403-246-3445
Book an Appointment Online

eye gallery

Dry Eye Management

Dry eye symptoms are commonly experienced by Calgarians due to the lack of humidity and frequent weather changes in our city. Symptoms typically include burning, itching, grittiness, stickiness, redness, watering, blurry vision or tired eyes. Sometimes symptoms are just occasional but they can also persist and become chronic. There are many people who also suffer from dry eye disease or syndrome due to an underlying ocular condition causing inadequate lubrication of the ocular surface. The good news is there are a wide variety of treatment options for the management of dry eye. At eye gallery our optometrists will determine the cause of your dry eye and recommend treatment options that will work best for you. Treatment depends on the cause and severity of your condition and often involves a combination of therapies. 

At-Home Treatments

Moisturizing Eye Drops

Artificial tears help supplement your natural tear film.

Options may include:

  • Preserved or preservative-free drops
  • Drops, gels, or ointments
  • Hyaluronic acid–based drops
  • Squeeze bottles or pump bottles
  • Allergy-friendly options

Warm Compresses & Lid Massage

Warm compress masks help soften thick oil trapped in the glands.

Options include:

  • Microwave-heated masks
  • Oven-heated masks
  • Electronic heated masks

This therapy helps improve oil flow and tear stability.

Eyelid & Lash Cleaning

Daily eyelid hygiene can reduce bacteria and debris along the lash line.

Products may include:

  • Eyelid wipes
  • Foams
  • Sprays
  • Cleansing gels

Hypochlorous acid may help reduce bacteria and inflammation.

Omega-3 Supplements

Omega-3 fatty acids may help improve the quality of the oil layer of your tears.

Available as:

  • Liquid supplements
  • Capsules

Look for products containing EPA and DHA (often recommended in a 2:3 ratio).

Environmental Adjustments

Small changes to your environment can reduce dry eye symptoms:

  • Avoid direct airflow from fans or vents
  • Use a humidifier
  • Take regular breaks during screen use

Red Light Therapy Glasses

Red light therapy (photobiomodulation) may:

  • Stimulate healing
  • Increase blood circulation
  • Reduce inflammation

Prescription Eye Drops

Your optometrist may prescribe medicated eye drops such as:

  • Anti-inflammatory steroids
  • Cyclosporine medications

These treatments help address inflammation associated with dry eye.

Sleep Masks

Specialized sleep masks help prevent nighttime dryness and eye exposure, which can worsen symptoms.

    In-Office Treatments

    For moderate to severe dry eye, professional treatments may be recommended.

    Professional Eyelid & Lash Cleaning

    A deep cleaning procedure removes:

    • Debris
    • Bacteria
    • Biofilm buildup along the eyelid margins

    Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

    IPL therapy helps treat inflammatory dry eye by:

    • Reducing abnormal blood vessels
    • Decreasing inflammation
    • Heating and liquefying blocked oil
    • Eliminating mites and bacteria

    Radiofrequency (RF) Therapy

    RF treatment uses controlled heat to:

    • Liquefy blocked oils in the glands
    • Stimulate collagen production
    • Increase blood circulation

    Meibomian Gland Expression

    This procedure gently presses the eyelids to release blocked oils from the glands and restore normal flow.

    Punctal Plugs

    Tiny plugs placed in the tear drainage ducts help:

    • Slow tear drainage
    • Keep moisture on the eye longer

    Scleral Contact Lenses

    These specialized lenses create a fluid reservoir over the eye, providing constant lubrication and protection.

    Amniotic Membrane Therapy

    An amniotic membrane acts as a biological bandage, helping the cornea heal and reducing inflammation.

       

       

      Author: