What is Dry Eye?

Dry eye syndrome is a common condition where your eyes do not produce enough tears or tears evaporate too quickly. This can cause discomfort, irritation, and even vision problems.

Some common symptoms of dry eye syndrome include:

  • A gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes
  • Burning or stinging sensations
  • Redness and inflammation
  • Blurred vision
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Excessive tearing

Several factors can contribute to dry eye syndrome, including age, certain medications, medical conditions, and environmental factors.

Our Dry Eye Treatment Options

Dry eye is a complex condition which affects each person differently. We recognize that each person is unique and offer a variety of treatment options, custom tailored to your needs by our optometrists.

Lubricating eye drops, gels and ointments

Our clinics carry an extensive inventory of over-the-counter dry eye products to address your specific dry eye needs*. 

What is the difference between dry eye drops, gels, and ointments? 

Dry eye drops are for use during the day as they do not cause any changes to the vision after putting them in. There is a wide variety of dry eye drops that address different dry eye symptoms. 

Dry eye gels can be used during the day as well as at night. Gels can cause a little bit of blur after putting them in, but last longer in the eyes than drops. Gels are usually prescribed to those who have moderate to severe dry eye.

Dry eye ointments are used overnight and last the longest in the eyes. Ointments usually cause more blur after putting it in than drops or gels. 

At Kodak Lens Vision Centres, you can find the following eye drops:

*Note that inventory at each Kodak Lens Vision Centre may vary

Prescription eye drops

Some forms of dry eye may benefit from prescription medication such as topical steroids or immunosuppressants. If over-the-counter dry eye treatments have not been working well for you, prescription medications may help. 

Our optometrists are equipped to diagnose and prescribe specialized dry eye medications such as Cequa and Restasis.

Eye masks

The I-RELIEF mask can deliver hot or cold therapy to relieve symptoms associated with blepharitis, dry eye, meibomian gland disease, styes, chalazion, headaches, sinus pressure, tension, swelling and puffiness. 

Moist heat therapy compliments other dry eye treatments for those suffering from dry eyes and other conditions of the eyelid. Hot or cold compresses can provide immediate relief from discomfort, and consistent use over time can help increase blood circulation, stimulate lipid oil production and reduce tear evaporation, thereby improving overall ocular health.

I-RELIEF Mask

Dry eye lifestyle counseling

Environmental factors can affect the severity of your dry eye symptoms. Depending on the type of dry eye you have, these lifestyle changes may help: 

Dry eye vitamins and supplements

Eating foods high in omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to improve symptoms of dry eye and even increase tear production. However, it is not always easy to get these foods into our diet. Our doctors have done the research for you to get the highest quality omega-3 supplement that even includes a 90 day satisfaction guarantee. 

I-VU® OMEGA-3 PLUS is a highly purified and concentrated re-esterified triglyceride Omega-3 supplement that addresses a patient’s dry eye symptoms systemically. For adults over 18 years of age, two soft gels daily provide 1824 mg of the most important Omega-3 fatty acids, EPA, DHA & DPA, which are associated with cardio-protective effects; improving blood flow, reducing inflammation, and lowering blood triglyceride levels.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Low Level Laser (LLLT) Therapy

Intense pulsed light therapy (IPL) and low level laser (LLLT) is an in-office treatment used to treat dry eyes and related conditions affecting the eyelids and tear producing glands. 

This treatment uses a patented technology to administer specific wavelengths to the eyelids and surrounding areas to improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation. 

IPL and LLLT can be used to for: 

  • Meibomian gland dysfunction
  • Dry eye disease
  • Blepharitis
  • Chalazion 
  • Demodex
  • Post-blepharoplasty
  • Rosacea
  • Stye
  • Sjögren’s Syndrome
  • Pre- and post- cataract or refractive surgery

Scleral contact lenses

For those with severe or chronic dry eye, many find relief with the use of scleral contact lenses. A scleral lens is a large-diameter, gas-permeable contact lens that sits above the entire cornea. This unique shape allows for the lens to be filled with sterile saline, which occupies the space between the lens and the cornea. The lens and saline acts as a new smooth surface for the eye, improving vision for those with corneal irregularities. This reservoir of saline also provides the cornea with constant hydration, alleviating dry eye symptoms.