We rely on our eyes for almost everything throughout our day so, when you have a problem with your eyes, it isn’t just your eyes that are affected – it’s everything.
Dry eyes are one of the most common issues affecting our patients. It can affect how well you see as well as how comfortable your eyes are throughout the day. If you suffer from dry eyes, it can have a huge impact on your productivity.
Luckily, we take dry eyes very seriously. We have adopted some of the leading treatment techniques to help return comfort and clarity to your vision.
If you are suffering from dry eyes, do not hesitate to book a dedicated dry eye appointment today to find the treatment you deserve.
The term dry eye describes a variety of different symptoms caused by either your eyes not producing enough tears to keep them comfortable, or you are experiencing a chemical imbalance that is preventing your tears from doing their job.
Your tear layers are made of 3 main ingredients a mucin layer, an aqueous layer, and a lipid layer containing meibum. If these layers are imbalanced, it can cause your eyes to feel dry and uncomfortable.
Other symptoms of dry eyes can include:
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may be suffering from dry eyes. Talk to our optometrist today to find the best treatment options for you.
Almost anyone can develop dry eyes; it’s actually a very common condition. However, there are factors that make you more susceptible to develop dry eyes. These include:
Speak to your optometrist to find out if any medications you take could be causing your dry eyes.
Blepharitis is a condition where the oil glands on the margins of your eyelids become blocked, preventing the glands from producing ingredients needed to make up the outermost layer of the tear film. This can cause inflammation and irritation, and if left untreated, can develop dandruff-like scales at the base of your eye lashes.
ABMax is a soft spinning brush adopted by our optometrists to clear the blockages in the oil glands. Once cleared, your eyes can resume producing the oil your tears need.
LipiFlow is a tool used by optometrists to alleviate symptoms of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). MGD is an umbrella term used to describe a couple of disorders that affect the production of meibum.
LipiFlow uses a combination of heat and pressure to remove blockages in your meibomian gland and resume the healthy production of lipids to keep your eyes feeling comfortable and healthy.
Demodex is a species of microscopic mite that can form and multiply on hair follicles. Practically everyone has a small amount of demodex, but more can be contracted through close contact with animals and people.
Demodex can usually be found at the base of your eyelashes, feeding on dead skin cells around the area. They can cause itchiness, redness, burning sensations, or can worsen symptoms of dermatitis.
We can help alleviate your symptoms by prescribing different ointments, face washes, or eye drops to help eliminate the infestation.
Meibography is a form of imaging study used to directly evaluate the structure of your meibomian glands and diagnose symptoms connected to meibomian gland dysfunction.
You can also help treat symptoms of dry eyes by adding certain nutrients to your diet or by changing lifestyle habits. Some of these can include taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements, avoiding smoke and wind, or even adding a humidifier to your home. We can help you find the right balance to maximize your comfort!
IPL, or intense pulsed light therapy, can help alleviate dry eye by reducing inflammation of tissues around the eye and improving the flow of meibum.
Using special light wavelengths, we can target ocular rosacea and spider veins, which can contribute to inflammation. The light energy seals and destroys targeted blood vessels, which decreases the inflammatory response and, by extension, the dry eye symptoms.
Droopy eyelids or skin laxity around the eyes can lead to chronic dry eye symptoms. Tightening the skin and improving elasticity allows the eye to close more effectively, preventing it from drying out. We can provide this skin tightening effect through non-invasive radiofrequency treatments.
We use a handheld device to beam radiofrequency into your skin, where it creates a gentle warming effect. This stimulates collagen production, leaving your skin tighter, firmer, and more elastic.
You never want to find yourself suffering from dry eyes, and you never want your dry eyes to affect the enjoyment of your everyday life.
If you are having a problem finding relief for your dry symptoms, book an appointment with us today!
Nestled only a few blocks away from the Halifax Waterfront, Ocean Optometry is located just off the corner of Blowers Street and Grafton Street, the world famous Pizza Corner. Find out more here about where to park!
“Friendly, professional, and quick! Their customer service and willingness to help can’t be beat. I’m happy to ‘belong’ to this office- they know my name as soon as I walk in the door. Can’t get that many other places!”
“If you are looking for fabulous glasses, which are a bit more stylish than the average offerings, Ocean is the place to go.”
“Thanks for the wonderful experience. You guys really get eyecare!”
“Very informative and kind staff. Dr. John Wilson was so friendly and went through all the imaging and testing in great detail! I will continue to come here on a regular basis for eye care.”
“Always a great experience. Eye exams are thorough; both optometrists have been pleasant, professional, and very knowledgeable. Great selection of unique, quality frames. All staff have always been beyond helpful!”
“If you want a first-class eye examination from people who love what they do, alongside a unique look in your glasses and great vision, then Ocean Optometry is the only place to go.”
“Saw Dr. McGinty today for a same-day appointment due to getting something in my eyes over the weekend. The staff was incredible; Dr. McGinty was knowledgeable and personable. Didn’t have to wait and got right in and was in and out in 15 minutes without feeling rushed. Their staff was delightful and overall great experience. Will consider switching here for all my eye needs.”
“A gem of an optometrists with a real cutting edge selection of glasses and really thorough eyecare.”