Looking to treat your dry eye symptoms in Grande Prairie?
Everything you need can be found right in this blog!
If you’re looking for relief for your dry eyes, you already know what it is. But for those who don’t:
Dry eye syndrome, as the name suggests, occurs when the eyes don’t make sufficient tears or when tears evaporate too quickly.
Our climate and high amounts of farmland and prairie in Alberta can exacerbate dry eye risk factors and make it a bit more common here than in the rest of Canada. Lucky us, right?
Around 30% of Canadians experience dry eye symptoms, especially during the dry and cold winter months. And, sorry to say, but it is more prevalent in women.
The good news? It is treatable and can be managed without significantly impacting your life.
So, take a deep breath and know this will be all good, especially if you visit us at our eye care clinic in Grande Prairie.
At Aurora Eye Care, every approach is personalized to fit the individual. We have high-tech equipment and use forward thinking to provide the best solutions for you. Book an appointment in Grande Prairie now to see what we mean!
Now that we’ve got that out of the way, keep reading to learn about:
- Dry eye signs, causes, and symptoms
- How to manage your dry eye symptoms
Ready? Let’s get into it!
What Causes Dry Eye Syndrome?
Okay, time for a little eye science lesson…
The ocular surface of your eye is covered by a thin film called the tear film that provides lubrication and facilitates blinking. When the eye’s surface dries, dry spots appear within the tear film, which exposes the cornea’s nerves.
So, when you blink, your eyes feel irritated.
And rightfully so, because it’s estimated that we blink more than 12,000 times daily!
You may experience symptoms more in the morning, afternoon, or night.
So, what would cause the above to happen? Many things, actually.
Here is a list of some dry eye disease causes:
- Environment: Dry air, an overheated room, or an airconditioned space can cause dry eye symptoms. Different seasons can also affect your symptoms.
- Medications: Medications that can cause dry eyes include systemic antihistamines for allergies, systemic decongestants for cold symptom relief, antidepressants, hormone replacement therapy, diuretics, some treatments for Parkinson’s Disease and some blood pressure-lowering medications.
- Aging: As we get older, the quantity and quality of tears decreases.
- Systemic Disorders: Disorders such as Sjögren’s syndrome, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and scleroderma.
- Inflammatory Skin and Eyelid Disorders: Rosacea and blepharitis can cause dry eye symptoms.
- Time Spent In Front of the Computer: Focusing on a computer, tablet, or phone screen can lead us to blink less, causing our eye’s surface to be exposed for longer than is healthy for them.
- Laser Eye Surgery: Six months after surgery, it’s possible to have cornea sensitivity.
- Gender: Dry eyes are more prevalent in women.
- Wearing Contact Lenses: People who wear contact lenses are more at risk of developing dry eye syndrome.
Dry eye disease symptoms can include:
- Grittiness
- Scratchiness
- Wateriness
- Burning
- Foreign body sensations
- Redness
- Irritation
Are you experiencing any or some of these symptoms? Don’t just assume you have dry eye syndrome!
We’re all susceptible to self-diagnosing from Google, but it’s essential to visit your optometrist and get a full eye exam so that you can be diagnosed properly. If you’re in Grande Prairie, Alberta, we’d love to help you at our eye care clinic! And if you are diagnosed with dry eye syndrome, we have a dry eye clinic that specifically helps you treat your symptoms.
How To Treat Dry Eye Syndrome
Okay, so we covered your symptoms and the importance of eye exams. Now what?
Well, once you complete your eye exam, you should have a clear diagnosis shortly after. If this requires further conversation, your optometrist will discuss details with you and how to proceed with treatments, if necessary!
Your optometrist will share your dry eye disease treatment options with you, including any or some of the following.
Medical Treatments
Tailored to alleviate discomfort and restore your eye health, these comprehensive medical treatments for dry eye disease are offered in our dry eye clinic:
- Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL): IPL utilizes specific wavelengths of light to target and reduce inflammation and abnormal eyelid blood vessels.
- Radio-Frequency (RF): Uses electromagnetic waves to generate heat, stimulating the eyelids’ meibomian glands.
