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Dry Eye Treatments
Canadians have Dry Eye Disease
According to the National Institute of Health, approximately 6 million Canadians struggle with Dry Eye Disease. Older people and females are more likely to be affected.
What is dry eye disease?
Dry Eye disease is a common chronic condition that occurs when your eyes do not have enough tear production. There are two main sub-types of dry eye:
Evaporative Dry Eye and Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye.
These can affect the health of your tear film, which is made up of 3 layers: Lipid (oil) layer, Aqueous (water) layer, and the Mucous layer.
Evaporative Dry Eye develops when there is poor quality of the lipid layer resulting in the rapid evaporation of tears.
Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye is caused by the lacrimal glands not producing a sufficient level of tears.
Dry eye disease can be caused by many things, including age, climate, medications, underlying conditions, eye surgery, and contact lens use. Symptoms of Dry Eye Disease can include dryness, grittiness, itchiness, irritation, and a foreign body sensation. The eye may look red, excessively watery, or irritated. There may be blurriness of vision, contact lens intolerance, and general discomfort. Not everyone that has symptoms of dr y eyes has Dry Eye Disease, so it is important to see an eyecare professional.
Dry Eye Disease Diagnostics
Our clinic uses the IDRA dry eye management system to take detailed scans and high-resolution imaging of the tear film, eyelids, and lashes. These scans and photographs enable our team to determine the type and severity of dry eye disease and the best treatment options for our patients.
- Auto-Interferometry
- Tear Meniscus
- Non-Invasive Break-Up Time (N.I.B.U.T.)
- Blink Detection
- Meibography
- Blepharitis and Demodex
- Bulbar Redness
Auto-Interferometry automatically calculates the lipid (oil) layer thickness of the tear film, for each individual eye blink.
Several measurements are taken of the tear meniscus (the reservoir of tears on the eye) that shows detailed imagery of the height, shape and regularity of the tears that rest on the lower lid.
This scan analyzes the stability and regularity of the tear film. This scan shows how the tears evaporate between blinks.
A calculation of your blink frequency, and duration of each blink. This scan also calculates wether blinks are full (complete) or partial (incomplete).
Photos are taken of the upper and lower eyelids to examine the meibomian gland morphology. The doctor can use these photos to assess gland health and analyse changes over time.
These photos of the skin around the eyelid are used to detect the presence of blepharitis and demodex.
Imaging of the blood vessels on the conjuctiva that analyzes the blood vessels and redness of the surface of the eye.
Dry Eye Treatment Options: In-Office
Dry Eye Treatment Options: At Home
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IPL and RF safe?
Modern day IPL devices are extremely safe. Health Canada regulates which medical devices can be sold and used within Canada. Your health history will be reviewed in-depth to ensure that you can safely receive IPL treatments.
Yes! Radiofrequency is approved by Health Canada for the treatment of Dry Eye caused by Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. The applicator heats up to 43 degrees Celsius, while human skin burns at 47 degrees Celsius.
Is IPL and RF painful?
No, neither treatment should cause pain.
IPL feels like a light rubber band snap while someone is taking a flash photo against your skin.
Radiofrequency feels like a warm massage.
Is there a recovery period after IPL and RF?
After both IPL and RF, you may experience some redness. This normally subsides within a few hours. There is no downtime required and you may return to your regular skincare routine immediately, including wearing makeup.
In some instances, you may need to apply cold compresses for 2-3 days post IPL treatment. You also may be more sensitive to sun exposure and should avoid direct sunlight or tanning. You will need to apply sunblock for 3 weeks following each treatment.
Are dry eye treatments covered by private insurance?
Insurance plans vary and we cannot speak on behalf of your insurance provider. Only your insurance provider is able to clarify the details of your plan. Our clinic can provide a letter for your insurance company stating the purpose and course of treatment.
Testimonials
“The dry eye treatment really cleared up my symptoms, almost from the very beginning. I had been having a very red, watery eye for months and months and it was driving me crazy. Not only was it a bother but it looked horrible. I wasn’t sure the treatment would help but I’m so glad that I tried it. It worked really well on my super watery eye.
The treatment was totally painless and didn’t take long at all. I could see results the very next day. Stephanie and Dorothy were very gentle and caring and any time I had a question, I knew I could email them and get an answer. It has really improved my life and I am very grateful to have had access to such a unique treatment.”
“I had extreme tearing of my eyes, due to dry eye, for months. Dr. Camorlinga at Vista suggested I have a treatment of four IPL (Intense Pulsed Light Therapy) sessions. After 2 treatments, I began to notice a difference and after the 4th I was well on my way to saying goodbye to my watery eyes. The doctor suggested I have one more and the result was excellent.”
Stephanie was knowledgeable, caring, and always professional. Should the problem reoccur, I would have no hesitation in returning to Vista’s dry eye clinic.
The treatment was totally painless and didn’t take long at all. I could see results the very next day. Stephanie and Dorothy were very gentle and caring and any time I had a question, I knew I could email them and get an answer. It has really improved my life and I am very grateful to have had access to such a unique treatment.”
“For years, I struggled with painful, sandpaper-like dry eyes, accompanied by extreme redness. I tried many other treatments for extended periods of time with no significant improvements. At various times I was using 3 different types of drops multiple times per day.
The dry eye treatments I received (IPL and radio frequency) have truly been life changing. I am continually impressed by Dr. Verma’s commitment to her patients and her willingness to work with you to achieve meaningful results. I have seen many practitioners and specialists over the years and she is the best I have experienced and I am so thankful for her.
When I received my treatments, Stephanie was extremely friendly and helpful and was always willing to answer any questions and did a great job of explaining the process. I would recommend Vista Eyecare and these treatments to anyone!”
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