Relieving Dry Eyes
Dry eye syndrome (DES), often referred to as dry eyes, is an unfortunately common occurrence that affects many individuals. EyeCare Niagara can help by diagnosing the underlying issue and treating the cause, ensuring effective relief that lasts.
We offer a variety of treatment options for patients. Depending on the severity and your comfort, we may recommend different treatments. Don’t put up with the irritation of dry eyes any longer, visit our practice.
What Causes Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome occurs when your tear film does not sufficiently moisturize the surface of your eyes. There are 2 root causes: poor tear quality and inadequate tear volume.
Common symptoms of dry eye include:
- Foreign body sensation
- Excessive tearing
- Fluctuating vision
- Gritty, burning, or scratchy eyes
What to Expect at Your Dry Eye Visit
Dry eyes can have several causes, so we take time to understand yours first. Here is how a visit typically unfolds.
-
Tell Us What You Feel
We start by talking about your symptoms, when they flare up, and what your day looks like, including screen time, contact lens wear and your environment.
-
Find the Cause
Your optometrist examines your eyes to work out whether poor tear quality, low tear volume or blocked glands are behind your discomfort.
-
Choose a Treatment
We go over the options that fit your case and your comfort level, from artificial tears and prescription drops to meibomian gland dysfunction treatment.
-
Keep Your Eyes Comfortable
We explain what to do at home and when to check in, so your relief lasts and any changes are caught early.
Our Dry Eye Therapy Options
Depending on the dry eye case, we may use different therapy options. Before your appointment, we’ll take time with you to discuss options and select one that you’re most comfortable with and will best help your eyes.
Artificial Tears & Prescription Eye Drops
Supplemental tear drops can help mild cases of dry eye syndrome or dryness from certain environmental triggers. Artificial tears help lubricate the eye to reduce irritation. Prescription eye drops, such as Restasis, can help by stimulating your eyes to create tears.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Treatment
If your dry eyes are caused by blockage of your meibomian glands—the glands responsible for producing the oily component of your tears—there are a variety of treatments and therapies that can be utilized to clear this blockage.
Please contact us if you’re interested in learning more about meibomian gland dysfunction treatment.
Discover Dry Eye Relief
At EyeCare Niagara, we want to help all of our patients have healthy and comfortable eyes. If you’ve been suffering from dry eyes, visit our practice to find a relief solution.
Dry Eye Questions, Answered
Not sure whether what you are feeling is dry eye? These are the questions our St. Catharines patients ask most often.
What are the most common symptoms of dry eye?
Common symptoms include a gritty, burning or scratchy feeling, a sense that something is in your eye, excessive tearing and vision that fluctuates. Symptoms often feel worse after screen time or in dry, windy or heated indoor air.
What causes dry eye syndrome?
Dry eye happens when your tear film does not properly moisturize the surface of your eye, either because you do not produce enough tears or because the quality of your tears is poor. Screen use, indoor heating, contact lens wear, age and blocked oil glands in the eyelids can all contribute.
Why do my eyes water if they are dry?
Dry, irritated eyes can trigger a rush of watery tears as a reflex. These tears are often poor quality and do not stay on the surface of the eye, so the dryness and discomfort come back.
Are artificial tears enough to treat dry eye?
Artificial tears can help mild cases and dryness from environmental triggers. If your symptoms keep coming back, or over-the-counter drops are not giving lasting relief, an eye exam can help identify the underlying cause so your treatment fits you.
What is meibomian gland dysfunction?
The meibomian glands sit in your eyelids and produce the oily part of your tears. When they become blocked, your tears can evaporate too quickly and dry eye symptoms may follow. There are a variety of treatments to help clear the blockage, and your optometrist can tell you whether it is part of your dry eye.
Can I still wear contact lenses if I have dry eye?
Many people with dry eye can still wear contacts, but comfort often depends on the lens type, your wearing schedule and the cause of the dryness. Let your optometrist know about any dryness during your contact lens exam so your fit can be adjusted if needed.
When should I see an optometrist about dry eyes?
Book a visit if your symptoms last more than a few days, keep returning, or affect your comfort, reading or screen use. See an eye care professional promptly if you have eye pain, significant redness, sensitivity to light or a sudden change in your vision.
Dry Eye Resources
Want to learn more before your visit? Our optometrists have written guides on the questions we hear most about dry eye.
-
Why Are My Eyes So Dry?
Learn how low tear supply and poor tear quality leave your eyes feeling dry.
Read More -
Best Eye Drops for Dry Eyes
Find out which kinds of drops help and what to look for on the label.
Read More -
Why Are My Eyes Dry When I Wake Up?
See why mornings can be the worst and what may be behind it.
Read More -
Eye Drops for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
Understand how blocked eyelid glands affect your tears and your options.
Read More -
Dry Eye and Contact Lenses
Everything you need to know about wearing contacts with dry eye.
Read More -
Can Dry Eye Cause Blurred Vision?
Learn why dry eyes can make your vision fluctuate.
Read More -
Can Dry Eyes Cause Headaches?
Explore the link between dry eyes, strain and head discomfort.
Read More -
Does a Humidifier Help With Dry Eyes?
Find out how your indoor air can affect your comfort.
Read More
Our Location
Wanna See What
We’re All About?
At EyeCare Niagara, we value getting to know our patients so we can better understand the scope of their eye care needs. We leverage our knowledge of optical technology as well as frames, lenses, and other treatments to ensure you’re receiving the best care possible.
Our Location
- 318 Ontario St.
- St. Catharines, ON L2R 5L8
Contact Information
- Phone: (905) 685-6515
- Email: [email protected]
Hours Of Operation
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
Our Brands
- Brands
- Frames & Lenses
- Sunglasses
-
Eyecare Niagara
- 318 Ontario St.
- St. Catharines, ON L2R 5L8
-
P: (905) 685-6515
[email protected]