Welcome to
Dry Eye Relief
What Exactly is Dry Eye?
Dry eye is a complicated condition in which there is a loss of normal functioning of the tear film (the eye's protective layer of moisture) and no two cases are exactly the same. There are many factors that can contribute to causing your dry eye including age, genetics, environment, digital device use, contact lens wear, systemic conditions, medications and diet, to name a few! The fact that your dry eye is unique to you means that in order to effectively manage it we will need to thoroughly examine your eyes, identify the most likely culprits, and then create a treatment plan specifically designed for you. This is my goal when performing a dry eye assessment!
How Do I Know I Have Dry Eye?
Common symptoms of dry eye include:
-burning eyes
-gritty feeling (like sand in the eyes)
-red and/or tired eyes
-watery eyes
-blurred vision that changes with blinking
Unfortunately, these symptoms can also occur in conditions other than dry eye. The best way to know for sure is to have your eyes examined!
Is My Screen Time Causing Dry Eye?
COVID-19 has dramatically changed the way we work, learn and spend our time. Long hours spent on digital devices can disrupt the delicate balance (or homeostasis) of our ocular surface by affecting the quality and functioning of the tears we produce. Left unchecked, this can cause permanent changes that can lead to a chronic dry eye problem!
Read more about the impact of screen time on your eyes here.
What is Done During a Dry Eye Assessment?
And how is it different from a comprehensive eye exam? The truth is, it only takes a few minutes to make a dry eye diagnosis - and this would happen during your routine eye exam. However, in order to determine the type and severity of your dry eye, the factors contributing to it, and the most appropriate treatment, specialized testing is required. This is what the dry eye assessment is all about! We'll measure your tear production and osmolarity, discuss your tear composition, test for inflammation on your ocular surface and use imaging to track your progress.
