Dry Eye Clinic Assessment and conditions
After assessment, a suggested care routine will be recommended that suits your ocular needs. In addition to managing your condition ‘at home’ with therapies such as medicated drops, moist heat eye mask, omega-3 supplementation, customized ocular lubricants and lid hygiene routine, an in-office treatment such as Lipiflow or BlephEx may be prescribed.
The Institute for Dry Eye offers the breakthrough LIPIFLOW technology (thermal heat pulsation treatment) to directly treat the root cause of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Lipiflow works by gently applying thermal energy and massage to the eyelids. The 12 minute treatment targets the affected glands and is performed right in the comfort of our clinic. It works to release blockages within the glands so they can function more normally.
Dry Eye, Ocular Surface Disease and Lid disease (MGD & Blepharitis)
In Dry Eye Disease (DED), the quality of the tear film is often disrupted by tear evaporation and can result in damage to the surface of the eye. Oils produced by the eyelid glands are necessary for a stable tear film. Tear evaporation results from a lack of these important oils which are supposed to protect the tears. In MGD, inflammation and blockage of the eyelid (meibomian) glands impedes the flow of good quality oils. It’s a progressive condition that can result in loss of gland function and gland atrophy. It’s estimated that nearly 25% of Canadians suffer from dry eye. In some cases, it’s an inadequate production of tears that is the main concern, however, research indicates that the majority (over 85%) of dry eye diagnoses are related to MGD.
Meibography will be done as part of your assessment to reveal your gland structure.
Blepharitis involves an accumulation of bacterial biofilm, inflammation along the lid margins and debris/crusting at the base of the eye lashes. This common condition can lead to dry eye symptoms as well as misdirection or loss of eye lashes. Your Dry Eye Practitioner will look for signs of blepharitis during the evaluation and prescribe a treatment routine suited to your needs. BlephEx, a gentle in-office lid cleaning, may be recommended.
Learn more about Dry Eye, Lid Disease and their treatments:
www.mydryeye.ca
www.blephex.com
www.dryeyeandmgd.com