https://eyedropshop.ca/fr/blogs/news.atomEyeDropShop - The EyeDropShop Blog2023-12-14T10:23:13-05:00EyeDropShophttps://eyedropshop.ca/fr/blogs/news/application-steps-for-maximum-volume-with-we-love-eyes-lashfull-thinking%E2%84%A2-black-pressed-serum-mascara-with-widelash%E2%84%A22023-12-14T10:23:13-05:002023-12-15T13:32:44-05:00Application Steps for Maximum Volume with We Love Eyes Lashfull Thinking™ BLACK Pressed Serum Mascara with Widelash™Daniel Elkeslassy
This non-waterproof mascara is like nothing you've ever used before. All your preconceived notions about mascara – let's just toss them aside and start all over again. Here I will discuss the theory behind my formulation, and how to create a lash look (and for some) will look like you just left the lash extension salon. But first, let's jump to the suggested use for those that are TL;DR . . . Here ya go!
This non-waterproof mascara is like nothing you've ever used before. All your preconceived notions about mascara – let's just toss them aside and start all over again. Here I will discuss the theory behind my formulation, and how to create a lash look (and for some) will look like you just left the lash extension salon. But first, let's jump to the suggested use for those that are TL;DR . . . Here ya go!
Curl first. Apply 1 coat of a mascara primer of your choosing. Curl again if desired;
Wait 1 minute. Apply the 1st coat of Lashfull Thinking mascara.
Let dry for 1 minute. Apply the 2nd coat of Lashfull Thinking mascara.
Separate lashes with the tool of your choosing.
Enjoy your beautiful lashes!
THE THEORY BEHIND MY FORMULATION.
I wanted to create a solution for my dry eye / meibomian gland dysfunction patients that have struggled from these inflammatory eye problems for many years. With chronic inflammation comes dry, brittle lashes. This group of patients are also contraindicated for prostaglandin type lash serums such as Latisse® / LashBoost®, lash extensions, lash lifts, and for some - also false lashes because of the glue. Here I will outline the ingredients in the mascara so you can see if it's right for you or your patients.
So, what the heck is a pressed serum anyways?
Traditionally, a pressed serum is a thicker formulation like a balm that carries a concentration of benefits such as vitamins, antioxidants, nutrients, fatty acids, etc. With formulations like balms, there is considerably less water and many times no water at all. This allows ingredients such as oils, waxes, fatty acids, esters, and oil based compounds to penetrate more deeply into skin and hair. Why not apply this to the concept of mascara and lash serum at the same time? Long story short – that's what I did.
Where is the actual lash serum?
The lash serum comes in 2 parts.1st the Widelash™which is a trademarked active to help eyelashes appear longer, fuller and stronger by promoting hair bulb keratinocyte proliferation and ensuring optimal hair anchorage. What does that mean? Basically, the active peptide helps to make the lash look and feel less dry, less brittle and more dense. You will not get the long, spider-like lashes like you do with a prostaglandin analog like Latisse® or LashBoost®.
2nd the castor oil. I combed suppliers to find the exact carrier oil that you would find in the Restates prescription eye drop. My goal was to find a castor oil that already had a proven safety track record with dry eye patients. Castor oils are not created equal. Even with cold pressed castor oils, you can get trace amounts of ricin which is a toxin. Here, this castor oil is cleaned and purified in a way to remove 100% of the bad stuff but leaving 100% of the good stuff. The difference is very obvious when you compare this castor oil to common castor oils you'll find on Amazon, for example.
Our castor oil is less sticky, it's very pale yellow in color, and when comparing wholesale cost . . . Let's put it this way. 1kg of an organic, cold pressed castor oil is about $10 USD; while our pharmaceutical grade, super-purified castor oil is $1150 USD for the same 1kg. Even though the INCI reads the same "Ricinis Communis (Castor) Seed Oil" – it's definitely not the same. Not all diamonds are created of equal clarity, right? Right.
P.S. If you want this special castor oil straight up, please check out our Lashfull Thinking™ Follicle Oil where you can get a 10mL sized bottle of this castor oil with 0% dilution. But I digress . . .
Korean beauty inspired
Lashfull Thinking™ mascara contains very little water. And instead of straight up water – I wanted to infuse the methodologies of K beauty. Drinking barley tea and applying barley stem water onto the skin has been a K beauty staple for centuries. Barley Stem Water is the base of our mascara. It's rich in unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Barley also contains selenium that doubles as a powerful antioxidant. It is also anti-inflammatory which is more ideal for maintaining a healthy eyelid skin barrier which is integral when you're trying to maximize lash appearance for dry eye and MGD patients.
THE LASH EXTENSION EFFECT
When you're stuck with unhappy lashes from dry eyes / MGD but also are contraindicated for lash extensions and false lashes . . . what do you do? There are 2 types of esters and waxes in Lashfull Thinking™ mascara; soft versus hard.
The soft esters & waxes.Here, the purpose of these ingredients is to provide volume. This will require application with a volume type mascara wand that will pick up as much mascara as possible. It's like a wheel barrow instead of a shovel. For some users, soft esters and waxes will smudge. In cases like this, apply a mascara primer or base mascara and let dry for 1 minute before using Lashfull Thinking™ mascara.
After the 1st coat of Lashfull Thinking™ mascara, allow the soft esters and waxes to dry completely for 1 minute. If this step is skipped, it's like applying 2 coats of nail polish without allowing the 1st coat to properly dry. It's a mess. You follow me . . . Once the 1st coat of Lashfull Thinking™ mascara has dried properly, you know have applied the VOLUME. But wait, we are not done yet.
The hard esters & waxes. Now apply the 2nd coat of Lashfull Thinking™ mascara. The second coat has a lot going on because now, we are relying on the soft esters and waxes to provide anchorage for the hard esters and waxes. Here, hard esters and waxes will extend the mascara length. The idea is to provide length like tubing mascara without the nylon or fibers but also provide a more glam look like lash extensions.
THE COMB OUT
Remember we just seriously dumped a ton of formula on your lashes. Here, some clumping is very normal. The finishing touch will be to comb out your lashes with a tool of your choice to complete the final look. The final look will have each lash volumized and lengthened in formula.
You will also notice that commonly, 2 lashes will stick together to create the volume. The 2 lashes are working together so that length can be added. First the volume. Then the length. Do not comb out until the very end. If you comb out after the 1st coat, you’ll just be breaking up the volume. Without the volume, length cannot be added properly. With practice and repeated application sessions, you will find that sweet spot.
Lashfull Thinking™ mascara can be used with or without a lash primer or base. This will greatly depend on the ability of your lashes to hold on to the initial coat of the soft esters and waxes and allowing them to completely dry. The more healthy and the more oily the eyelash, the more likely the soft esters and waxes will slip off and not dry properly.
In cases like this, using a mascara primer or an existing mascara as the base will allow the soft esters and waxes to stick and dry firmly to the eyelash. You will not know if you will need to use a lash primer until you experiment with Lashfull Thinking™ mascara a few times. The most common finding will be excessive smudging even after waiting 1 minute between the first and second coats. Once you tweak the application to suit your eyelash type, you’ll love love love Lashfull Thinking™ mascara.
The Tea on my Preservative System
Lashfull Thinking™ mascara has my signature style preservative system because I formulate for the sole purpose of eye care. When it comes to mascara, the preservatives are usually at maximum concentrations to ensure safety. This is super important because you're applying formula directly to the eyelashes – and repeatedly. The risk of contamination with bacteria and or mold/yeast are higher than say something like an eye cream
Here, I've designed a botanical based preservative system usingMagnoliaandHonokiolderived fromMagnoliabark.Benzyl Alcohol, Sodium Benzoate, and Potassium Sorbate complete the preservative system. Here, 5 ingredients for the preservative system. Initially one would read this as too many preservatives, right? Lemme ask you. Keeping the efficacy of preventing microbial growth the same, what would be better? 1 preservative at a concentration of 2%, or 5 ingredients that work as a preservative system with a concentration of 0.4% each? My answer is the latter because the lower concentrations are less likely to cause irritation and allergy over time. Formulating is so much fun:)
The Full Ingredients List
Here's the full ingredients list in case you wondered.
