Dry Eye Therapy | Brooklin and Whitby

Let’s Make Relief from Dry Eyes 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 laser 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.

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Are You Suffering from Dry Eye? Take Our Questionnaire to Find Out

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.

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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.

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.

Meibography

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 & Subjective TBUT

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

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

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 & Staining

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.

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.

eye-light IPL

eye-light IPL is a modern therapy that uses intense pulsed light (IPL) to address the root causes of dry eye, promoting improved gland function and overall ocular health.

LLLT

Low-level light therapy. (LLLT) offers a noninvasive approach to stimulate tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and enhance the production of healthy tears.

ZEST

Zocular eyelid system treatment (ZEST) is an in-office treatment that uses natural okra-based gel to address meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and promote long-term relief from dry eye symptoms.

Punctal Plugs

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.

Medicated Eye Drops

RESTASIS is a prescribed medicated eye drop designed to reduce inflammation and increase tear production, which helps to provide relief from chronic dry eyes.

LabAmnio

LabAmnio (amniotic membrane) treatment involves using amniotic membrane tissue to promote healing and relieve individuals suffering from dry eye syndrome.

Amniotic membrane transplantation acts as a natural bandage lens, keeping the eye moist and protecting it against blinking. It also possesses anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce eye inflammation, a common symptom of dry eye. By repairing the eye’s surface, amniotic membranes contribute to the overall improvement of dry eye symptoms.

Endoret PRGF Drops

Endoret (PRGF drops) use plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) to promote healing and alleviate the discomfort caused by dry eyes.

PRGF contains a concentrated blend of growth factors that aid in tissue regeneration and repair. When applied as eye drops, Endoret PRGF helps improve the quality and quantity of tears, reducing symptoms such as dryness and irritation.

Other Dry Eye Treatments

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.

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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