Dry Eye Therapy
Dry Eye Centre At Precision Eye Care
At Precision Eye Care Dry Eye Centre, we have dedicated our time to exclusively focus on providing the undivided attention it deserves guided by evidence-based research. We are proud to offer the advanced medical technologies in both diagnostics and therapy under our roof for our patients.
What is Dry Eye Disease?
Dry eye disease is a condition in which there are structural changes that occur over a period of time that alters and disrupts the natural balance of chemicals and tissue make up of the eye. In effect, this can cause significant functional changes in quality of vision and comfort for the patient.
Dry eye disease is a complex condition and has been described in research as a vicious on-going cycle. There are many possible causes identified acting as potential entry points into the vicious cycle and once a patient enters, it becomes increasingly difficult to break the cycle the longer the condition is not addressed.
We know that through research, once somebody has dry eye, there is no cure for the condition and the goals of treatment is to best manage their symptoms by preserving the integrity of their ocular structure.
What are the Common Symptoms of Dry Eye Disease
Rarely will patients describe their eyes as feeling “dry” in dry eye disease. The following are examples of the most likely symptoms related to dry eye disease:
- Feeling as if there is constant grit or eyelash in the eye
- Appearance of constant red eyes
- Burning/stinging eyes
- Watery/tearing eyes
- Fluctuation in vision especially upon blink
- Discomfort when waking up in the morning
- Contact lens wear discomfort or intolerance
- Sensation of fatigue and soreness of the eyes
- Feeling as though one cannot keep their eyes wide open
What are the Common Causes of Dry Eye Disease
There are plenty of factors that can cause dry eyes in patients. The following are some of the more common causes:
- Increased screen time
- Contact Lens Wear
- Laser Eye Surgery
- Poor environment
- Pre-disposed health conditions i.e. Diabetes
- Medications
- Age & Gender
Advanced
In-Office Treatments
At Home
Maintenance Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When should I seek help around my dry eye symptoms?
- Your optometrist typically notices the signs way before you start noticing the symptoms
- For the asymptomatic patient, the general recommendation is to maintain your routine eye examination as prescribed by your optometrist. Many times we can make you aware of what we are observing and the potential risk factors
- You know what your “normal” is when it comes to the comfort of your eyes. If you are experiencing more bad days than good days, that is a good indication to schedule an appointment with your optometrist
2. How come topical lubricating drops and home remedies aren’t enough?
- Truth be told, for some it is enough. A better perspective is that OTC drops only provide temporary relief and not usually a good long term solution
- Topical lubrication drops are necessary in the overall profile of dry eye treatment. It’s purpose is to maintain the results we have worked so hard to achieve usually with the advanced solutions
- Precision Eye Care likes to draw a parallel to dentistry in that daily brushing of the teeth is required for maintaining good oral health. Your eyes require the exact same care when it comes to dry eye disease.
3. Does omega-3 vitamins actually help?
- There has been conflicting studies that seem to prove and disprove the role of omega-3 in dry eye disease
- In general, omega 3 fatty acids are known for their neuro-protective effects, cardiovascular benefits, and also anti-inflammatory properties
- Studies have demonstrated that for the “level 1” dry eye patient, changes to their environment, lifestyle and nutrition have promising benefits
- Precision Eye Care strongly believes in the effects of what you put into your body when it comes to nutrition
- Omega 3 and Omega 6 supplements can be better positioned as foundational therapy when looking into layering different treatment modalities