Please note that my Lashfull Thinking™ mascara is formulated without certain ingredients because it's the DNA of the We Love Eyes brand. Just because they are not the ingredients of my choosing, doesn't mean they are unsafe. It just means, I don't like them. My choice.
Widelash™ starts working in 28 days when 2 coats are applied to upper & lower lashes daily;
Our castor oil starts working in about 1 full lash cycle, about 45 days;
Available only in black;
Non-waterproof formula;
Made in Italy;
9mL;
6 month PAO (Product After Opening) date.
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https://eyedropshop.ca/fr/blogs/news/toxic-soup-syndrome-in-dry-eye2023-11-21T20:00:19-05:002023-11-21T20:00:19-05:00Toxic Soup Syndrome in Dry EyeDiana NguyenPlus]]>
This postToxic Soup Syndrome in Dry Eyefirst appeared onMyDryEye.ca It was written byDr. Diana Nguyen. Please visit MyDryEye.ca to visit the original post.
Chronic inflammation is identified as a significant risk factor for dry eye disease. Conditions like ocular rosacea and meibomian gland disease (MGD) are often associated with these issues. Additionally, preservatives found in various topical medications (especially in glaucoma medication) worsens dry eye disease. In addition to MGD, the preservative toxicity leads to chronic inflammation otherwise known as toxic soup syndrome.
What is Toxic Soup Syndrome?
Toxic soup syndrome, which is induced by inadequate drainage of pooled inflammatory mediators and is underdiagnosed in the dry eye space.Gouvea et. al.,focused on a diverse group of patients diagnosed with ocular surface disease associated with narrowing of the puncta.
A breakdown in any part of the lacrimal system can lead to a poor functioning outflow of tears. Inflammatory mediators infiltrate the ocular surface homeostasis as the “toxic soup of tears” lay stagnant on the eye. The lacrimal system is responsible for tear production and drainage. It involves the lacrimal gland (tear producer), lacrimal sac, and nasolacrimal duct (tear drainage system).
Treatment options will include dilation and irrigation for blocked punctal openings and/or removal of punctal plugs. These safe procedures aim to open the puncta and facilitate proper tear flow to reduce chronic inflammation on the ocular surface. If your tear function is severely damaged then your optometrist may refer you to a surgeon for a punctoplasty.
Assess if You Have Toxic Soup Syndrome- Ask Your Doctor
Toxic soup syndrome develops due to pooled inflammatory mediators in the eyes. This is often in the context of ocular rosacea, MGD, or the use of preserved topical medications. Dilation of the puncta is considered crucial, along with eliminating preservative toxicity and treating eye inflammation. If you are looking for an optometrist that performs dilation and irrigation, visit one of ourMyDryEye clinics.
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https://eyedropshop.ca/fr/blogs/news/can-you-use-eye-drops-before-bed2023-11-01T12:45:47-04:002023-11-01T12:45:48-04:00Can You Use Eye Drops Before Bed?Diana NguyenPlus]]>
This postCan You Use Eye Drops Before Bed?first appeared onMyDryEye.ca It was written byDr. Diana Nguyen. Please visit MyDryEye.ca to visit the original post.
If you suffer fromdry eyes, you know how uncomfortable life can be when your eyes feel irritated, gritty, and scratchy. When you wake up in the morning, and the first thing you feel is your dry eyes, it can set the wrong tone for your day.
You can use eye drops before bed and throughout the day to help keep your eyes moist and prevent discomfort, but you should also always follow your eye doctor’s instructions for eye drop use.Before you use any eye drops, it’s important to schedule an appointment for a dryeye examto get personalized recommendations for eye drop use based on your individual health and lifestyle.
Eye Drops for Dry Eyes
Using eye drops can be a great way to keep your eyes moist and comfortable. Eye drops that contain lubricants are designed to work like natural tears and provide quick relief for dry eyes.
When you sleep, your eyes stay closed, and you may not need to add artificial moisture. However, if you are susceptible to dry eyes, you may benefit from using eye drops before bed.
Applying eye drops before bed can help to soothe your eyes and provide moisture throughout the night, helping you to wake up refreshed and with clear vision. Using thickerointments, as opposed to liquid drops, may be more nourishing for your dry eyes upon waking up.
Preservatives vs. Preservative-Free Eye Drops
Eye drops are available in preservative and preservative-free formulas.Preservativeshelp prevent the growth of bacteria, but they can irritate your delicate eyes.
Preservative-free drops are a standard recommendation for those with dry eyes. Since they have no preservatives, they last only a short time after being opened but can be used repeatedly throughout the day.
Waking Up with Dry Eyes
If you’rewaking up with dry eyesfrequently, your symptoms may be caused by several factors, including:
Nocturnal lagophthalmos
Insufficient tear production
Tears that evaporate too quickly
Nocturnal Lagophthalmos
Nocturnal lagophthalmosis a condition where your eyelids do not fully close during sleep. This can cause your eyes to become dry and irritated due to exposure to the room’s dry air or other allergens present.
Additionally, nocturnal lagophthalmos can increase tear evaporation, which can trigger dry eye symptoms. If you are experiencing this condition, try using ointment before you fall asleep to help lock in moisture.
Insufficient Tear Production
When your eyes don’t make enough tears to stay hydrated, you may developaqueous-deficient dry eye, which can be caused by:
When your tears evaporate too quickly, you may developevaporative dry eye—the most common form of dry eye. Evaporative dry eye can occur when your oil-producing meibomian glands become blocked and aren’t able to provide enough oil to support your tear film, resulting inmeibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
Meibomian gland dysfunction can be worsened by:
Skin conditions
Extended contact lens wear
Dry environments
Antihistamines, antidepressants, retinoids, birth control, and hormone therapy
Vitamin A deficiency
Eye surgery
Contact lens wearers, people living in dry environments, or those with other ocular disorders might experience MGD more frequently. Adjusting your diet, staying hydrated, and practicing good screen habits may help improve the quality of your tears.
Your optometrist may recommend preservative-free eye drops, prescription eye drops, orother treatmentsto restore healthy tear production.
Habits to Help Relieve Dry Eye
Using eye drops and an ointment can help you get relief from dry eyes, but you will experience more dry eye relief by adopting certain habits and making lifestyle adjustments, including the following:
Use a humidifier in your bedroom
Avoid air conditioners, fans, and forced heating systems
Use a warm compress on your eyes
Take frequent breaks from your computer and phone screens
Applying eye drops throughout the day and before bed can help relieve dry eyes. Whether you should use eye drops or not and how often you should use them can depend on your individual needs.Visit an optometrist near youto get an eye exam and a dry eye assessment—and discuss the right treatment and management techniques for your dry eye needs.
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https://eyedropshop.ca/fr/blogs/news/antidepressants-dry-eye2023-09-26T12:47:14-04:002023-09-26T12:47:44-04:00Antidepressants & Dry EyeDiana Nguyen
This blog discusses the potential side effect of dry eyes in individuals taking antidepressant medications. Antidepressants are prescribed to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety by altering brain chemical levels. Dry eye disease, characterized by insufficient tear production or compromised tear quality, can cause symptoms like irritation, redness, and blurred vision.
Antidepressants can provide much-needed support for individuals struggling with depression and anxiety. These medications work by altering the levels of certain chemicals in the brain to improve mood and reduce symptoms associated with mental health conditions. However,antidepressants can have potential side effects, includingdry eyes.
If you experience dry eyes while taking antidepressants, speak to aneye doctorabout your concerns. Through open communication with your eye doctor and other healthcare providers, you can find relief from dry eyes while continuing to benefit from necessary medications.
What Are Antidepressants?
Antidepressantsalter chemical levels in the brain by increasing the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. These chemicals may lessen the symptoms of depression and anxiety, and help provide relief to individuals who often feel overwhelmed by their emotional struggles.
What Is Dry Eye Disease?
Dry eye diseaseoccurs when the eyes fail to produce enough tears or when the quality of tears is compromised, meaning the tears lack 1 or more layers, including aqueous (water), oil, or mucous.Dry eye symptomscan include:
Irritation
Redness
Burning or stinging
Blurry vision
A gritty sensation
People over 50 are more at risk for dry eyes. There are severalcauses of dry eye disease, including:
Age
Gender
Health conditions
Laser eye surgery
Prolonged screen use
Environmental factors
Medications
The Link Between Antidepressants & Dry Eye
Some anti-anxiety medications andtricyclic antidepressants(TCAs) can produce dry eye side effects. Antidepressants can block signals between nerve cells, including the ones that tell your nerve cells to make more tears.Types of TCAsinclude the following:
While severe side effects are uncommon, your eye doctor can help manage complications of dry eye disease when using antidepressants.
