Dry Eye Studio

What is dry eye?

Dry eye syndrome occurs when the tear film, a mixture of oil (meibum) and water, becomes compromised. The water component of the tear film comes from the lacrimal gland and the oil component comes from the Meibomian glands – a series of glands that line the eyelid margins. The tear film serves two very important purposes:

  1. Comfort of the eyes

  2. Clarity of vision

Sometimes we can have dry eyes and not experience discomfort - the only symptom may be blurred or fluctuating vision. More commonly, however, dry eye syndrome manifests with a range of uncomfortable symptoms including itching, burning, redness, watery eyes and even eye pain.

For the tear film to function optimally, oil should be expressed with every blink. For this to happen, the oil must be thin, like olive oil. The thicker the oil, the harder it is for the glands to express with a normal blink and the drier the eyes get. Unfortunately, the oil can become thick like butter making it more difficult for the meibomian (oil) glands to be expressed. If the oils become too thick, the oil ceases to be expressed.

In some cases, the condition can also increase the risk of more serious eye issues, such as corneal ulcers. If left untreated or not properly managed, dry eye syndrome can worsen over time, making timely intervention and treatment crucial. 

What causes dry eyes?


Dry eyes can be caused by a variety of factors, with over 80% of cases linked to blocked oil glands in the eyelids, a condition known as Meibomian gland dysfunction or posterior blepharitis. In addition to this primary cause, several other factors can contribute to the development of dry eye syndrome.

  • Women are more likely to experience dry eye syndrome, often due to hormonal changes from contraceptive use, pregnancy, or menopause.t goes here

  • The condition is more common in individuals over the age of 50, however, dry climates, like ours in Calgary, can affect people of any age.

  • Screen time (desktops, laptops, phones), reading, concentrated tasks (puzzles, knitting) and hair dryers. 

  • Low humidity (indoors and outdoors), indoor heating, air conditioning and fans.

  • Certain drugs, such as antidepressants, decongestants, and blood pressure medications, can contribute to dry eyes.

  • Disorders like Sjogren’s syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis are associated with a higher risk of developing dry eye syndrome.

If you notice any of these signs, you may be experiencing dry eye syndrome:

  • A gritty, itchy, or burning sensation in the eyes

  • Excessive tearing or eye discharge

  • Dry or fatigued feeling in the eyes

  • Heightened sensitivity to light

  • Frequent reliance on eye drops

  • Discomfort that intensifies as the day progresses

Dry Eye Treatments


At West District Eyecare, we offer some of the most cutting-edge and advanced technologies to quickly and effectively test and treat dry eye syndrome. Our goal is to provide personalized treatment plans that address the root causes of your symptoms, ensuring long-lasting relief and improved eye health.

We offer treatment plans with both in-office and at-home therapies including:

  • Inmode Lumecca IPL

  • Zest Lid Treatment (for Demodex overgrowth)

  • Warm Compresses

  • Omega 3’s

  • Lid Heigine Wipes 

  • HOCL Spray

  • Medical Grade Artificial Tears

  • Medicated Drops

Dry eye syndrome due to Meibomian gland dysfunction is a lifelong condition that requires regular maintenance. For long-term results, we recommend our industry leading therapies - Inmode Forma-I RF and Inmode Lumecca IPL. These cutting-edge technologies target the underlying causes of dry eye syndrome, offering effective, non-invasive solutions.

  • Inmode Forma-I is Health Canada Certified for the treatment of dry eye disease due to meibomian gland dysfunction. Forma-I uses gentle radio-frequency energy to stimulate the meibomian glands and restructure the collagen in your eyelids. Forma-I is a non-invasive, non-ablative, bipolar radio-frequency sub-dermal heating technology. Built-in temperature controls allow the treatment to reach optimal end-points safely and effectively.

    Learn more here: https://www.inmodemd.com/

  • Inmode Lumecca IPL works to treat dry eye disease through several mechanisms, including thrombosis of abnormal blood vessels beneath the periocular skin, heating the Meibomian glands to liquefy meibum, stimulating fibroblasts to enhance collagen synthesis, eradicating Demodex and reducing bacterial load on the eyelids, modulating the inflammatory cycle by regulating anti-inflammatory agents and MMPs, and decreasing epithelial cell turnover to lower the risk of Meibomian gland obstruction.

Why Choose Inmode RF & IPL?

Both Inmode RF and IPL are scientifically backed, non-surgical treatments designed to address the root causes of dry eye syndrome. These therapies offer several key benefits:

  • Customized Treatment Plans: Every patient’s dry eye condition is unique. These treatments are tailored to target your specific symptoms, ensuring the most effective relief.

  • Quick & Comfortable: Both treatments are non-invasive and typically require no downtime. You can easily fit them into your busy schedule and resume normal activities immediately after treatment.

  • Proven Results: Many patients experience noticeable improvement after just a few sessions. Long-term relief is possible with ongoing treatments, reducing the need for daily eye drops or medications.

Other treatments:

  • Zest Lid Treatment (for Demodex overgrowth)

  • Warm Compresses

  • Omega 3’s

  • Lid Hygiene Wipes 

  • HOCL Spray

  • Medical Grade Artificial Tears

  • Medicated Drops

 

Let’s connect

Feel free to book an appointment online or visit our location. Our staff is available and happy to answer any questions about our clinic or services.