Diagnosing Dry Eye

Are you experiencing a feeling of scratchiness, burning, itching, or grittiness when you blink? Do you have excessively watery eyes? Maybe you’ve noticed a fluctuation in your vision or some blurriness. If these symptoms sound familiar, you may be experiencing Dry Eye.

The Canadian Association of Optometry describes Dry Eye as an ocular surface disease. What does that mean? And how do we minimize uncomfortable symptoms?

Your tear film is composed of 3 layers: an oil layer made in your lids’ meibomian glands, an aqueous layer composed of water and protein, and a mucus layer made in the conjunctiva.

When all three layers are functioning optimally, you have well-moisturized eyes. You probably don’t even notice you’re blinking.

However, if these components are not functioning well, chances are you’re experiencing symptoms of Dry Eye. Examples of dysfunction include an unstable tear film and/or clogged meibomian glands.

Diagnosing Dry Eye starts with a comprehensive eye exam. Next, you will meet with an ocular hygienist to discuss a custom dry eye management plan to help relieve uncomfortable dry eye symptoms.

At Oak Bay Optometry, we’re excited to offer improved treatments to optimize meibomian function and help your ocular surface layers function at their best. These treatments include:

IPL, Intense Pulse Light, treatment uses specific wavelengths of light to reduce inflammation around the eyes. The result is happy meibomian glands that now produce more oil.

RF, Radio Frequency, treatment provides uniform heat to the skin surface and helps to melt and express meibum.

Zest treatment offers a deep cleaning of the lid and lash surface, removing build-up and bacterial biofilm.

iLux treatment unclogs and empties the meibomian glands to encourage improved production and expression of meibum into the tear film.

Your eye wellness is our top priority. Schedule an appointment with one of our optometrists today!