Do All Antidepressants Cause Dry Eye?
While dry eye disease can be a potential side effect of some antidepressants, it is important to note that not all antidepressants have the same dry eye effects. There is no evidence of 1 particular antidepressant that will not lead to dry eye symptoms.
However, based on someconclusions, SSRIs can affect tear film stability less than TCAs, and SNRIs can have less dry eye associations than SSRIs. Since responses can vary in individuals, your eye doctor and other healthcare professionals can advise you on which antidepressant to take.
If you are considering or currently taking antidepressants and you experience bothersome side effects, consult your doctor before you take any action. You can also inform them about any existing eye conditions, concerns, and medications you are taking.
Managing Dry Eye
Whether you are on antidepressants or not, routine eye exams are essential. These exams can detect changes in your eye health and help monitor potential dry eye symptoms. If you take antidepressants, your eye doctor can provide tailoredtreatmentsto help you manage dry eye and maintain ocular comfort.
Hydration & Eye Drops
Staying adequately hydrated is vital for overall health, including eye health. Drinking enough water can contribute to tear production. Additionally, several types ofeye drops, such as lubricating, gel, preservative-free, and prescription eye drops, can help relieve dry eye symptoms.
Lifestyle Changes
Extended periods of screen time, whether for work or leisure, can reduce the frequency of blinking. Blinking is essential for distributing tears across the eye’s surface. Consider practicing blinking exercises and taking regular breaks to give your eyes a chance to rest and refresh.
Someresearchsuggests that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods like fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, may positively impact tear production and overall eye health. Including these foods in your diet can complement your efforts to manage dry eye symptoms.
Maintain Your Ocular Health
Antidepressants play a pivotal role in enhancing the lives of countless individuals grappling with mental health challenges. While the potential connection between these medications and dry eye syndrome is a concern, it is vital to approach this issue with understanding and a proactive mindset.
Open communication with your healthcare provider and eye doctor can help them implement strategies to support your eye and overall health. If you are taking antidepressants and experiencing dry eye symptoms,visit an eye doctor near youfor an exam, diagnosis, and a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
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https://eyedropshop.ca/fr/blogs/news/alcohol-dry-eyes-how-drinking-affects-your-eyes2023-09-06T20:23:33-04:002023-09-06T20:23:34-04:00Alcohol & Dry Eyes: How Drinking Affects Your EyesDiana Nguyen
Alcohol is common at social gatherings, casual nights out, or for a celebratory toast for many people. However, it is worth considering the impact of drinking on your body, particularly your eyes. One such consequence of alcohol is dry eyes, which can significantly disrupt eye comfort and overall eye health.
Alcohol is common at social gatherings, casual nights out, or for a celebratory toast for many people. However, it is worth considering the impact of drinking on your body, particularly your eyes.
One such consequence of alcohol is dry eyes, which can significantly disrupt eye comfort and overall eye health. If you experience symptoms of dry eyes, such as a gritty feeling, redness, or blurry vision, visit aneye doctorfor a timely diagnosis andtreatment.
What Is Dry Eye?
Dry eye disease occurs when the eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the quality of tears is compromised. Tears are essential for maintaining eye comfort and health, as they help to lubricate the eyes, wash away debris, and prevent infections.
Insufficient or poor-quality tears can cause the followingdry eye symptoms:
A scratchy or gritty feeling in your eyes
Stinging or burning sensation
Red eyes
Light sensitivity
Blurry vision
Several causes of dry eyes can affect tear production or quality and increase tear evaporation.Causescan include:
Drinking on an empty stomach: Without sufficient food in the stomach to absorb the alcohol, it goes straight into the bloodstream, leading to dehydration.
Appetite suppression: In large quantities, it can suppress appetite. Since you are less likely to eat while drinking alcohol, it gets absorbed faster.
Kidney function: Alcohol disrupts kidney function, affecting electrolyte and fluid balance and reduces fluid retention in the body.
Signs of mild to moderate dehydration can include the following:
Thirst
Headache
Dark urine
Dizziness
Delirium
Fainting
Alcohol & Dry Eye
Dehydration can extend to various parts of the body, including the eyes. While the short-term effects of alcohol affect temporary disturbances to your vision,the long-term effects of heavy drinkingcan lead to dry eyes.
Dehydrated eyes are more prone to dryness, as the tear film that protects the eye’s surface becomes unstable due to the lack of moisture. Additionally, alcohol’s diuretic properties can disrupt the balance of electrolytes in the body, affecting tear composition and further exacerbating dry eye symptoms.
How Alcohol Can Impact Your Tears
Tear production is a finely tuned process that involves coordination between various glands in and around the eyes. Alcohol can interfere with this process by affecting tear gland function.
Someresearchsuggests that alcohol consumption can reduce tear film volume, a disturbed tear film structure, and a deteriorated tear film, leading to inadequately lubricated eyes. This reduction in tear production and quality can contribute to the discomfort associated with dry eyes, such as a gritty or burning sensation.
Alcohol & Vitamin A Deficiency
Vitamin A plays a crucial role in maintaining eye health, as it contributes to the production of a protein calledrhodopsinthat helps you see in low-light conditions. Excessive alcohol consumption maydeplete the body’s stores of vitamin A, potentially impacting visual health.
A deficiency in vitamin A would cause changes to the mucous membranes in some parts of the eyes, such as the cornea (the clear outer layer of the eye) and conjunctiva (the thin membrane that protects the eye), which can contribute to some causes of dry eye disease.
Treatment for Alcohol-Related Dry Eye
The treatment for vision problems related to alcohol consumption can vary based on individual cases. Your eye doctor can determine the underlying cause or recommend reducing alcohol consumption to reduce your risk of dry eye disease and other effects.
Other things you can do to prevent dehydration include:
Drinking water alongside alcoholic beverages to help counteract some dehydration caused by alcohol.
Consuming foods rich in essential nutrients, including vitamin A, to support overall eye health.
Practicing good eye hygiene, such as using preservative-freeartificial tearsat least twice a day. This can go a long way in preventing and managing dry eye symptoms.
Maintain Your Ocular & Overall Health
While raising a glass and enjoying a drink may add to a social experience, long-term alcohol consumption can have consequences for our eyes.
To maintain healthy eyes and overall health, reduce your consumption of alcohol and make sure you stay hydrated. If you’re experiencing dry eye symptoms,find an eye doctor at MyDryEyefor a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
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https://eyedropshop.ca/fr/blogs/news/can-dry-eyes-cause-headaches2023-08-15T12:02:51-04:002023-09-06T20:20:33-04:00Can Dry Eyes Cause Headaches?Diana Nguyen
Although dry eyes themselves don't directly cause headaches, they can worsen the symptoms associated with migraines. This combination can result in increased light sensitivity, shooting pain, and even nausea or dizziness. Finding a dry eye specialist is important to manage dry eyes and mitigate the worsening of migraine symptoms.
Dry eye diseaseis an extremely common condition that often feels like a burning or sandy sensation between the eyes and eyelids. It can cause redness, irritation, and even blurry vision. In some situations, people who experience migraines notice that dry eyes trigger their migraines to worsen. This has led to the question: can dry eyes actually cause headaches?
While dry eye doesn’t typically cause headaches directly, it can amplify the symptoms often caused by a migraine.Experiencing both conditions at once can lead to shooting pain, increased light sensitivity, and even nausea or dizziness.
This can make it essential tofind a dry eye doctorwho can treat dry eyes and help prevent worsening migraine symptoms.
What Causes Dry Eyes?
Your eyes naturally disperse a thin tear film across their surface every time you blink. This tear film is made of 3 layers: the mucus layer, the water layer, and the oil layer. These layers work together to keep your eye moisturized, hydrated, and protected from debris.
However, a problem can develop with these layers, leading to tears that evaporate too quickly or lower natural tear production in your eyes. These problems with your tears can leave your eyes dry and cause the symptoms of dry eye disease.
