Dry Eye | Shelburne Optometry

Soothe & Comfort Your Dry, Irritated Eyes

Dry eyes are a common, irritating, and painful eye condition caused by insufficient or inadequate tears. Aside from uncomfortable symptoms, dry eyes can also lead to long-term consequences, like scarring or infections.

If you’re suffering from the uncomfortable symptoms of dry eyes, please call to book an appointment at our dry eye clinic. Our experienced and knowledgeable eye care professionals are eager to help you find relief and get back to being yourself!

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Causes of Dry Eyes

Ultimately, dry eyes occur when you either don’t produce enough tears, the tears you have are of poor quality, or your tears evaporate too quickly.

When Should I Get an Exam?

The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends every person between 19 and 64 have an exam every 2 years. However, if you have diabetes or other health issues, you should attend more frequent examinations.

Shelburne Optometry recommends you attend an eye exam at least once a year to monitor your health thoroughly.

After 65, you should attend an eye examination at least once a year. Proper assessment of your ocular health can help it last a lifetime.

Symptoms of Dry Eye

Aside from potential pain and irritation, dry eyes can cause symptoms like:

Stinging or burning in the eyes
Stringy mucus around the eyes
Feeling like something is in the eye
Sensitivity to light
Eye redness
Discomfort when wearing contact lenses
Difficulty driving at night
Blurred vision
Eye fatigue
Excessive tearing

Diagnosing Dry Eyes

There are several methods for diagnosing dry eyes, all of which can be completed during a comprehensive eye exam at our dry eye clinic.

Meibox

A device that uses meibography (specialized imaging) to evaluate the structure and function of the meibomian glands. The meibomian glands are responsible for producing the oil in the oily layer of your tear film. If your tears lack oil, they can evaporate too quickly, leaving you with the uncomfortable symptoms of dry eye.

TearLab

Measures the osmolarity of your tears. Tear osmolarity refers to the amount of salt in your tears. Abnormal tear osmolarity can affect tear production, retention, distribution, and elimination.

InflammaDry

Collects a sample of your tears to measure inflammatory markers called MMP-9. The results are seen in 10 minutes. Higher levels of MMP-9 mean you are more likely to experience dry eye symptoms.

Diagnostic staining

Is a dye test to evaluate the quality, distribution, and volume of your tears. This test helps discover a physical cause of your dry eyes.

Treating Dry Eyes

Dry eyes can be chronic, so there’s no cure. But symptoms can be effectively managed through a wide range of treatments.

Your treatment will depend on the customized plan you and your optometrist design together. Treatment will focus on your unique situation and symptoms. However, treatments offered at Shelburne Optometry include:

Artificial tears & lubricants
Medications that stimulate tear production
Eyelid warming masks
BlephEx & iLux treatments for blepharitis
A medical device that prevents tears from draining

Book Your Life-Changing Appointment Today

Our dry eye clinic is designed with you in mind. If you’ve been suffering from dry eyes symptoms, please book an appointment with us today. We can get you back to enjoying life with clear, comfortable vision!

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Our Location

You can find our office at 802 Main Street East, Unit #7, in Shelburne, Ontario. We’re located in the strip mall off Dufferin Road 124 and Highway 10, beside the Tim Hortons.