Breakthrough Dry Eye Treatments in Stony Plain

Dry eye, a common condition causing discomfort, blurred vision, and irritation, can significantly impact your daily life. Fortunately, we address the root cause of dry eye instead of merely treating the symptoms.

What is Dry Eye Disease?

Dry eye disease is a common condition that occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. This leads to inflammation and dryness, resulting in discomfort and sometimes blurred vision.

Symptoms of Dry Eye Disease

Recognizing dry eye symptoms is the first step to getting relief. Common symptoms include:

A stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation in your eyes
Sensitivity to light
Redness in the eyes
A feeling of having something in your eyes
Difficulty with nighttime driving
Watery eyes, which is the body's response to the irritation of dry eyes
Blurred vision or eye fatigue

Causes and Risk Factors of Dry Eye

A variety of factors can cause dry eye, including:

• Aging
• Certain medical conditions
• Medications
• Hormonal changes
• Environmental factors
• Prolonged use of digital devices
• Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)

Many consider MGD the leading cause of dry eye, as it involves the dysfunction of the meibomian glands in the eyelids, which are responsible for producing the oil layer of the tear film. This oil layer is essential for preventing the rapid evaporation of tears, ensuring the eyes remain well-lubricated and comfortable. When these glands malfunction, it leads to insufficient oil, resulting in tears that evaporate too quickly, leaving the eyes dry and irritated.

Comprehensive Dry Eye Treatment at I-Care Family Vision & Eye Care

Our dry eye treatments are personalized and may include:

• Artificial tears or lubricating eye drops to provide temporary relief
• Prescription eye drops to increase tear production or reduce inflammation
• Punctal plugs to prevent tear drainage and maintain moisture
• Lifestyle and environmental modifications to reduce symptoms
• Specialized treatments like Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy and Radiofrequency Therapy, depending on the severity and cause of your dry eye

Preventing Dry Eye: Lifestyle and Self-Care Tips

In addition to the treatments above, prevention and self-care play a significant role in managing dry eye. We recommend:

• Taking breaks during long tasks involving digital screens
• Ensuring adequate hydration
• Using a humidifier in dry environments
• Wearing protective eyewear in windy or harsh conditions
• Practicing good eyelid hygiene