Dry Eye Symptoms
Dry eye disease can lead to:
Redness
Inflammation
Eye irritation
A gritty, sandy, or burning sensation
Blurry vision
Watery eyes
Light sensitivity
Can Dry Eyes Lead to Headaches?
While dry eyes can make the symptoms of headaches or migraines worse, they don’t typically directly cause headaches or migraines. Rather, they tend toamplify the symptoms of a headacheand make them more severe. Unfortunately, it currently isn’t known what causes this link—but there are several theories. There are some studies that have been able to identify alink between dry eyes and headaches.
How Are Dry Eyes & Headaches Linked?
One theory often considered is that both dry eye syndrome and migraines are closely linked to significant inflammation, which could increase how severely a person feels these conditions.
A second theory suggests that increased light sensitivity in dry eyes can cause headaches because the brain is overstimulated, leading to feelings of shooting pain in the eyes and brain.
A third theory suggests proprioceptive conflictcaused by binocular vision issues can lead to headaches, which can have overlapping symptoms of dry eye. When there is proprioceptive mismatch between misaligned eyes and the muscular eye system, this creates a neural conflict and leads to inaccurate gaze responses. The constant eye adjustment throughout the day leads to eyestrain and headaches.
Anotherstudy done in 2015also revealed many people who experience both dry eyes and migraines have a lower corneal nerve density, which can contribute to headaches.
No matter what may be causing your symptoms, it’s important to remember that it is possible to get relief from both dry eyes and headaches.
How Is Dry Eye Treated?
Dry eye is considered a highly treatable condition. If you’re looking for relief from your dry eyes, your first step should be tofind a dry eye doctor near you.
Through a comprehensive eye exam, an optometrist can determine what’s causing your dry eye symptoms and recommend an appropriate form of treatment.
One or more of the following treatments may be recommended:
In-office treatmentsfor dry eyes that use specialized equipment and technology to address the underlying causes of dry eyes such as Radiofrequency, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and LipiFlow
In some situations, your dry eye doctor may recommend reducing your screen time or changing your environment to be more comfortable for your eye.
Where Can You Get Help for Dry Eyes?
AtMyDryEye, we know how frustrating dry eyes can be, and we strive to help those with uncomfortable symptoms get the treatment they need.
Find a dry eye doctornear you today, and get the relief you deserve from your dry eyes and headaches!
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https://eyedropshop.ca/fr/blogs/news/eye-irritation-from-wildfire-smoke2023-08-08T22:36:53-04:002023-08-08T22:37:05-04:00Eye Irritation from Wildfire SmokeDiana NguyenPlus]]>
This post Eye Irritation from Wildfire Smoke first appeared on MyDryEye.ca It was written by Dr. Diana Nguyen. Please visit MyDryEye.ca to visit the original post.
One major concern about wildfire smoke is its immediate health implications. Inearly June 2023, the level of wildfire smoke and the air quality was so unhealthy that it set extreme warnings in cities like Toronto, New York and Quebec. Many individuals reported difficulty breathing, chest pain and coughing.
During this period, I noticed an increase in patients symptoms concerning burning eyes, redness and overall eye irritation. Many of my other colleagues in Canada also saw the same surge in these symptoms.
Let’s read more to find out why poor air quality causes wildfire smoke to irritate the eyes and how we can combat it.
Air Pollution and Ocular Irritation
According to aclimate report,wildfire emissions are a significant risk to air quality due to its mixture of volatile organic compounds, gasses and particles that are harmful to the human body. Due to the toxicity in the air, patients suffering from chronic dry eye disease experience worsening symptoms.
Use air purifiers to help improve indoor air quality
If your area is prone to wildfire smoke then investing in a quality air purifier will reduce harsh particles from circulating your home
Don’t Suffer from Wildfire Irritation
If lubricating eye drops and staying indoors aren’t enough to combat the effects of the smoke particles, you may need stronger eye drops or dry eye treatment. Find adry eye doctor near youso they can provide you with a thorough assessment to manage eye irritation from wildfire smoke.
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https://eyedropshop.ca/fr/blogs/news/does-humidity-cause-dry-eye2023-07-12T22:15:12-04:002023-08-08T22:37:33-04:00Does Humidity Cause Dry Eye?Diana NguyenPlus]]>
This post Does Humidity Cause Dry Eye? first appeared on MyDryEye.ca It was written by Dr. Diana Nguyen. Please visit MyDryEye.cato visit the original post.
Does Humidity Cause Dry Eye?
Humidity plays a role in the development and management of dry eye syndrome. Symptoms of dry eye include discomfort, redness and sensations of burning. The disease occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly.
Humidity refers to the amount of moisture present in the air. Generally, in dry environments with low humidity, the moisture in your tears can evaporate more rapidly, exacerbating dry eye symptoms.
Managing dry eye in relation to humidity involves a combination of lifestyle changes and palliative treatment at home. Listed below are a few tips to help reduce discomfort:
1. Use a portable humidifier: In dry environments, using a humidifier can increase the moisture content in the air and help alleviate dry eye symptoms. Place the humidifier in the room where you spend the most time, such as your bedroom or your workplace.
2. Avoid excessive exposure to dry and extreme humid environments: Try to limit your time in environments with extreme humidity levels. This may involve wearing eyewear that retains moisture such asZiena eyewearor taking breaks and going indoors to rest in a more comfortable setting.
3. Blinking frequently: When focusing on screens, make a conscious effort to blink more frequently. Blinking helps distribute tears evenly across the surface of the eyes and keeps it moist.
4. Use artificial tears: Preservative-free drops can provide temporary relief for dry eye symptoms. These eye drops mimic the natural tears and can help lubricate the eyes. Here is a list of eye drops that are in the doctor’s cabinet, but always listen to your optometrists recommendations.
Thealoz-duo
I-Drop Pur
Evolve Daily Intensive
If you would like to read more about the specifics of these drops, you can readour previous blog here.
Want Dry Eye Help?
Humidity can influence dry eye, but other factors such as environmental conditions, underlying health conditions, and lifestyle choices can also contribute to dry eye syndrome. A comprehensive dry eye exam is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. Visit adry eye doctor near youto get your eyes assessed for the right treatment!
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https://eyedropshop.ca/fr/blogs/news/how-to-apply-eye-ointment-for-dry-eye2023-06-25T00:50:06-04:002023-08-08T22:37:46-04:00How to Apply Eye Ointment for Dry EyeDiana Nguyen
How can you apply eye ointment to treat dry eyes? Learn more about eye ointments, including how they can relieve dry eye symptoms and how to apply them.
Eye ointment is a semi-solid, oil substance that can be used to treat dry eyes. It is a thicker form of eye drops that many patients use to relieve dry eye symptoms. Similar to eye drops, dry eye ointments can support your natural tears by providing temporary moisture. They can help soothe dry, irritated eyes. It’s important to note that ointments may blur your vision, which can make them ideal for nighttime use.
Why Use Eye Ointment?
Eye ointment may be recommended by your eye doctor based on the cause of your dry eyes. Many people develop dry eyes because of issues with theirtear film, which is made of 3 layers that help keep your eyes moist and protected.
The layers of your tear film include:
Mucin: The mucin layer helps tears stabilize and spread across the eye’s surface.
Water: The water (aqueous) layer of your tear film helps protect your eyes from debris and other foreign bodies and helps hydrate your eyes.
Oil: The oil layer, also known as the lipid layer, helps stop your tears from evaporating too quickly with oil created by yourmeibomian glands.
When there are issues with your tear film, your body may not produce enough tears, or your tears may evaporate too quickly. An insufficient tear film may need support from eye ointment, especially if you suffer from dry, irritated eyes.
Another reason your optometrist may recommend an ointment is due to a condition called lagophthalmos. Lagophthalmos is a medical condition characterized by the inability to fully close the eyelids.
When a person has lagophthalmos, their eyelids do not come together properly when they close their eyes, leaving a gap or opening between the eyelids. This condition can affect one or both eyes and can vary in severity. It may be temporary or persistent, depending on the underlying cause. An ointment can act as a barrier to protect the portion of the eye that is exposed.
What’s the Difference Between Eye Drops & Eye Ointment?
