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Dry Eye Management
We specialize in dry eye treatment options. From traditional therapies including eyedrops to advanced procedures such as radiofrequency and intense pulsed light therapy. We can diagnose and determine the cause of your symptoms and manage dry eye disease appropriate to your specific needs.
Dry Eye Syndrome Defined
The tear film plays a crucial role for the ocular surface and clarity of vision. It provides lubrication, nourishment, and a refracting surface that is necessary for clear and comfortable vision. It is made up of three components consisting of mucous, water, and oil. If any of these layers are compromised and disrupted, you may experience symptoms or signs of dry eye syndrome.
What is Dry Eye Disease?
Dry eye is an inflammatory condition that will progress unless it is treated effectively. Most cases of dry eye are associated with a deficient oily layer, secondary to MGD (Meibomian Gland Dysfunction). A recent study indicated that 86% of patients with dry eye disease have MGD.
At Affinity Optometry, we use the latest techniques and imaging equipment to evaluate the tear film, ocular surface, and Meibomian glands to create an appropriate customized treatment plan for each individual patient.
Dry eyes feel uncomfortable. If you have dry eyes, your eyes may sting or burn. You may experience dry eyes in certain situations, such as on an airplane, in an air-conditioned room, while riding a bike or after looking at a computer screen for a few hours. Some symptoms include:
- A stinging, burning or scratchy sensation in your eyes
- Stringy mucus in or around your eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- A sensation of having something in your eyes like sand or grit
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
- Difficulty with nighttime driving
- Watery/excessive tearing, which is the body’s response to the irritation of dry eyes
- Blurred vision or eye fatigue, fluctuating vision
- Intermittent blurred vision that changes after blinking
- Redness
- Sharp pain
- Intolerance to contact lenses
How Do You Treat Dry Eye?
When most people think about treating their dry eyes, the first thing that comes to mind is administering eye drops like artificial tears to nourish the surface of the eyes. This is, in fact, NOT the treatment of choice. While artificial tears do provide relief of the symptoms of dry eye, they do not treat the root cause of the condition, and the condition continues to worsen over time.
Treatments for dry eye include:
- Warm compresses (Bruder Mask or TheraPearl Eye Mask)
- Anti-inflammatory eyedrops such as Xiidra and corticosteroids
- Lid hygiene with commercially made lid wipes. (Baby shampoo is NOT recommended).
- Omega-3 supplements
- Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Treatments
- TempSure Envi Radio Frequency Therapy
- Punctal plugs
- Artificial tears, gels and/or ointments
- Scleral contact lenses
At Affinity Optometry, our experts will develop a treatment designed especially for you to find the best way to manage your dry eye symptoms.
Treat the root cause of
chronic inflammation with IPL
IPL is a drug free, drop free light-based treatment, which targets the root causes of chronic inflammation. Typically, 4 sessions are needed for optimal results. IPL treats periocular inflammatory conditions such as Rosacea and telangiectasia, which may lead to ocular surface conditions such as Dry Eye. 80% of rosacea patients suffer from Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
How does IPL work?
IPL therapy uses intense pulses of non-coherent light distributed over a range of wavelengths, from 400nm to 1200nm. Specific wavelength ranges to target various chromophores in the skin. In dry eye treatment, IPL targets telangiectasia in the eyelids and eye area.
Clinical research shows IPL treatment of dry eye:
- Destroys the abnormal blood vessels that are perpetuating the inflammation
- Decreases the level of pro-inflammatory mediators and inhibits the progression of the inflammation
- Reduces the tear film osmolarity back to normal levels
- Restores meibomian gland’s morphology and functionality
- Decreases Demodex mites stimulating infection leading to MGD
Tempsure Treatment
Are you familiar with radiofrequency treatments for fine lines and wrinkles? TempSure Envi is our newest addition to Affinity Optometry and is the first in the Okanagan to offer this treatment. This treatment safely delivers heat into the skin’s layers, promoting natural collagen production without injections or downtime.
How does it help Dry Eye Syndrome?
TempSure Envi has an added advantage of delivering therapeutic heat energy to “unclog” the inflamed and blocked oil (Meibomian) glands. An anesthetic eye drop is placed in the eye and an eye shield is inserted to protect the eyes. The Tempsure Envi device delivers gentle heat and massages the eyelids to a temperature of 42 degrees to the blocked glands. The oil glands get a fresh start and in a matter of a few weeks, the eyes feel sufficiently moist and comfortable! When the glands are free and clear of blockage, they will function properly to keep the tears on the eye’s surface.
The frequency of the treatment varies depending upon the degree of the underlying inflammation and the recurrence of the dry eye symptoms. Meibomian Gland Disease is the leading cause of dry eye and ocular discomfort, and it is now treatable with this radiofrequency device!
