Your eyes require moisture to work properly. So when your eyes start to feel dry, it’s not just uncomfortable; it affects both your eyesight and your eye health.
Dry eye is a common condition that can usually be treated pretty easily once it’s been diagnosed. If you’re suffering from dry eye, request an appointment with our optometrist today.
Although dry eye can develop as the result of a huge variety of things, including a smoky environment and hormonal changes, the condition usually boils down to one of two issues: tear volume and tear quality.
Your body produces tears as a natural form of lubricant and cleanser for your eyes. If your body doesn’t make a high enough tear volume, your eyes will start to dry out and become uncomfortable.
The oils in your tears (called meibum) create something called a tear film. The tear film keeps tears from evaporating from the surface of the eye. Sometimes, your body makes a high enough volume of tears, but without the right amount of meibum. As a result, the tears evaporate almost instantly from the surface of the eye, leaving it dry and uncomfortable.
When was the last time you washed your eyelids? You may not think about it very much, but eyelid hygiene is an important part of keeping your eyes healthy.
When debris, oils, and bacteria build up on your eyelid and lash line, it creates something called a biofilm which can cause infections, and clog the glands responsible for producing meibum. Without meibum, your tears will evaporate too quickly, resulting in chronic dry eye.
Artificial tears are an over-the-counter eye drop which simulates the effect tears have on your eye. They’re an excellent way to get fast and temporary relief from your dry eye symptoms.
Medicated eye drops offer the same immediate relief artificial tears do, but with the added benefit of stimulating your natural tear production. The medication in the eye drops encourages your body to make more tears, giving you a more long-term solution. Medicated eye drops are available by prescription.
We’re located just 20 minutes south of downtown Toronto, and a short walk from the beach. Let us set you up with a stunning new look today.
1944 Queen St. E
Toronto, ON M4L 1H6
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10 AM - 6 PM
Wednesday: 10 AM - 6 PM
Thursday: 10 AM - 6 PM
Friday: 10 AM - 7 PM
Saturday: 10 AM - 5 PM
Sunday: Closed