You may notice both eye drops and ointments, but what’s the difference between these 2 options?
Ointments are often thicker than eye drops and can sometimes provide longer-lasting relief, but they can slightly blur your vision as well. They are typically recommended for use when going to sleep, while eye drops may be recommended for when you need moisture throughout the day.
How to Apply Eye Ointment
The most important thing about applying eye ointment is taking steps to protect your eyes from infection. Touching areas around your eyes can lead to complications if bacteria enters your eye, so it’s recommended to wash your hands thoroughly and avoid physical contact with the ointment tube while applying eye ointment.
You can apply eye ointment effectively by following these steps:
Wash your hands before you attempt to apply eye ointment.
Looking upward at the ceiling, tilt your head so excess ointment moves away from your nose.
Hold the ointment tube close to your eye (approximately 1 inch away).
Pull your lower eyelid down to create an area to apply the ointment.
Squeeze the ointment tube to place it near your eye.
Let go of your eyelid while staring at the ceiling and close your eye to help the ointment spread and absorb.
Wash your hands after applying the ointment to both eyes.
What Is the Best Eye Ointment?
After examining your eyes, your optometrist can recommend the right eye ointment for your needs. Your eye doctor can determine the root cause of your dry eyes and create a customized treatment plan designed to support your individual eye health.
One of the recommended ointments from your doctor’s cabinet is I-Defence Ointment. It contains 0.40% sodium hyaluronate and provides a prolonged contact time with the tear film.
Relieve Your Dry Eye Symptoms
Your eye doctor can help identify if an ointment is recommended for your needs with a dry eye exam. Although dry eye symptoms can seem unavoidable, ointments can help keep your eyes hydrated and provide long-lasting relief. Find a nearby dry eye doctorto help determine the cause of your dry eye symptoms and begin your journey to comfortable vision.
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https://eyedropshop.ca/fr/blogs/news/what-is-a-dry-eye-flare-up2023-06-17T17:39:33-04:002023-08-08T22:37:57-04:00What is a Dry Eye Flare-Up?Diana NguyenPlus]]>
This post What is a Dry Eye Flare-Up first appeared on MyDryEye.ca It was written by Dr. Diana Nguyen. Please visit MyDryEye.ca to visit the original post.
Even with successful treatment and reduced symptoms, you may still suffer adry eye flare-up from time to time. These flare-ups can be painful and it may feel like your eyes are back at square one,but they are normal to experience occasionally. Let’s dive into this blog and learn more about dry eye flare-ups and how to get past this speed bump in your dry eye journey.
Definition of a Dry Eye Flare Up
A flare-up is defined as an episode of rapid-onset dry eye symptoms that usually occurs as a result of an external trigger. It’s been estimated that80 – 90% of dry eye sufferers experience a flare upat least 6 times a year. Those with severe dry eyes will tend to experience more flare-ups due to the chronicity of the disease.
Rest assured that a flare-up does not mean that the current treatments are not working, but why does a flare-up occur?
Well, let’s think about chronic back pain. The severity of back pain usually reduces with physical therapy, consistent exercise and stretching. However, small triggers and changes in your daily routine can exacerbate back pain such as carrying larger items or having a bad posture at work.
The same situation applies to dry eyes since it is a chronic condition. There are several triggers for a flare-up such as stress, lack of sleep or a change in environment.
Treatment for Dry Eye Flare Ups
If you are experiencing a flare-up, contact your dry eye doctor so they can temporarily give you relief. Your doctor may recommend the following:
Prescribing a short-course of steroids such as Lotemax or Alrex
Although these drugs help calm down the intense inflammation, there are adverse side effects if overused such as increased eye pressures and early cataract formation
Increasing the dosage of your preservative-free eye drops
Making lifestyle changes such as drinking more fluids, reducing stress triggers and avoiding dry environments
Don’t Suffer With a Flare-Up for Long
It’s important to recognize when you’re experiencing a flare-up so it can be addressed as soon as possible. Visit adry eye doctor near youto get your eyes assessed for the right treatment!
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https://eyedropshop.ca/fr/blogs/news/why-does-it-feel-like-something-is-in-my-eye2023-06-17T17:34:50-04:002023-08-08T22:38:09-04:00Why Does It Feel like Something Is in My Eye?Diana NguyenPlus]]>
This post Why Does it Feel like Something Is in My Eyefirst appeared on MyDryEye.ca It was written by Dr. Diana Nguyen. Please visit MyDryEye.ca to visit the original post.
A sensation that something is in your eye can be irritating, but why does it occur? You may experience an uncomfortable sensation, like a scratch. It may feel like something is stuck in your eye, but everytime you look in the mirror, there’s nothing there!
This sensation can be frustrating, but it is also common.The feeling of something in your eye is often caused bydry eyeor a foreign body.
Let’s look at how you can distinguish the causes and what you can do to find relief.
Is It a Foreign Body?
A foreign body occurs when an object gets lodged in your eye, such as dust or a tiny eyelash.
When this happens, your eyes will try to flush out the object with tears, which can lead to watering and redness. It can also cause a feeling of irritation, like something is scratching the surface of your eye.
If you suspect something is in your eye, flush the object usingartificial tearsor saline solution. If you can’t remove it or the sensation persists, seek medical attention from your eye doctor.
Is It Dry Eye?
Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears to keep the eye’s surface lubricated or if the tears evaporate too quickly.
A healthy tear film has water, oil, and mucin for lubricating, nourishing, preventing evaporation, and helping tears stick to the eye’s surface. An imbalanced tear film can cause dry eyes.
Various factors, such as age, hormonal changes, certain medications, health conditions,meibomian gland dysfunction, and environmental factors like dry air or wind, can affect the tear film. When your eyes are dry, you may feel the following symptoms:
Scratchiness or grittiness
Foreign body sensation
Redness
Blurred vision
Light sensitivity
Treatment for Dry Eye
If you suspect you have dry eye, there are several things you can do to relieve the symptoms. A complete dry eye assessment can help your eye doctor create apersonalized treatment plan. This can include:
Prescription eye drops, such asRestasis and Cequacan help with inflammation.
You can also reduce your exposure to environmental factors that can worsen dry eye with lifestyle changes, such as:
Using a humidifier
Wearing wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun
Avoiding wind, smoke, air conditioning, or other irritants
Reducing screen time by taking breaks to rest your eyes
Drinking plenty of water
Getting enough sleep
Increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids
Other Causes of Foreign Body Sensation
In addition to a foreign body and dry eye, there are other less common causes of the feeling that something is in your eye. These can include:
Corneal abrasion: This is a scratch on the cornea (clear outer part of your eye). It’s caused by a foreign particle under the eyelid, poking the eye, or vigorously rubbing the eyes that can feel like something in your eye.
Infection: Blepharitis is the eyelid inflammation caused by blocked oil glands.
Chalazia or stye: Tiny, painless lump that develops on your eyelid.
Conjunctivitis: Pink eye is the inflammation of the conjunctive (tissue that lines the inner surface of your eyelid and covers the white part of your eye).
Corneal ulcer: Open sore on the cornea caused by a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection.
Pterygium: This is a harmless growth of the conjunctiva over the cornea. It may have links to exposure to sunlight, dust, and wind.
Find a Dry Eye Doctor to Help Alleviate the Scratchy Feeling!
The feeling that something is in your eye can be uncomfortable. The most common causes of this sensation are obstruction and dry eye, but there can be other causes.
The eyes are an essential part of overall health. Finding relief for your symptoms is not a one-size-fits-all approach. To find the root cause of your symptoms and get the proper treatment for your needs,find a MyDryEye near youthat can recommend a tailored dry eye plan.
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https://eyedropshop.ca/fr/blogs/news/can-t-see-at-night-while-driving-is-dry-eye-the-cause2023-06-17T17:28:38-04:002023-08-08T22:38:23-04:00Can’t See at Night While Driving? Is Dry Eye the Cause?Diana NguyenPlus]]>
This post Can't See at Night While Driving? Is Dry Eye the Cause first appeared on MyDryEye.ca It was written by Dr. Diana Nguyen. Please visit MyDryEye.ca to visit the original post.
If you often feel a burning, gritty, or stinging sensation in your eyes, you may be dealing with dry eye. This is a common condition that affects many Canadians every year, and feels like irritation or dryness in your eye.
