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DRY EYE TREATMETN IN BROOKLIN AND WHITBY
LET'S MAKE DRY EYE RELIEF THE NORM
We understand the impact that persistent dry eye can have on your daily life. Our personalized approach strives to alleviate your discomfort and restore ocular health. The comprehensive treatments we offer include solutions such as:
- Eye-Light IPL
- Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT)
- ZEST treatment
All of these are aimed at addressing the root causes of dry eye and fostering long-term relief. They are complemented by dedicated dry eye exams that allow us to identify the precise factors contributing to your condition and tailor a treatment plan accordingly.
Take the first step toward soothing your dry eyes today—we are proud to serve Brooklin and the Whitby area. Book an appointment with us and experience the rejuvenating relief you deserve.
ARE YOU SUFFERING FROM DRY EYE? TAKE OUR QUESTIONNAIRE TO FIND OUT
TAKING CARE OF YOUR EYES
WHAT IS DRY EYE?
Dry eye is a condition resulting from an imbalance in the 3 layers of the tear film—aqueous, oil, and mucous. When tear production diminishes, or tears evaporate too quickly, the eyes’ surface lacks adequate lubrication, leading to discomfort, irritation, and potential damage to the cornea. ERC Optometry has treatment options available to help provide relief.
mODERN TECHNOLOGY
THE MGD CONNECTION TO DRY EYES
Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) often contributes to the development of dry eye. It occurs when the meibomian glands, which produce the oil layer of your tear film, become blocked or dysfunctional. This leads to a reduction in the oil component of the tear film, resulting in rapid evaporation of tears and subsequent dryness.
Symptoms of MGD include:
- Irritation
- Red eyes
- Fluctuating vision
- Watery eyes
ERC Optometry offers treatment options such as meibomian gland expression to help alleviate the discomfort associated with MGD.
DRY EYE TREATMENT FOR BROOKLIN
FINDING THE CAUSE OF DRY EYES
When it comes to understanding what the cause of your dry eye is, precise evaluations are key in developing a tailored treatment plan. Our diagnostic tools help us gain a thorough understanding of your ocular health, allowing us to address the root causes of your dry eye symptoms with personalized care.
At ERC Optometry, we conduct meibography using the Oculus Keratograph 5M and Firefly Dry Eye Module, which provide a detailed evaluation of the meibomian gland structure and function. These are crucial in understanding and managing MGD and associated dry eye conditions.
Automated and subjective tear breakup time (TBUT) analyses help assess the stability of the tear film, which helps us identify potential abnormalities and instability that may be contributing to dry eye symptoms.
Schirmer’s test is a vital tool for evaluating the level of tear production in your eyes. By measuring the amount of tears produced over a specific period, we can determine if inadequate tear production contributes to your dry eye symptoms.
Inflammadry is a test that allows for quick and accurate detection of dry eye-related inflammation, giving our team more information about your dry eye symptoms.
The Inflammadry test works by detecting elevated levels of an enzyme called matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in tears, which is an indicator of inflammation associated with dry eye. During the test, a small, soft piece of fabric is gently dabbed along the lower eyelid to collect tear samples. These tear samples are then analyzed to determine the presence of MMP-9.
With Inflammadry, we can analyze the results and provide you with personalized recommendations on how to manage your dry eye symptoms.
Dyes and staining techniques of various types can help us identify corneal irregularities, assess the integrity of the ocular surface, and detect subtle changes in your eyes. These can all be indicative of dry eye syndrome, and evaluating them can allow for a more accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment approach.
DRY EYE HELP
INNOVATIVE DRY EYE TREATMENT OPTIONS
We offer a comprehensive range of treatment options to alleviate or significantly reduce dry eye symptoms and improve your eye health. These treatments are designed to target the root causes of dry eye. We also provide supplementary options and specialized eyelid sprays that can contribute to long-term relief from dry eye discomfort.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy is a gentle, non-invasive treatment that uses pulses of light to target the tiny blood vessels and oil glands around the eyes. By reducing inflammation and improving the function of the meibomian glands, IPL helps restore a healthier tear film and provides lasting relief from dry, irritated eyes. Many patients notice reduced redness, less dependence on artificial tears, and improved overall comfort after treatment.
Low Level Light Therapy (LLLT) is a gentle, non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to improve eye comfort. Red light stimulates the eyelids and meibomian glands, helping to restore healthy oil flow and reduce inflammation. Blue light provides anti-microbial benefits by targeting bacteria on the eyelids, which can reduce eyelid infections and improve overall eyelid health. Together, these therapies help relieve dryness, irritation, and support long-term tear film stability.
The Zocular Eyelid System Treatment (ZEST) is a deep-cleaning eyelid therapy that removes debris, bacteria, and Demodex mites from the eyelid margins. By improving eyelid health, ZEST helps reduce the recurrence of styes, relieves irritation, and improves dry eye symptoms for longer-lasting comfort
Punctal plugs are tiny devices that are inserted into the tear ducts to slow down tear drainage, increasing tear film stability and moisture on the eye’s surface.
Restasis®, Cequa®, and Xiidra® are prescription eye drops that treat the underlying inflammation that causes chronic dry eye. Restasis and Cequa help the eyes produce more natural tears, improving long-term comfort and protecting the eye’s surface. Xiidra works differently by targeting the chemical signals that cause inflammation, offering another effective option for reducing irritation, burning, and dryness. Together, these medications go beyond artificial tears by addressing the root causes of dry eye.
Amniotic membrane tissue is placed on the eye to promote healing and provide relief for individuals with dry eye syndrome. Acting like a natural bandage lens, the membrane keeps the eye moist and shields it from irritation caused by blinking. It also has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and redness. By repairing and regenerating the eye’s surface, amniotic membrane therapy can significantly improve comfort and reduce the symptoms of dry eye disease.
PRGF eye drops are made from a patient’s own blood plasma, enriched with natural growth factors that promote healing and reduce inflammation. These drops help repair and regenerate the surface of the eye, offering relief for moderate to severe dry eye symptoms when standard treatments are not enough.
We also offer personalized treatment plans that may include dietary supplements (omega-3), eyelid sprays, and other holistic approaches, all aimed at providing comprehensive relief from dry eye discomfort.
RELIEF IS HERE!
FIND RELIEF FROM DRY EYE TODAY
Take the first step toward comfortable and rejuvenated eyes. Contact us today to schedule a comprehensive dry eye evaluation and explore our many treatment options. Discover lasting relief and regain optimal eye health with our personalized care.
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