Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome: Insights from Merivale Vision Care

At Merivale Vision Care, we know how frustrating and uncomfortable dry eye syndrome can be. Whether you experience occasional irritation or persistent discomfort, dry eyes can significantly impact your daily life. 

Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that affects many people, yet it's often misunderstood or left untreated. 

As your trusted eye care professionals, we want to help you understand the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for dry eye syndrome so you can get the relief you deserve.

What is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes don't produce enough tears or when the tears you produce aren't of the right quality to keep your eyes lubricated and healthy. 

Tears are essential for maintaining the health of the eye's surface and ensuring clear vision. They protect the eye from irritants, provide moisture, and supply oxygen and nutrients to the cornea.

When your tear production is disrupted, it can lead to discomfort, irritation, and, in more severe cases, vision problems. 

Dry eye syndrome can affect people of all ages, but it is particularly common in older adults, individuals who spend long hours in front of screens, and those living in dry or windy climates like Ottawa.

Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome

Several factors can contribute to dry eye syndrome, and at Merivale Vision Care, we carefully evaluate each patient to identify the underlying cause of their condition. 

Here are some common causes of dry eye:

Age

As we age, our bodies naturally produce fewer tears. Dry eye syndrome is particularly common in individuals over 50, as tear production diminishes with time. Hormonal changes, especially in women going through menopause, can also play a significant role in developing dry eyes.

Environment

Living in Ottawa, you may notice that the city's dry, cold winters and breezy conditions can exacerbate dry eye symptoms. Dry air, wind, and exposure to heaters during winter can reduce tear production and increase evaporation, leaving your eyes dry and irritated.

Prolonged Screen Time

With many of us spending extended hours working on computers, tablets, and smartphones, digital eye strain has become a major contributor to dry eye syndrome. 

When we focus on screens, we tend to blink less frequently, which means our eyes don't get the necessary lubrication from blinking. Over time, this can lead to dryness, irritation, and fatigue.

Medications

Certain medications, including antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications, can reduce tear production and lead to dry eye symptoms. 

If you have dry eyes and are taking medication, we'll work with you and your healthcare provider to explore alternatives or solutions to manage the symptoms.

Underlying Health Conditions

Dry eye syndrome can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying health condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, diabetes, or thyroid disorders. 

These conditions can affect tear production or the quality of your tears. Treating the underlying condition and the dry eye symptoms is important in these cases.

Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye symptoms can range from mild to severe and may come and go depending on environmental factors or your daily activities. If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be time to schedule an appointment with us at Merivale Vision Care:

• Burning, stinging, or itching sensation in the eyes
• Redness or irritation
• Feeling of grittiness or having something "stuck" in your eyes
• Excessive tearing (ironically, your eyes may produce more tears in response to dryness)
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurry vision or difficulty focusing
• Discomfort with contact lenses

If left untreated, dry eye syndrome can worsen over time and lead to more serious complications, such as inflammation, eye infections, or damage to the surface of your eyes. That's why seeking treatment early is essential if you're experiencing these symptoms.

Diagnosing Dry Eye Syndrome

At Merivale Vision Care, we use advanced diagnostic tools to assess eye health and determine the severity of dry eye syndrome. 

During your exam, we will:

• Evaluate tear production: We'll measure how much moisture your eyes produce and how long it takes for your tears to evaporate.
• Examine the quality of your tears: Tears comprise three layers—oil, water, and mucus. If any of these layers are out of balance, your eyes may not stay properly lubricated.
• Assess your eye's surface: We'll examine the surface of your eyes to check for signs of damage, irritation, or inflammation caused by dry eyes.

Based on your exam results, we'll develop a personalized treatment plan to alleviate your symptoms and improve your eye health.

Treatment Options for Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome is a chronic condition, but many effective treatment options are available to manage the symptoms and improve your quality of life. 

At Merivale Vision Care, we offer a range of solutions tailored to your individual needs:

Artificial Tears and Lubricating Eye Drops

Over-the-counter artificial tears or lubricating eye drops can provide temporary relief for mild cases of dry eye. These drops help supplement your natural tears, moisturizing your eyes throughout the day. We'll recommend the best type of artificial tears for your specific needs.

Prescription Eye Drops

If your symptoms are more severe, we may prescribe medicated eye drops to help increase tear production or reduce eye inflammation. Prescription drops such as cyclosporine or lifitegrast can help improve your eyes' ability to produce tears and restore the health of your tear film.

Punctal Plugs

Sometimes, we recommend Punctal plugs and small, biocompatible devices inserted into the tear ducts to reduce tear drainage. By keeping more moisture on the surface of your eyes, punctual plugs can provide longer-lasting relief for moderate to severe dry eyes.

Lifestyle Adjustments

We'll also recommend lifestyle changes to help alleviate dry eye symptoms. These might include:

• Reducing screen time or using the 20-20-20 rule (look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes).
• Using a humidifier at home, especially during Ottawa's dry winter months.
• Wear sunglasses or protective eyewear outdoors to shield your eyes from wind and dry air.
• Staying hydrated to support tear production.

Preventing Dry Eye Syndrome

While dry eye syndrome can't always be prevented, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk and keep your eyes comfortable. 

Regular eye exams are crucial to maintaining healthy eyes and preventing the progression of dry eye syndrome. 

At Merivale Vision Care, we recommend scheduling yearly eye exams so we can monitor your eye health and address any issues before they become more serious.

Get Relief from Dry Eye at Merivale Vision Care

If you're experiencing dry eye symptoms, don't wait for the discomfort to disappear. At Merivale Vision Care, we provide expert care and personalized treatment to help you find relief and improve your eye health. 

‍Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward soothing your dry eyes.