With a wide range of causes and effects, it can make your day-to-day life much harder—and this is even more true if you’re doing a focused task like driving.Dry eye can cause many different vision problemsthat can make driving at night more difficult, including blurry vision, irritation, and watery eyes. Reduced visibility can be a major risk factor for vehicle accidents.
It’s important to visityour optometristfor regular comprehensive eye exams, especially if you’re dealing withdry eyes and blurriness. By determining the cause of your dry eye, you can take precautions to keep your eyes comfortable and stay safer behind the wheel.
What Is Dry Eye?
Dry eye, also known asdry eye syndrome, is a condition that causes a burning, dry, or gritty sensation in your eyes. This is caused by a disruption to your tear film, which can be caused by a variety of factors.
Tear Development
Your eye naturally produces tears and disperses them across its surface. These tears are made up of3 primary components:
The water layer, which provides moisture, lubrication, and oxygen
The oil layer, which helps prevent the tear layer from evaporating too early
The mucus layer, which helps spread the tears evenly across the surface of the eye
If there is a problem with any of these 3 layers, it can disrupt your tear production. This can lead to your eye either producing too few tears, or poor-quality tears.
What Other Factors Can Cause Dry Eye?
Many external factors can affect your tear film and its ability to keep your eyes lubricated. Other factors, like medication, sleep issues, medical conditions, or aging can contribute heavily.
One important potential cause of dry eye is simply the environment around you. If you live, sleep, or work in an area that’s especially dry, dusty, or hot, this can lead to your eyes having to work harder to produce the tears needed to accommodate your needs.
Certain activities can make dry eye syndrome worse, such as:
Many people report that their dry eyes areworse at night. This can be caused by many different things.
One of the main reasons for dry eyes being worse at night is simply that we may blink more during the day. This means we’re constantly getting a new film of tears over our eyes. But at night, especially if reading, driving, or watching a screen,we often blink less. This can lead to a significantly increased feeling of dryness.
People who wear contact lenses may also find their dry eye syndrome is worse at night. Exposure to screens or the dry air in a car can lead to contact lenses irritating your eye.
How Does Dry Eye Syndrome Affect Driving?
When driving, dry eye can be made much worse. With constant lighting changes from streetlights, tunnels, or the environment around you mixed with oncoming headlights, your eyes have to work harder to keep focused. This makes it even more important to take action to address your dry eyes to avoid discomfort when behind the wheel.
Since dry eye syndrome can cause significant irritation or blurriness, it can lead to distractions while driving. Rubbing your eyes or dealing with temporary vision issues can make it difficult to focus on the road.
How to Manage Dry Eye Syndrome
If you’re dealing with dry eye syndrome in any way, it’s important to visit your optometrist so you can find the root cause of the problem. They can help determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and help you make a plan to treat the condition. In many cases, something as simple as preservative-free eye drops or reducing your screen time can lead to dry eye syndrome receding.
Try using recommended preservative-free eye drops and avoid rubbing your eyes where possible. Switching to glasses can help make sure your eyes don’t work any harder than they have to.
Take Control of Your Eye Health
There are many ways you can help keep your eyes healthy, but at the end of the day, the best way to deal with dry eyes is to speak with an optometrist. They can help you make a plan to treat the problem and can give you advice to make it safer when you have to drive at night.Find a doctorthrough us here at MyDryEye today and speak with a professional!
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https://eyedropshop.ca/fr/blogs/news/can-dry-eye-cause-blurriness2023-06-17T17:27:31-04:002023-08-08T22:38:56-04:00Can Dry Eye Cause Blurriness?Diana NguyenPlus]]>
This post Can Dry Eye Cause Blurrinessfirst appeared on MyDryEye.ca It was written by Dr. Diana Nguyen. Please visit MyDryEye.ca to visit the original post.
If you experience bouts of blurry vision, it does not necessarily mean your prescription has changed.Having blurred vision may be a sign that you are experiencing dry eyes.
Dry eye disease is a very common eye condition that can cause uncomfortable symptoms, including blurriness. An estimated25% of Canadianssuffer from the condition, so if you are experiencing dry eye symptoms, you are not alone.
In addition to blurred vision, dry eye can cause symptoms such as:
Redness
Burning or irritated eyes
Sensation of having something in your eye
Sensitivity to light
If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms in addition to intermittent blurred vision, there is a good chance that your blurred vision may be connected to dry eyes.
For mild cases, dry eye symptoms can betreated at home; however, if you are experiencing persistent symptoms, including blurred vision, it is a good idea to consult with your eye doctor to treat the underlying cause within-office treatments.
How Dry Eyes Can Cause Blurriness
Dry eye occurs due to one of 2 reasons; either your eyes are not producing enough tears, or your tears are evaporating too quickly. The 2 types of dry eye are calledaqueous-deficient dry eye and evaporative dry eye.
Both types of dry eye indicate an issue with your eye’stear film, which plays a vital role in keeping your eyes lubricated and healthy. When you are not producing enough tears, the surface of your eye can quickly become dry and, in some cases, inflamed, which can contribute to distorted or blurred vision.
If left untreated, dry eye can cause damage to your cornea. The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped outer layer at the front of your eye. It is responsible for focusing light onto the retina at the back of your eye, which allows you to see. In severe and rare cases of dry eyes, the damage to your cornea may require surgical intervention.
Risk Factors for Dry Eye & Blurriness
As we discussed above, blurred vision is a common symptom of dry eye. However, there are certain factors that may increase your likelihood of experiencing blurred vision in conjunction with dry eyes. This may include things like wearing contact lenses or spending a lot of time at a computer.
Dry eyes can be caused by a wide variety of factors, including:
Contact Lenses: Wearing contact lenses for an extended period of time can cause dry eyes, as can wearing contacts that do not fit properly. Experiencing dry eyes can also make it difficult to wear contact lenses.
Computer Vision Syndrome:While focusing on a computer screen or smartphone, we blink less often, which can contribute to tear evaporation. Spending an extended period of time in front of a screen can also cause us to exert our eyes, which can cause eye strain and blurred vision.
Age:As we get older, our eyes naturally produce fewer tears, which can lead to dry eye symptoms, including blurred vision.
Environmental Factors:Exposure to certain environmental conditions, such as dry air, wind, and smoke, can contribute to dry eyes.
Medical Conditions:Certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, thyroid problems, andSjogren’s syndrome, can cause dry eyes.
Medications:Some medications, such as antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure medication, can contribute to dry eyes.
Hormonal Changes:Changes in your hormone levels, such as those that occur during pregnancy or menopause, can also cause dry eyes.
How to Treat Dry Eye & Blurriness
If you are experiencing blurred vision caused by dry eye, the first step to restoring your vision will be to treat the root cause. Understanding the underlying cause of dry eye can be an important step in effective treatment.
During a comprehensive dry eye assessment, your eye doctor can work with you to create an effective treatment plan for your specific dry eyes.
Preservative-Free (PF) Eye Drops: PF Eye drops or artificial tears can provide dry eyes with much-needed lubrication. Check out ourprevious blog on the best PF eye dropsfor dry eyes as recommended by your eye doctor. For more persistent cases of dry eyes, you may require a prescription eye drop to manage symptoms.Most commonly, anti-inflammatory eye drops or immunomodulators will be prescribed. One thing to note is that eye drops can often cause blurred vision when first applied; however, your vision should go back to normal shortly after application.
Eyelid Heating & Compression:If you are experiencing dry eyes due to blocked oil glands, heat and compression can be a good treatment option. Depending on the severity of your dry eye, this type of treatment may range from a warm compress (specifically, a Bruder mask) at home, aLipiFlowtreatment orRadiofrequencytreatment at your doctor’s office. Heat treatment should help release oils back into your tear layer, which can cause your vision to become temporarily blurred.
Lifestyle Changes:Making changes to your lifestyle can also help to manage your dry eye symptoms. This includes things like taking regular breaks during screen time, adding a humidifier to your space, and introducingmore omega-3 fatty acidsinto your diet.
When to See an Eye Doctor
It is important to keep in mind that dry eyes are far from the only cause of blurred vision. If you are experiencing persistent blurred vision, you should see your eye doctor for a full comprehensive eye exam.
