SERVICES

Dry Eye
Clinic

Do you have dry eyes? 

 For years, people suffered with dry eye symptoms with very few treatment options that made a difference for them long-term. Once new technology becomes available, we’re excited to offer it to our patients and community. Our doctors have a special interest in the treatment of dry eyes, and we strive to provide an enjoyable experience that can leave every patient feeling relief from their stubborn dry eye symptoms. 

 

Common Symptoms 

Many people suffer from dry eye, especially in Southern Alberta. Increased screen time, as well as our dry climate, have contributed to more people suffering from this treatable issue. Many people experience dry eye symptoms like: 

  • Redness, or itchy eyes, desire to rub the eyes 
  • Dryness, making it difficult to wear contact lenses 
  • Sore or tired eyes, urge to close your eyes for relief 
  • Grittiness, or sensation of foreign object in eyes 
  • Excessive watering or tearing 

People may experience one or multiple of these symptoms and they may experience them sporadically or consistently.  

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Lethbridge Dry Eye Clinic

Common symptoms 

Many people suffer from dry eye, especially in Southern Alberta. Increased screen time, as well as our dry climate, have contributed to more people suffering from this treatable issue. Many people experience dry eye symptoms like: 

  • Redness, or itchy eyes, desire to rub the eyes 
  • Dryness, making it difficult to wear contact lenses 
  • Sore or tired eyes, urge to close your eyes for relief 
  • Grittiness, or sensation of foreign object in eyes 
  • Excessive watering or tearing 

People may experience one or multiple of these symptoms and they may experience them sporadically or consistently.  

What causes dry eyes? 

The cause of dry eye isn’t always clear. At Optical Studio, we have a variety of testing we can do to determine what is the leading cause. This allows us to treat the root cause of the issue as well as provide symptom relief. 

A high majority of dry eye is caused by Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD.) These glands produce the oil portion of our tears – and without them functioning properly, our tears evaporate more quickly, leaving our eyes feeling dry, gritty, and irritated.  

Using a meibographer (like Lipiscan) and other in-office testing, we can determine how effectively the glands are doing their job. This is key to making sure we’re providing the right treatment, at the right time, to treat the cause of your dry eye. 

Other things that contribute to MGD include: 

  • Medications – e.g., anti-allergy, antidepressants, antianxiety, hormone replacement therapy, and oral contraceptives.  
  • Underlying Medical Conditions – e.g., Rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, Lupus, and Sjogren Syndrome 
  • Digital Screens – our blink rate decreases by more than 50%, leading to increased tear evaporation 
  • Diet & hydration - alcohol and caffeine are diuretics that can cause decreased tear production. Diets high in Vitamin A, Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids can help improve tear quality. 
  • Climate & Environment – Dry, dusty, and windy environments can exacerbate the evaporation of tears and/or overproduction of eyelid mite (Demodex folliculorum) and bacteria causing inflammation and worsening of symptoms. 

Finding out the issue is an important step in finding long lasting and effective relief. 

When it comes to treating dry eye (ocular surface dysfunction) and all the symptoms associated with it, it’s important to treat the root cause. That’s why our patients receive comprehensive testing prior to receiving treatment. We want to know all the leading causes of the symptoms so that we’re confident each patient will see results. 

 

Lethbridge Dry Eye Clinic

Teatments

For years, people suffered with dry eyes with the only help being eye drops and heat packs. But now there are exciting new ways to treat the root cause of dry eyes! The optometrists at Optical Studio are happy to provide relief for customers across Southern Alberta with some of the newest, innovative treatment options.

At home treatments

Whether you want to make the most out of other treatment options you’re receiving, or you want to suppress your dry eye symptoms before they get too extreme, there are several things you can do to support your eye health. Bruder masks deliver an effective, moist heat to the eyes and eyelids, encouraging the meibomian glands to work their best. High quality, bioavailable omega supplements provide your body with the necessary ingredients to create the correct tear film By selecting the right eye drop, we can ensure your eyes are getting the right tear film support. Cleaning the eyelids with a proper eyelid cleanser can help keep the lid margins clean from demodex and ensuring that the meibomian glands are free from blockages Professional Dry Eye Therapy ** breakout pages for RF and IPL? “Ready to book your RF/IPL?” (include videos here?)

Dry Eye Treatments

Lethbridge Dry Eye Clinic

TREATMENTS

laser

Radiofrequency

Radiofrequency uses energy waves to heat up the skin with the goal of minimizing fine lines and wrinkles. This helps with dry eye conditions by tightening the skin around the eyes, supporting the meibomian glands to be expressed regularly. The heat from the treatment also helps to express the glands by warming up the oil to a more malleable consistency. The treatment itself is safe for all skin types and levels of sun exposure. During the treatment, you will experience a warming sensation to all targeted areas. There’s no downtime with this treatment, and you’ll notice a glowing skin immediately afterwards. Radiofrequency provides long term results for dry eye symptoms, and many patients love the added aesthetics benefits it offers. Some patients will benefit from a maintenance treatment annually after their initial package. At Optical Studio, we provide radiofrequency treatments to the area surrounding the eye, or you can upgrade and treat the entire face for the skin tightening aesthetic benefits. .
pulse_laser

Intense Pulse Laser

IPL delivers energy deep into the skin, affecting old skin cells and generating new collagen for skin that is smoother and more even in tone. IPL is used to treat age spots, sun damage and redness (rosacea.) This helps with dry eye conditions by (controlling the inflammatory process that can negatively affect the meibomian glands and their function.) improving the blood flow to the meibomian glands which allows them to work more efficiently. During the treatment, you’ll feel a mild and tolerable snapping against the skin each time the hand piece delivers the energy. You may experience some redness immediately following the treatment along with a mild sunburn sensation. It is important to wear sunscreen of at least 30 SPF after receiving treatment. It’s also important to note that people interested in receiving IPL should avoid unprotected sun exposure for 4 weeks prior to treatment. IPL can improve the natural function of the meibomian glands, allowing them to produce the right balance of tear film. Patients notice long lasting results after a series of treatments. Some patients will benefit from one treatment annually after their initial package.
lipiflow

Lipiflow

Lipiflow is a 20-minute treatment that provides relief for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and dry eye symptoms. Applicators are put underneath the eyelids where they can safely warm the eyelid, and the glands, to remove blockages from the glands. The applicators also provide a gentle massage to help increase the flow of the meibum, which allows the glands to function better, providing better tear film and reducing dry eye. Lipiflow has been shown to significantly increase the function of the meibomian glands after just one treatment, and many patients notice results for up to 6-12 months.
 
DIAGNOSE & TREAT YOUR DRY EYES

Book an appointment to begin dry eye relief.

 
Book A Dry Eye Appointment