Dry eye (also known as dry eye syndrome, dry eye disease, or Ocular Surface Disease) is a common condition that occurs when your eye does not receive enough lubrication from your tears. This can be caused either by an inadequate amount of tears being produced or by poor-quality tears evaporating which too quickly. Not enough tears make eyes uncomfortable and irritated, with a stinging, gritty, or burning sensation. For more information on this condition, please see this detailed page from the Canadian Association of Optometrists.
Dry eye syndrome is a common condition and can develop for a number of reasons including age, genetics, hormonal changes, pre-existing medical conditions, long-term contact lens use, and/or side effects from some medications. Certain environments may also increase the risk of dry eyes, such as exposure to smoke, dust, air conditioning, prolonged use of computer screens, and/or dry climates. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic may be a contributing environmental cause due to increased screen time and/or airflow to the eye from loose-fitting masks.
Different treatment options are available for differing types and severity of dry eye. An optometrist will be able to determine your best approach to keeping your eyes healthy and your vision unaffected. Dry eyes may be a chronic condition that requires maintenance. However, the health of the eye can improve through treatments that minimize dryness and discomfort. Eye Etiquette offers a number of products from Thea and Candorvision to help treat dry eye. These products can be helpful if you’ve been diagnosed with dry eye. If you have not been diagnosed with dry eye syndrome but are experiencing any symptoms, we recommend booking an appointment with Eye Etiquette Optical. Our expert team will be able to assess your symptoms and recommend the best course of treatment for you. Eye Etiquette carries these dry eye relief products to help bring you relief:
Thealoz® Duo is a preservative-free treatment for moderate to severe dry eyes in a hypotonic formulation that can be used with contact lenses. It can improve the thickness of the tear film for at least 4 hours and provide relief from blurred vision, stinging, and itching.
Hyabak® is a preservative-free eye drop formula for the management of dry eye syndrome. Hyabak® is clinically proven to relieve symptoms of dryness and grittiness while providing long-lasting relief from eye discomfort and dryness. It is suitable for all dry eye patients, including those with moderate to severe dry eye symptoms.
Blephadex is clinically proven to help cleanse your eyelids from Demodex mites which can cause Blepharitis and can cause dry eye disease. Tea Tree Oil and Coconut Oil are part of Belphadex’s soothing patented formula that will gently cleanse your eyelids every day.
Simplify your lid-cleaning routine with Blephadex wipes and their patented natural tea tree and coconut oils blend. Cleanse, massage, and soothe your eyelids with no mess or fuss.
Blephagel is a preservative-free hypoallergenic gel that cools, cleans and soothes inflamed eyelids. Blephagel Duo also comes with 100 wipes for application.
Blephaclean wipes are used to help treat symptoms of blepharitis (eyelid inflammation) which is commonly associated with dry eye disease. Patients using Blephaclean report less crusting around the eyelashes, redness around eyelid edges, puffy eyelids, and/or eyelids stuck together in the mornings.
HYLO® eye drops provide long-lasting dry eye relief with fewer daily applications. HYLO® is highly viscous and compact lens compatible, minimizing dryness and improving comfort.
HYLO® GEL eye drops form a soothing, stable, long-lasting lubricating film on the eye surface. This film is not easily rinsed off and does not cause blurred vision.
Eye Etiquette’s Belmont Market location also offers ZEST, a 15-20 minute in-office eyelid and eyelash deep gentle cleansing and exfoliating treatment. Please see our ZEST page for more information and to book a ZEST appointment today!