Dry Eye Treatment | Mississauga

Soothe Irritated, Dry Eyes

Do you frequently experience dry, irritated, or scratchy eyes? Do you find contact lenses uncomfortable and screen time affecting you more than others? You may be struggling with dry eye, a common, chronic condition that affects many Canadians.

Dry eye has a wide range of causes and symptoms, so it can appear differently from one person to another. While over-the-counter eye drops can provide some relief for those with dry eye, it is often short-lived, and the discomfort returns within a couple of hours.

If you’re interested in finding long-lasting relief tailored to your eyes, our team at Arora Optometry can provide you with a thorough dry eye assessment and a tailored treatment plan designed for you. Book an appointment today.

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Symptoms of Dry Eye

Common symptoms experienced by those with dry eye may include:

Gritty or scratchy eyes
Redness
Stinging or burning
Excessive tearing/watery eyes
Feeling of something stuck in your eye
Sensitivity to light
Tired eyes

Dry eye has a variety of causes, and its symptoms can vary from person to person. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms on a regular basis, you should inform your optometrist. They can help you determine the cause of your discomfort and recommend targeted treatments for you.

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye, also known as ocular surface disease, occurs when there is an imbalance of the tear film. It can be caused by the eyes not producing enough tears or by producing poor-quality tears.

A healthy tear film is made up of 3 layers:

The mucus layer: helps the tear film stick to the surface of the eyes
The water layer: keeps the eyes moist and nourished
The oil layer: prevents tears from evaporating too quickly

When there is an imbalance of the tear film, such as not enough oil production, the tear film may evaporate rapidly, leaving the eyes feeling dry and irritated. This can also lead to watery eyes, caused by an attempt to compensate for the poor-quality tears.

What Causes Dry Eye?

Dry eye has many potential causes and aggravating factors that can contribute to your discomfort. Some possible causes include:

Aging
Contact lens wear
Certain medications, such as antihistamines and antidepressants
Certain medical conditions, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or Sjögren’s Syndrome
Recent eye surgery, such as LASIK, PRK, or corneal surgeries
Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), which impacts the production of the oil layer of the tear film
Blepharitis, which is chronic inflammation of the eyelids
Ocular rosacea
Genetics and family history

How We Diagnose and Manage Dry Eye

As the causes are so varied, a thorough dry eye examination is necessary to determine the root of your symptoms and which treatment will alleviate them. Once you’ve had your eyes and tear film evaluated, your optometrist will discuss treatment options with you.

Dr. Arora prescribes specific medicated eye drops based on your primary symptoms and the cause of dry eye. For example, certain medications are formulated to target inflammation, while others increase tear production.

Dr. Arora may also recommend eyelid cleansers to enhance eye hygiene and help remove debris and bacteria that can contribute to conditions such as blepharitis, a contributing factor to dry eye.

These treatments are designed not only to relieve your symptoms in the moment but also to decrease the severity of your symptoms and improve your comfort over time.

Dry eye does not have a cure and will need ongoing management to relieve symptoms and keep your eyes healthy. However, we can also work with you to determine if certain lifestyle factors may be contributing to your symptoms and recommend adjustments to reduce those contributing factors.

Find Relief from Dry Eye with Arora Optometry

Dry eye can be a distracting, uncomfortable condition. However, with the right guide and treatment plan, this discomfort can be managed and minimized, so you don’t have to think about it every minute of the day.

In addition to prescription eye drops and cleansers recommended during your appointment, you may find that certain lifestyle changes reduce the severity of your symptoms. For example, using a humidifier, staying hydrated, and taking breaks during long periods in front of a screen or finding eyewear for digital eye strain can help. Additionally, nutritional supplements or dietary adjustments can help support a healthy tear film.

We’re here to answer your questions and produce support as you navigate living with and managing dry eye. If you suspect you have dry eye, book an appointment with us for an evaluation.

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