Pharmaceutical Treatments
Bring convenience and comfort to your dry eye treatment with medications that help to manage your symptoms. These medications come in eye drops, gels, wipes, and heat masks and can be safely administered at home:
- Thealoz Duo
- TG Gold Omega-3 supplements
- Liposic Tear Gel
- I-MED I-RELIEF Mask
- I-MED Lid N’ Lash Wipes
- I-MED I-DROP PUR
- I-MED I-DROP PUR GEL
Book a consultation with our team if any of these treatments sound like the right fit for you.
Lifestyle
Healthy eyes and protecting your eyes is a lifestyle. But actually! The more times you do it, the more it becomes a routine. Here are some lifestyle tips to avoid dry eye disease symptoms:
- Wear UV-A and UV-B sunglasses
- Wear a hat
- Wear eye protection during sports and activities
- Use eye drops, especially in overly heated or overly air-conditioned spaces
- Practice good hygiene
- Visit your eye doctor regularly
Diet
The foods we eat that hydrate us and strengthen our bodies can also help do the same to our eyes! Here’s a list of foods that contain vitamins and minerals that help increase eye health:
- Raw red peppers
- Sunflower seeds and nuts
- Dark leafy greens
- Salmon, tuna, and trout
- Sweet potatoes
- Lean meats and poultry
- Beans and legumes
- Eggs
- Squash
- Broccoli and brussels sprouts
As we said above, don’t go self-diagnosing yourself! Speak to your eye doctor before starting a treatment plan to address your dry eye symptoms properly.
Treatment For Your Dry Eyes In Grande Prairie
We hope this blog helped you determine how to treat dry eye symptoms in Grande Prairie, Alberta. Because it affects so many of us, there are so many treatment options to help you find relief from your symptoms.
No matter where you’re in your journey or what treatment options you prefer, our Grande Prairie eye clinic team is here to help.
To get started, book an appointment with us. We can’t wait to hear from you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is dry eye syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when your tears evaporate too quickly. This creates dry spots in the tear film that covers the eye’s surface, which can expose sensitive corneal nerves and lead to irritation, especially when you blink. It’s a common condition, and the good news is that it’s treatable and manageable.
What causes dry eye, and why does it seem more common in Grande Prairie and Alberta?
Dry eye can be caused by a mix of factors, including dry or overheated/air-conditioned environments, aging, certain medications, screen time, contact lens wear, and some underlying health conditions. Alberta’s climate, along with the amount of farmland and prairie in the region, can add to these risk factors, which is part of why dry eye tends to be a bit more common here than in other parts of Canada.
What are the symptoms of dry eye syndrome?
Common dry eye symptoms include grittiness, scratchiness, wateriness, burning, a foreign body sensation, redness, and general irritation. Symptoms can show up at different times of day — some people notice them more in the morning, others in the afternoon or evening.
Who is more likely to experience dry eye?
Dry eye affects around 30% of Canadians, and symptoms tend to flare up more during the dry, cold winter months. It’s also more prevalent in women, and people who wear contact lenses, spend a lot of time on screens, or take certain medications may be at higher risk.
How do I know if I have dry eye, or could it be something else?
It’s easy to assume dry, irritated eyes are just dry eye syndrome, but the only way to know for sure is with a full eye exam. Getting a proper diagnosis matters because your optometrist can rule out other causes and recommend the right next steps for you.
What treatments are available for dry eye at Aurora Eye Care?
Once you have a diagnosis, our Dry Eye Clinic offers a range of options tailored to your symptoms, including medical treatments like Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy and Radio-Frequency (RF) treatment, along with pharmaceutical options such as eye drops, gels, wipes, and heat masks you can use at home. Your optometrist will walk you through which options make sense for your situation.
Can diet and lifestyle changes help manage dry eye symptoms?
Yes, small daily habits can make a difference alongside professional treatment. Wearing UV-protective sunglasses, protecting your eyes during sports, practicing good hygiene, and eating foods that support eye health — like leafy greens, salmon, and nuts — can all help support your symptoms.