Reclaim Comfortable Vision with Targeted Dry Eye Treatment
That persistent dryness, grittiness, or irritation in your eyes? It could be dry eye disease—a condition caused by poor tear quality or insufficient tear production. At Dr. Black & Associates Optometrists, we understand how much dry eyes can affect your daily life. Our team is dedicated to diagnosing and managing the root causes of your symptoms with a compassionate, customized approach to provide lasting relief.
Using key diagnostic technology that captures important images of your eyes and analyzes your tears, we thoroughly assess your eyes, then develop a treatment plan tailored specifically to your needs. Our holistic care includes targeted therapies, lifestyle recommendations, and ongoing support to help you enjoy clear, more comfortable vision.
Request AppointmentOur Diagnostic Approach: Pinpointing the Root Cause of Dry Eye
Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective dry eye management. We use precise techniques and tools to identify the underlying issues causing your discomfort, including:
- Meibography: Captures images of the meibomian glands that line your eyelids and contribute key oil to your tears.
- Tear film evaluation: Evaluates tear film quality and stability and monitors treatment progress.
- Schirmer’s test: Measures tear production.
- Dyes & staining: Reveal areas of dryness and potential corneal damage.
By taking a comprehensive view of your condition, we aim to find and address every contributing factor.
Customized Dry Eye Treatment Options for Every Lifestyle
In your dry eye exam, we’ll seek to understand your symptoms, including when your eyes feel the worst and how much they disrupt your daily life and tasks. Then, we’ll capture images that tell us about the function of your meibomian glands. These tiny glands along your eyelids provide an essential oil (called meibum) to your tear film, and if they’re damaged or dysfunctional, they are a major contributor to dry eye symptoms.
Based on everything we find, Dr. Black will develop your personalized treatment regimen.
Clinical Treatments & Management
Your personalized treatment plan may include one or more of the following recommendations.
- Eye mask: A relaxing, warm mask that soothes your eyelids and helps meibum oil flow to protect your eyes with every blink.
- iMed preservative-free drops: Hydrates and protects your eyes without irritating preservatives.
- Prescription eye drops: Targets inflammation or other causes of dry eye.
- Omega-3 supplements: Support tear quality from within with supplements that may boost tear quality.
- Contact lenses: We may advise you on a new contact lens brand that may improve your eye comfort.
Lifestyle Recommendations
There are several actions you can take on your own that can help your dry eye symptoms, especially when paired with our clinical treatment options, including:
- Running a humidifier in your bedroom while you’re sleeping can soothe your eyes and help keep them hydrated during the night.
- Wearing wraparound sunglasses when you’re outside protects your eyes from irritation from wind and debris.
- Reducing your screen time or taking regular screen breaks can minimize digital eye strain, which can make your eyes feel even worse.
- Quitting smoking may help your symptoms, since smoking worsens dry eye symptoms
What Exactly Is Dry Eye?
Dry eye disease happens when your eyes aren’t properly lubricated, either due to poor-quality tears or reduced tear production. Symptoms of dry eye include:
- Gritty or burning sensations in the eyes
- Redness, excessive tearing, or discomfort
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision
Without proper treatment, dry eye can compromise your vision and quality of life. It tends to worsen over time, so making even small changes to care for your eyes now can save you from worse symptoms down the road.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction & Its Role in Dry Eye
The most common cause of dry eye is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). MGD happens when the meibomian glands in your eyelids aren’t providing enough oil to your tears.
Reduction in oil production can happen when the glands are clogged or if the meibum has hardened. When you don’t have enough of that protective oil layer in your tears, it leads to quicker tear evaporation and vulnerable eyes.
If we identify that MGD is a contributor to your dry eye symptoms, we’ll provide recommendations for improving the function of your meibomian glands and supporting the healthy balance of your tears.
Does Dry Eye Affect Kids Too?
Your kids can also experience dry eye symptoms! They might complain of waking up feeling like their eyes are sore and gritty, even when they’ve had a full night’s rest.
Their symptoms might worsen if they spend lots of time on digital devices or in spaces where heaters or fans are running, leading to drier air. Parents can keep an eye out for frequent eye rubbing, redness, or complaints of irritation.
Kids need eye exams—sometimes even more often than their parents, since their eyes grow and change so rapidly. We encourage you to bring them in for an eye exam if you suspect an eye issue, at least once a year while they’re school-aged, and at least once between 6 months old and 2 years old.
Why Choose Dr. Black & Associates Optometrists for Dry Eye Care?
At Dr. Black & Associates Optometrists, your long-term comfort and eye health are our top priorities. With over 6 decades of trusted service in Oshawa and innovative use of diagnostic technology, we are fully equipped to provide personalized care for dry eye management.
Let us find the solution that delivers the relief and clarity you and your family deserve.
Request AppointmentOur Vision Services
In-House Lab: Your New
Glasses Made Fast Right Here
Get your new glasses fast with our swift turnaround on most single vision prescriptions and a wide range of in-stock lens options. If you’re replacing your lenses, but keeping your current frames, we won’t need to send your glasses away. You can continue wearing your glasses until the lenses are ready.
In-House Lab: Your New
Glasses Made Fast Right Here
Get your new glasses fast with our swift turnaround on most single vision prescriptions and a wide range of in-stock lens options. If you’re replacing your lenses, but keeping your current frames, we won’t need to send your glasses away. You can continue wearing your glasses until the lenses are ready.
Visit Our Oshawa Eye Clinics
Simcoe Office
Vision Care Centre
We have convenient free parking just behind our building.
- 136 Simcoe St N
- Oshawa, ON L1G 4S7
Hours of Operation
*Saturdays once a month
Glazier Office
Medical Centre
Find us in the Glazier Medical Centre. Our Glazier eye clinic is accessible, with convenient ramp access and powered doors.
- 11 Gibb St.
- Oshawa, ON L1H 2J9
Hours of Operation
*Saturdays once a month
