Dry Eye Disease is very common and affects over 30% of Canadians. Unfortunately, many of them remain undiagnosed or are ineffectively treated with over the counter artificial tears. This is one of the reasons we have opened the Dry Eye Center of Excellence at Lynn Valley Optometry. The symptoms of dry eye are diverse and can result from many different causes. However, there are certain factors that may increase your risk of experiencing Dry Eye Disease.
- Environmental causes * High altitude * Air conditioning * Smoke * Medications
- High Blood Pressure * Antihistamines * Diuretics * Antidepressants * Anti-anxiety medications
- Sleeping pills * Pain medications * Cold & allergy products * Motion sickness medications
- Certain diseases (Diabetes, Sjogren’s syndrome, Parkinson’s, Thyroid disease, Auto-immune disease)
- Aging * Computer use * Contact lenses * Diet * Vitamin A deficiency * Hormonal Changes
There are many symptoms of Dry Eye Disease, which can vary from one person to another. The severity of symptoms ranges from mild discomfort to acute pain, and in many cases, symptoms can affect the quality of life. The most common symptoms of Dry Eye Disease include:
- Achiness * Burning * Discomfort (irritation) * Pain * Eye Redness * Soreness * Stinging
- Watery Eyes * Blurry (fluctuating) vision * Dryness * Foreign body sensation * Itching
- Sensitivity to light * Sticky tears * Swollen, red eyelids * Tired Eyes
Why should I visit the Dry Eye Center of Excellence at Lynn Valley Optometry?
Too often patients with Dry Eye Disease or other signs of Ocular Surface Disease are dismissed by doctors and told to get some over the counter drops.
Our eye doctors at Lynn Valley Optometry, have been trained specifically to look for possible signs and symptoms of Dry Eye Disease. Sometimes the dry eye symptoms may worsen with computer use and prescription eyewear for the computer with proper high contrast lenses will help. For others with Dry Eye Disease, there might be increased light sensitivity and headaches in bright sunlight and polarized sunglasses with the appropriate colour tint will be recommended. We understand that no two patients are alike and therefore our goal is to customize a treatment plan for each patient.
We approach Dry Eye Disease collaboratively with our patients. Communication and education are critical. We want patients to know this is a common and progressive disorder, but it’s one we can treat and control so it doesn’t affect the quality of your life or vision.
Learn more about treatment options for Dry Eye under services
