Close
Dry eye disease is a chronic condition in which the eyes either do not produce enough quality tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. Most dry eye cases involve the meibomian glands, small oil glands along the eyelids that release the protective outer layer of the tear film. When these glands become blocked or dysfunctional, the tears evaporate too fast, and symptoms develop.
Common dry eye symptoms include burning, stinging, grittiness, a feeling of sand in the eye, redness, blurred vision that clears with blinking, sensitivity to light, contact lens discomfort, and watery eyes. Many patients are surprised to learn that watery eyes are a classic dry eye sign because the eye produces reflex tears in response to irritation.
Dry eye is caused by a combination of factors, including age, hormonal changes, long screen hours, contact lens wear, certain medications, rosacea, autoimmune conditions, air conditioning, heating, and environmental exposure. Here in Vancouver, indoor heating during the winter and long screen time are two of the most common dry eye drivers we see.
Treatment depends on your specific findings. Options at our Vancouver clinic include advanced in-office treatments, warm compresses and lid hygiene protocols, prescription eye drops, omega three supplementation, punctal plugs, blink retraining, humidifier, and environmental coaching and contact lens adjustments. For many patients, combining two or three approaches delivers the most durable relief.
Dry eye disease is usually managed rather than cured because it tends to progress with age. That said, most patients who follow a personalized plan experience dramatic improvement in daily comfort and vision quality. Consistency is the key, and our team will support you with follow-ups and adjustments over time.
You can book a dedicated dry eye appointment online or call us at 604 777 7579. Please mention that you are coming specifically for dry eye so we can schedule enough time and set up the right diagnostics in advance.
Lucent Family Eye Care is a trusted optometrist and eye clinic serving patients from across Vancouver and the surrounding communities. We welcome families from Marpole, Oakridge, Kerrisdale, South Vancouver, Shaughnessy, Dunbar, Kitsilano, Downtown Vancouver, the West End, Richmond, and Burnaby who are looking for an expert Doctor of Optometry close to home. Whether you are visiting from South Vancouver for a comprehensive eye exam, driving in from Kitsilano for dry eye treatment, bringing your child from Kerrisdale for a pediatric eye exam, or stopping by from Downtown Vancouver for designer eyewear, our Vancouver eye clinic is easy to reach and built around your family’s vision needs.
InMode Lumecca Intense Pulse Light (IPL)
Radiofrequency (Forma-i from Inmode)
Medicated Eye Drops
Heated Compresses
Anti-Inflammatory and Medicated Eye Drops
Manual Gland Expression
Supplements
Meibomian glands produce the oils needed for a healthy tear film
MGD occurs when the meibomian glands become blocked. If this blockage is left untreated the glands will drop out entirely.
Lucent Family Eye Care’s commitment to treating DES begins with thoroughly understanding each patient’s unique situation. We delve into in-depth questions about your lifestyle and conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health using the Envision by InMode system.
This advanced diagnostic tool employs imaging technology to assess the eye’s surface accurately, enabling our optometrists to pinpoint the root causes of your dry eye condition. With these insights, we can develop treatment plans that are effective and personalized, ensuring we meet your specific needs and achieve the best possible outcomes.
InMode Lumecca Intense Pulse Light (IPL) treatment is a non-invasive therapy that uses light pulses to address inflammation and other underlying causes of dry eye syndrome. It primarily targets the meibomian glands responsible for producing the oily layer of the tear film. By improving the function of these glands, IPL treatment helps to stabilize the tear film, reduce tear evaporation, and alleviate symptoms of dry eye, thereby promoting healthier and more comfortable eyes.
Radiofrequency treatment using Forma-i from InMode primarily focuses on improving the function of the meibomian glands in the eyelids. This non-invasive treatment applies controlled radiofrequency energy to gently heat the eyelid tissues. The heat helps to unclog the oil glands, promoting better secretion and quality of the oils that form part of the tear film. This in turn helps to stabilize the tear film, reduce tear evaporation, and alleviate the symptoms of dry eye syndrome.
Watery eyes can paradoxically be a symptom of dry eye. This occurs because the dryness on the eye’s surface sometimes triggers an overproduction of the watery component of tears as a reflex response to irritation. However, these tears are not effective in properly lubricating the eye, leading to a cycle of dryness and excessive tearing.
When using digital devices, our blink rate typically decreases by about 66%, significantly increasing the risk of developing DES. Blinking is essential for maintaining eye health as it replenishes and spreads the tear film evenly across the surface of the eye. A reduced blink rate means the tear film is less frequently renewed, leading to dryness. Additionally, incomplete blinking can leave dry spots on the cornea, further exacerbating discomfort. Incorporating regular blinking exercises can help mitigate these symptoms.
Here are a few tips that may help you combat symptoms of DES when using a digital device:
Yes, LASIK surgery can lead to dry eyes. During the procedure, the creation of the corneal flap can disrupt the nerves in the cornea, temporarily decreasing tear production. Many patients experience dry eye symptoms following LASIK, but these symptoms are usually temporary and can be managed effectively with treatments such as artificial tears and other dry eye therapies.
Several factors can increase the risk of developing dry eye after LASIK surgery. These include:
Additionally, environmental factors and screen time can exacerbate dry eye symptoms post-LASIK. Patients should discuss their eye health history with their surgeon to assess their risk and manage it appropriately.
We're excited to introduce the revolutionary radiofrequency technology, Forma-i from Inmode, along with intense pulsed light therapy using Lumecca-i from Inmode to treat dry eyes.
Take the DEQ-5 Dry Eye Questionnaire to assess the symptoms of your eyes that could be hindering the quality of your vision.