Dry Eye Treatment

Don’t Let Dry Eye Disrupt Your Day

It’s amazing how little we notice our eyes until they get that irritated, burning feeling associated with dry eye disease. You may notice your tears even less, even though they play a big role in keeping your eyes hydrated and comfortable.

Dry eye disease is prevalent in Canada, affecting approximately 6 million Canadians. There are several causes of dry eye disease, and numerous treatments are available as well. At Downtown Eye Care & The Contact Lens Department, we will tailor a treatment plan to suit your unique situation, finding you relief and helping you get back to your daily activities.

Contact us to schedule your dry eye assessment today and take a big step towards dry eye relief.

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What Causes Dry Eye?

No matter the environmental conditions, your eyes can feel dry and uncomfortable. While blowing air conditioning or windy conditions don’t help, your surroundings are not the only reason you might be experiencing dry eye.

Here are some other reasons why you may have dry eye:

Meibomian gland dysfunction
Aging
Hormone fluctuations
Environmental irritants like smoke
Contact lens use
Medications
Autoimmune diseases

In-Clinic Treatment Options

Our treatments are designed to restore tear balance, improve gland function, and relieve discomfort. Our in-office therapies include:

Eyelid debridement to clear the lid margin and support gland health
Meibomian gland expression to remove blockages and improve oil flow
Medicated eye drops to reduce inflammation and support healing
Eye masks and warm compresses to soften hardened oils in the glands
BIHOCL spray by Biomiq to reduce bacteria and soothe irritation

We also carry IMED and Thea dry eye products, including sprays, lid wipes, and artificial tears, which we can recommend based on your needs.

At-Home Support

Our optometrists will guide you on how to manage dry eye between visits. This may include:

Eyelid sprays to reduce inflammation and bacterial buildupng sprays, lid wipes, and artificial tears, which we can recommend based on your needs.

Daily lid hygiene routines
Use of preservative-free artificial tears
Application of warm compresses
Omega-3 supplements to support tear quality

Types of Dry Eye Disease

All eyes are different, and the causes of dry eye disease may differ from person to person. In general, there are 2 types of dry eye disease:

Evaporative dry eye: This form of dry eye occurs when tears evaporate too quickly, often due to dysfunction of the meibomian glands. These tiny oil glands, located along the upper and lower eyelids, help maintain the stability of your tears. If they are blocked or not functioning properly, your eyes may feel dry, irritated, or inflamed.
Aqueous-deficient dry eye: This form of dry eye is less common. It happens when your eyes are not producing enough tears to stay moist and protected.

How We Diagnose Dry Eye

Our team uses different diagnostic tools to get to the root of your symptoms. A comprehensive dry eye assessment allows us to create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Our dry eye testing may include:

Medmont Meridia imaging and meibography to visualize and assess the meibomian glands
Automated tear break-up time (TBUT) and subjective TBUT testing to evaluate tear film stability
Ocular surface staining with dyes to check for damage or inflammation
Evaluation of blink quality and eyelid function

Don’t Ignore the Signs of Dry Eye

Dry eye disease can show up in many ways. If you’re experiencing any of the following, it may be time for a professional assessment:

Sensitivity to light
Stringy discharge
A gritty or foreign body sensation
Burning or redness
Excessive watering
Discomfort while wearing contact lenses

Our team at Downtown Eye Care & The Contact Lens Department is here to help you find answers and lasting relief.

Contact us to book your dry eye consultation today and start getting the relief you deserve.

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Come visit our team

We’re located in Suite 216 in the 350 Sparks Street Office. We share an underground parking garage with the Hilton Garden Inn at 361 Queen Street. The parking garage can be accessed via Queen Street.