Dry Eye Evaluation & Treatment Process
Dr. Jo has always maintained the most advanced testing for patients’ eye-health at Canmore Family Eyecare. In addition to her extensive Wellness Eye examinations for routine care for which she is well-known, Dr. Jo and her team are now performing advanced dry-eye analysis and screenings. We are the only clinic in the Bow Valley to offer this advanced diagnostic testing (Firefly Slitlamp), and Dry Eye treatments with InMode.
As of February 2024, we are incorporating Ocular Surface Disease (OSD) and Dry Eye Testing as follows:
- Dry Eye Questionaire – performed at every adult eye exam and for symptomatic children.
- Diagnostic testing with Firefly Slitlamp where indicated.
This state-of-the-art machine can test up to 8 indicators of Dry Eye disease on a patient, including:
- Tear Break Up Time (how quickly the tear layer evaporates or leaves the eye)
- Tear height and lipid layer height
- Meibomium Gland health
- Eyelid health and condition
- Eye redness
Once assessed, we can devise individual treatment plans based on our diagnostic findings and your symptoms, and get you back to seeing well and enjoying life more comfortably. again.
What is Ocular Surface Disease?
OSD refers to multi-factorial conditions that will cause damage to the eyes and irreversible vision problems if left untreated for long periods of time. These include Dry Eye Syndrome, Meibomium Gland Dysfunction, Blepharitis, Rosacea, Demodex, and more. Due to the extremely arid climate in which we live in Alberta, as well as individual skin and eyelid conditions, these are common things that we see day-to-day in Canmore and Alberta eyes. They can end up causing patients a lot of grief from discomfort, blurred vision and long-term damage to the eyes.
In the past, we have typically managed these things with at-home Dry-Eye treatments that may include Hot Compresses, eye drops, lid-cleansing products, Omega-3s and medications. These are still incredibly useful tools for ongoing maintenance, however they have been shown to work significantly better when used in conjunction with the following new treatments for dry eye and OSD. Dr. Jo has now taken her clinic to the next level by introducing the following:
- Radiofrequency (RF) treatments, (heat therapy) and
- Intense pulse light (IPL) treatments (light therapy)
These new technologies are non-invasive, efficient and effective treatment for moderate to severe dry eye, using state of the art technology with excellent results.
About the New Treatments for Dry Eye Disease
- INMODE Forma-I Radiofrequency treatment (RF)
INMODE Forma-I Radiofrequency treatment (RF) uses Radio-Frequency energy to generate heat which is applied to the skin around the eyes. This is like a hot-stone-massage for your eyelids. This treatment aids in melting solidified, clogged meibomian glands, allowing for improved lipid/oil secretions onto the tear layer. This treatment helps relax and stimulate your skin’s fibroblasts, and also stimulates collagen production. Often following RF treatment a Meibomium Gland Expression is recommended in the doctor’s chair. - INMODE Lumecca-I Intense Pulse Light treatment (IPL)
INMODE Lumecca-I Intense Pulse Light treatment (IPL) works to control the inflammatory process affecting skin and oil glands in the eyelids. The goal is to reduce dependency on medications, and improve long-term eyelid health and eye function. IPL treats ocular rosacea, Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, and Inflammatory dry eye. It has been shown to improve health and function of eyelids by decreasing bacteria and demodex on the skin.
The Happy Side-Effects of RF and IPL
IPL and RF can also reverse signs of ageing, by stimulating collagen production and stimulating fibroblasts. These treatments can also help smooth wrinkles and eliminate dark spots, resulting in younger looking eyes and skin!
Dry Eye Disease FAQ
Q: How can I tell if I have dry Eye?
A: Common signs and symptoms of dry eye may include redness, stinging, burning, grittiness, scratchiness, or a feeling of something foreign in the eye such as an eyelash feeling. Some people may also experience excessive tearing as a result of dry eye. This is a natural reflex of the eyes to compensate for symptoms of Ocular Surface Disease by creating more tears to comfort the eye in response to dryness.
Q: Can I have dry eye disease without symptoms?
A: Absolutely. Many people suffer from dry eye but are used to it, and do not report symptoms. It is equally important to treat dry eye in asymptomatic patients, as it can still lead to damage and degradation of the ocular tissues which may result in longterm inflammation, scarring and vision loss.
Q: What Causes Dry Eye?
Many factors can contribute to dry eye, including aging, hormonal changes, UV exposure, environmental conditions (e.g., exposure to smoke, air pollution, wind, low humidity, etc.), or problems with normal blinking. Dry eye is exacerbated by staring or concentrating and not blinking, such as whilst driving long distances or looking at computer screens. There is up to 70% reduction in blink-rate when we look at screens.
Dry eye can also be a result of general health problems, such as Rheumatoid arthritis, auto-immune conditions, Parkinson’s Disease, and more. Certain medications can dry out the eyes including sleeping pills, oral contraceptives, antidepressants, antihistamines and many more. Genetics and family history may also play a role in dry eyes.