Get Lasting Relief from Your Dry Eyes
Our eyes require tears for optimal comfort, health, and function. When we experience problems with our tears, it can lead to dry eyes.
Our eyes require tears for optimal comfort, health, and function. When we experience problems with our tears, it can lead to dry eyes.
Quite simply, our eyes require lubrication, in the form of tears, to function properly.
Our tears consist of three elements: water, oil, and mucus. When our tears don’t contain the right ratio of all three main elements, or we have trouble producing tears, it can lead to dry, irritated eyes.
Unfortunately, both the imbalance of tear film and lack of tear production can have many different root causes. Dry eye is on the rise in Canada. Dry eyes can be caused by:
While there is yet to be a cure or treatment for dry eye, there are some things we can recommend to alleviate and manage the symptoms.
Medicated eye drops are prescribed by your optometrist and can help to stimulate tear production and relieve inflammation.
Artificial tears, or eye drops, are available over the counter and act like natural tears to provide extra lubrication when needed.
In some cases, tears can drain through eye ducts too quickly to sufficiently lubricate the eye. Punctal plugs are small plugs that are inserted into the corner of the eyelids, slowing drainage preventing tear loss. If you begin to experience watery eyes or excessive tearing, these small plugs can easily be removed by your optometrist.
Zocular’s ZocuShield is an eyelid gel that can help treat the root cause of dry eye. Its natural ingredients, including activated okra and plant extracts, have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. The cleansing solution can penetrate the eyelid’s biofilm, reducing the presence of demodex mites, which can cause blepharitis and dry eye. ZocuShield’s soothing properties can effectively alleviate eyelid irritation and redness.
Your optometrist may recommend changing your diet to relieve dry eye symptoms. Introducing foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, leafy greens, and nuts may help reduce dry eye symptoms for some patients.
Your optometrist may also suggest environmental or lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking or spending less time using digital devices to alleviate your symptoms.
Our office in Claresholm has been serving the Southern Alberta region for over twenty years. We are located next to Rooster Tails and Prairie Home Decor & Framing.