If you are experiencing dry eye symptoms, including blurred vision, find an eye doctor using theMyDryEye clinic locatorto get started with diagnosing and treating your dry eyes.
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https://eyedropshop.ca/fr/blogs/news/eyelid-cleansers-and-wipes-for-blepharitis2023-06-17T17:26:11-04:002023-08-08T22:39:05-04:00Eyelid Cleansers and Wipes for BlepharitisDiana NguyenPlus]]>
This post Eyelid Cleansers and Wipes for Blepharitisfirst appeared on MyDryEye.ca It was written by Dr. Diana Nguyen. Please visit MyDryEye.ca to visit the original post.
Thorough cleaning of the eyelids will lead to optimal eyegiene (eyelid hygiene) for healthier eyes. In this blog, we will discuss which eyelid wipes and cleansers are the safest to reduce blepharitis.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is characterized as inflammation of the eyelids caused by microbial overgrowth and debris. Almost everyone has a natural amount of microflora on their eyelids, but an increased concentration causes irritated, red and itchy eyes. The solution to reduce the blepharitis is to practice eyegiene!
Avoid Baby Shampoo
Using baby shampoo to clean the eyes is an outdated treatment that should be avoided.The literature suggests that baby shampoo isn’t effective at reducing bacteria and inflammation caused by blepharitis. In fact, it may also be causing damage to the goblet cells in the cornea. Additionally, baby shampoo contains many preservatives that can irritate the sensitive tissues of the eye. Ditch the baby shampoo and use products in your eye doctor’s cabinet that are safe and gentle for the eyes.
What’s in the Eye Doctor’s Cabinet?
Blephaclean
Blephaclean wipes are uniquely formulated to effectively clean the lids. The wipes are created with high quality, medical grade gauze and are individually packaged for sterility. It does not contain preservatives, perfumes or parabens so it’s gentle and safe for even the most sensitive skin and eyes. If you have been diagnosed with blepharitis, these wipes can help reduce biofilm and debris to optimize the eye surface and keep it clean.
Blephagel Duo
Blephagel Duo is a hypoallergenic gel for gentle eyelid cleansing. In addition to removing oil and dirt from the eyelids, it also soothes and cools the eyelids. Its sterile-free dispensing tube expels a calibrated dose with each pump to prevent bacterial contamination. This cleanser is also preservative free, paraben free and perfume free.
If you wear false eyelashes, this product is oil free so it won’t remove the glue from the lash extensions. Lastly, Blephagel Duo is a rinse-free formulation so it won’t leave a harsh residue on the eyelids.
Hypochlorous Acid (HOCL)
HOCl is a gentle antimicrobial and antibacterial solution. BIHOCL O.D. is available for Canadians and comes in a spray bottle formulation that is oil-free, alcohol-free and paraben free. Since it’s oil-free, BIHOCL O.D. can be used with lash extensions. It is an effective option to remove bacteria, reduce inflammation and restore eye comfort. Additionally, the pH for BIHOCL O.D. helps maintain its stability and makes it comfortable for the eyes.
I-Lid ‘N Lash
I-Lid ‘N Lash reduces blepharitis and debris on the eyes. It contains hyaluronic acid to moisturize and stabilize the tear film. The formulation is in an eyelid wipe or a cleanser. I-Lid ‘N Lash is safe to use to reduce itchiness, redness and bacterial build-up.
Do You Still Have Itchy and Red Eyelids? Find a Dry Eye Doctor Near You
Practicing daily eyegiene helps restore balance and reduces the risks of infections. I would recommend cleaning your eyelids at least once a day and during the same time as when you brush your teeth. However, if your eyelids are still itchy, red or dry,find a dry eye doctor near you. These doctors hold high standards of care when it comes to diagnosing and treating dry eyes. They can examine your eyes thoroughly and assess if there are any additional findings and recommendations.
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https://eyedropshop.ca/fr/blogs/news/can-dry-eyes-from-allergies-be-treated2023-06-17T17:24:44-04:002023-08-08T22:39:16-04:00Can Dry Eyes From Allergies Be Treated?Diana NguyenPlus]]>
This postCan Dry Eyes From Allergies Be Treated first appeared on MyDryEye.ca It was written by Dr. Diana Nguyen. Please visit MyDryEye.ca to visit the original post.
Treatment for eye allergies is simple and effective with anti-allergy drops as prescribed by your optometrist. Additionally, your doctor may also recommend a cool compress to reduce the inflammation and preservative-free artificial drops to wash away the irritant.
Dry Eyes and Allergies
Dry eyes is a condition where the eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears dry up too quickly because of low oil. Symptoms include grittiness, burning and irritation.
There are some allergy medications such asantihistaminesthat can cause dry eyes. Additionally, if you have allergies, your eyes will be more prone to inflammation which can increase the risk of developing dry eyes.
Treatments for Dry Eyes
If you suffer from dry eyes caused by allergies, there are several treatments to help reduce dry eye symptom. Usually a treatment plan that includes both at-home and in-office treatments provides the best results. Below is a condensed list of therapies that can help reduce your symptoms.
Need Help to Stop Itchy and Dry Eyes? Find a Dry Eye Doctor Near You!
You don’t have to suffer from dry eyes and allergies through the spring and summer months. Speak to an optometrist that is an expert in the dry eye field so they can curate a specific treatment plan for you. Head over to ourdoctor locatorto find a clinic near you.
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https://eyedropshop.ca/fr/blogs/news/home-remedies-for-dry-eyes2023-06-17T17:21:26-04:002023-08-08T22:39:27-04:00Home Remedies for Dry EyesDiana NguyenPlus]]>
This post Home Remedies for Dry Eyes first appeared on MyDryEye.ca It was written by Dr. Diana Nguyen. Please visit MyDryEye.ca to visit the original post.
Do you suffer fromdry eyes? It can be uncomfortable and inconvenient, not to mention itchy and irritating. While seeing your optometrist can help provide relief, there are ways you can also get daily relief yourself. Look no further if you’re looking for home remedies to help relieve your dry eyes.
Some of the commonhome remedies for dry eyes includewarm compresses, good eye hygiene, blinking,omega-3 fatty acids, hydration, wraparound sunglasses, eye drops, and better sleep.Learning more about these home remedies can help you get relief from daily dry eye symptoms.
Home Remedies for Dry Eyes
Warm Compresses
Awarm compresssuch as a Bruder mask is a tried and true method to easesymptoms of dry eyes. Utilizing a warm cloth will not produce the same results as it does not retain the heat very well.
When gently placed on the eyes, a warm compress can increase blood flow to glands that create oil for your eyes, which can help relieve dry eyes by increasing oil production. It can also reduce any pain associated with redness or discomfort.
Whenusing a warm compress, it should be heated for 20 seconds in the microwave and then placed across your eyes for about 5-8 minutes. The warmth from the Bruder Mask can help keep your eyes hydrated and nourished so you can experience less pain and more comfort.
It’s important to be gentle when cleansing and avoid direct contact with the eyes or other sensitive skin.
Blinking More
Blinkinghelps prevent dehydration by spreading tears across the surface of the eye. Make a conscious effort to blink more often when using devices such as smartphones or laptops, as these devices can interrupt our natural blink rhythm.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acidsare essential in keeping our eyes healthy and lubricated. Incorporating foods rich in omega 3s into your diet, such as salmon, walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseed oil, soybeans, and tofu, can help improve tear quality by supporting the oily layer of your eyes, which can lead to less dryness in your eyes.
One of the easiestremedies for dry eyesis to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day can help keep your body and your eyes healthy! Even something as simple as having a glass of water at regular intervals throughout the day can make a big difference.
Wearing Wraparound Sunglasses
Wearing wraparound sunglasses helps block out the wind and sun, which can aggravate dry eye symptoms. Make sure to find sunglasses that fit snugly around your face without being too tight or causing any discomfort.
Using a Humidifier
Using a humidifier in your home or office helps keep the air moist, which can help reduce dry eye symptoms. Plus, it’s good for overall health since it helps reduce allergens in the air.
