulsed light) to target meibomian gland dysfunction and alleviate dry eye symptoms long-term.
Envision by InMode = Forma-I (RF) + Lumecca-I (IPL)
How Does Forma-I Radiofrequency (RF) Work?
This treatment delivers heat-based energy along your eyelids to unclog your meibomian glands and improve oil flow; similar to melting hard butter. This results in improved tear film quality and the lessening of dry eye symptoms long term.
During the treatment, over closed lids, a specialized tool will be used to gently massage and provide temperature-controlled heat to your meibomian glands. Imagine a relaxing hot stone massage along your lids!
Aesthetic claim held.
The current page adds: “The radiofrequency energy also stimulates new collagen production in the deeper layers of your skin, so the added aesthetic benefit of the treatment is that it provides skin tightening. This means a reduction in the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and drooping lids!” It returns verbatim once the doctors approve it.
How Does Lumecca-I Intense Pulsed Light Work?
Lumecca-I uses a light therapy to target the inflammatory process along the lids that contributes to dry eyes. This is particularly useful in patients who suffer from ocular rosacea and demodex (mites in your lashes that cause lid inflammation). The powerful bursts of light close off blood vessels that release unwanted inflammatory cells into your lids that worsen MGD. As a result, the lids are less inflamed, meibomian gland function improves, and dry eye symptoms lessen.
Aesthetic claim held.
The current page adds: “Because it targets unwanted blood vessels as well as pigment, the aesthetic benefit of IPL is that it decreases redness, the appearance of sun spots, and any other hyperpigmentation.” It returns verbatim once the doctors approve it.
Treatment video and InMode graphic.
The current page embeds Inmode-RF-Video.mov (31 MB QuickTime, no poster; it does not play in Chrome or Firefox). It needs an MP4 (H.264) + WebM re-encode with a poster frame before it can go here. The InMode “Forma-I” graphic from the current page can sit beside it once the “Health Canada” wording is confirmed. Also confirm the treatments offered today (RF/IPL, gland expression, prescription drops, plugs).
I’m Interested, What’s Next?
If you, or one of your loved ones, experiences dry eye symptoms, book a dry eye consult with one of our optometrists. At that consult we’ll do a thorough evaluation of your current meibomian gland function and dry eye levels using specialized imaging technology, and have a more in-depth conversation about the treatment options.
We look forward to providing you with healthier and more comfortable eyes!
Read our dry eye guide: Dry eye disease, symptoms, causes and treatment options
Book a visit
Request an Appointment
We will respond by phone or e-mail within 24 hours. If you’re looking to book urgently, give us a call during operating hours at (604) 553-3900.
