Dry Eye

Written By Olga Savitska

If you think that you may have Dry Eye, there is a good chance you are right.

At Bayview Vision, we see countless patients suffering from a wide range of Dry Eye symptoms, which is why education and thorough assessments are so important to us. We have invested in cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment technology to assess and manage all OSD/dry eye syndrome levels at the highest level of patient care. 


What is Dry Eye? 
Dry Eye Syndrome (DES), also known as Ocular Surface Disease (OSD), is a common eye disorder, affecting about 30% of Canadians. It is caused when one or more of the components of the tear film are not in balance. Clogged oil glands along both upper and lower lid margins contribute to 86% of ocular surface disease progression and dry eye. Poor lacrimal gland function further reduces the production of our “emergency eye wash tears.” 

Understanding the complex makeup of our tears is important in devising a proper treatment approach to solving OSD.


Symptoms
The most common symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome include:

  • Redness

  • Irritation

  • Scratchiness

  • Burning

  • Excessive tearing

  • Blurred or fluctuating vision

  • Contact lens awareness at end of the day

Advanced dry eye syndrome may damage the front surface of the eye and impair your vision. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, we have effective solutions for OSD.

Risk Factors
Dry eyes can develop for many reasons, including:

  • Age (a majority of people over 40 experience symptoms of dry eyes)

  • Gender (women are more likely to develop dry eyes due to hormonal changes caused by pregnancy, the use of contraceptives, and menopause)

  • Medications (i.e., antihistamines, decongestants, blood pressure medications, and antidepressants can reduce tear production)

  • Medical conditions (i.e., rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid issues)

  • Environmental conditions (i.e., screen time, smoke, wind, and dry climates can increase tear evaporation)

  • Failure to blink regularly and/or incomplete lid closure 

  • Long-term use of contact lenses

  • Refractive surgeries, such as LASIK


Evaporative Dry Eye

The most common type of Dry Eye is Evaporative Dry Eye. This happens when the oil component (lipid) of the tear film, which is important for reducing evaporation of tears, is unable to be introduced due to clogged Meibomian glands.

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a common eye condition that occurs when the meibomian glands, which are tiny glands located in the eyelids, do not function properly. These glands produce the lipid layer which is the oily substance that helps to lubricate and protect the surface of the eye. However, in MGD the glands become blocked, inflamed or damaged, which affects the quality and quantity of the oil they produce.

Treatment

At Bayview Vision, we start with a full examination and carefully examine the ocular surface with specific diagnostic equipment to determine which areas of the tear film are in distress. Our  doctors will then formulate an initial treatment plan which may include:

  • Artificial Tears

  • Lid margin hygiene to encourage better oil gland production

  • Discussion of supplements that may be beneficial

  • Possible prescription eye drop medication

  • TempSure Envi procedures to revitalize the oil glands along the lid margins

  • Amniotic membrane technology

  • Scleral lenses

  • Autologous serum eye drops

  • Or a combination of these strategies

If you suffer from Dry Eye and want to learn more about how we can help alleviate your symptoms, give us a call! We can arrange your Dry Eye assessment with one of our Doctors to create an individualized treatment plan to help get you feeling better. 

Read more about Dry Eye here.

Olga Savitska
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