Drops
There are over-the-countereye dropsthat offer relief. A good rule of thumb when picking out eye drops is to avoid those with preservatives becauseharsh chemicals can cause further irritation for a dry eye sufferer. Instead, look for preservative-free drops—these gentle formulations can help ease symptoms of dryness without causing harm.
When we sleep, our immune system stays active and helps fight against inflammation, infection and trauma. It also gives our body a chance to rest and recover.Not getting enough sleepcan lead to redness, fatigue, and irritation around the eyes, worsening existing dry eye symptoms or contributing to new ones.
Eat More Vitamins
Eating foods rich in vitamins C and Ehas been shown to support eye health and reduce the effects of chronic eye conditions like dry eyes. Try adding foods like leafy greens and fatty fish to your diet. Taking supplements is another option, but checkwith your eye doctorbefore taking any supplements!
Quitting Smoking
Smokingreduces oxygen levels in blood vessels around our eyes which could lead to further drying out and worsening of existing dry eye symptoms, as well as other ocular conditions such as macular degeneration.
Tackle Dry Eyes with Home Remedies and Expert Help
Dry eyescan be uncomfortable and inconvenient, but with the right remedies, you can reduce their impact on your life.
While home remedies can help reduce the daily symptoms of dry eyes, if symptoms persist despite taking the most appropriate precautions, then it is best to seek an appointment with an eye doctor.
Remember that if you need help finding a local eye doctor, try ourdry eye doctor locator. We understand how much of a struggle living with dry eyes can be, and we’re here to help you find treatments and strategies for dry eyes that can provide relief.
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https://eyedropshop.ca/fr/blogs/news/will-blinking-more-help-dry-eyes2023-06-17T17:19:39-04:002023-08-08T22:39:38-04:00Will Blinking More Help Dry Eyes?Diana NguyenPlus]]>
This post Will Blinking More Help Dry Eyes? first appeared on MyDryEye.ca It was written by Dr. Diana Nguyen. Please visit MyDryEye.ca to visit the original post.
Finding relief from dry eyes can seem like an overwhelming fear, especially when there is such a wide range of treatment options available.Blinking more can help dry eyesin some situations.
Blinking is our body’s natural way of keeping our eyes lubricated. Not blinking frequently enough can cause you to experience the symptoms ofdry eye disease.
It is important to remember that there is a wide range of environmental and health factors that can contribute to dry eyes. For many individuals, dry eyes will be caused due to issues with the quantity or quality of tears they are producing. For these individuals, blinking more may only provide temporary relief, and they may require additionaltreatment.
It is always best to consult youreye care providerto determine the root cause of your dry eyes and come up with a treatment plan catered to your specific vision needs.
What are Dry Eyes?
Dry eye disease is an eye condition that usually occurs because your eyes are not producing enough tears or your eyes are producing low-quality tears. It is estimated that25% of Canadianssuffer from dry eye disease, making it one of the more common eye conditions in the country.
Causes of Dry Eyes
Common causes of dry eyes include:
Aging:Experiencing dry eyes is often a normal part of the aging process because your eyes may naturally start to produce fewer tears as you get older. Hormonal changes can also contribute to dry eye symptoms.
Medication:Certain medications such as antihistamines, oral contraceptives, and antidepressants can cause dry eyes as a side effect.
Environmental factors:Living in a dry environment or being exposed to environmental irritants like dust and smoke can cause dry eye symptoms.
Digital eye strain:Staring at a computer screen for an extended period of time can contribute to a low blink rate and cause your eyes to become dry.
Symptoms of Dry Eyes
Common dry eye symptoms include:
Redness
Burning or stinging
Sensitivity to light
Watery eyes
Blurred vision
When Can Blinking More Help Dry Eyes?
Blinking regularly is necessary for keeping your eyes lubricated and healthy. Blinking causes the tears that your eyes produce to coat the surface of your eye. Not blinking enough, and in some casesblinking incompletely(meaning that your eyes do not fully close while blinking), can cause you to experience dry eye symptoms.
Digital Eye Strain
In this digital era, we spend a lot of time in front of a screen. Whether you’re formatting a spreadsheet or beating the next level on a video game, it’s easy to get caught up with what is going on on your digital device, so much so that you might even forget to blink.
While blinking is an important bodily function, blinking more can usually only provide temporary relief from dry eye symptoms. However, in the case of dry eyes caused by digital eye strain, how often you blink can be the cause—and solution—of the problem.
Normally, we blink about 22 times per minute. However, we only blink aboutseven times per minutewhile using our computers and smartphones. Lowering your blink rate to only a third of the normal amount can cause your eyes to become dry and irritated.
While using digital devices, make a conscious effort to blink more often. It’s also a good idea to take frequent breaks away from your screen. Adding lubricating eye drops to your eye care routine can also help compensate for a lower blink rate during screen time.
Alternative Dry Eye Treatments
In many cases, dry eyes will require treatment beyond blinking more often. There is a wide variety of treatment options available for dry eyes, so it is important to consult with your eye doctor to determine which type of treatment will work for your dry eye.
Eye drops:Lubricating eye drops can help to rehydrate your eyes. There are hundreds of different drops available on the market that vary in ingredients and quality, but you can shop from our vetted selection ofeye drops. Anti-inflammation eye drops may also be prescribed by your eye doctor to treat inflammation caused by dry eye disease.
Eyelid heating & compression:Using awarm compresssuch as a Bruder mask can help promote healthy tear production. For more advanced cases of dry eye, your eye doctor may recommend a treatment calledLipiFlow®, which involves a deeper cleanse of these important oil glands.
Eye hygiene:Keeping your eyelids clean is another way to promote healthy tear production. Debris along your eyelashes and the margin of your eyelid can interfere with the eye’s natural oil production.
Home therapies:Making adjustments to your environment, like using a humidifier and taking regular breaks from digital devices, can help keep your eyes hydrated. Adding more omega-3 fatty acids to your diet can help boost your eye’s natural oils and reduce inflammation caused by dry eye.
While dry eye disease is usually a chronic condition, it is often possible to find long-term relief. If you are experiencing dry eye symptoms, the first thing you should do is contact your eye doctor to book a comprehensive dry eye exam. This exam will allow your doctor to determine the cause of your dry eyes and create a dry eye treatment plan that works for you.
Our knowledgeable network of eye doctors is here to help. Find an eye doctorhere.
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https://eyedropshop.ca/fr/blogs/news/fix-eye-alignment-for-dry-eye-relief2023-06-17T17:17:52-04:002023-08-08T22:39:46-04:00Fix Eye Alignment for Dry Eye ReliefDiana NguyenPlus]]>
This post Fix Eye Alignment for Dry Eye Relief first appeared on MyDryEye.ca It was written by Dr. Diana Nguyen. Please visit MyDryEye.ca to visit the original post.
Dry eyes, eye fatigue and eye strain are common complaints in the office. These symptoms may be paired with periods of computer discomfort, neck pain and headaches that worsen as the day progresses. Patients that have been unsuccessfully treated for dry eye to relieve symptoms may seek for other treatments such as physiotherapy or rest.
Proprioceptive conflict caused by binocular vision issues could be the reason behind many of these patients’ discomforts. In these cases, patients do not have proper eye alignment and a new technology called, Neurolens may resolve the alignment and symptoms.
Proprioception and the Trigeminal Nerve
Proprioceptive information is sent to brain via the trigeminal nerve, but when there is a proprioceptive mismatch between misaligned eyes and your vestibular and muscular systems, this creates a neural conflict and leads to an inaccurate gaze response. With normal alignment of the eyes, communication between the two eyes is combined seamlessly in the brain.An individual with TD requires several eye adjustments throughout the day to compensate for the misalignment.
This adjustment process stimulates a particular nerve, known as the trigeminal nerve, and overstimulation of this nerve causes symptoms such as eye strain, computer discomfort and headaches. What’s even more interesting is that the misalignment is often greater when looking at an image closer in range. Since we live in a digital world, we are focusing on our phones and computers, and these symptoms are exacerbated.
Studies have shown that the use of Neurolens can increase productivity and reading speed up to 70%. As patients have less headaches and neck strain, the use of Neurolenses has reduced or even eliminated the need to take pain-relieving medications.
The need to accurately measure eye alignments led to the development of The Neurolens Measurement Device (NMD2). This breakthrough device uses eye tracking technologies to measure the degree of misalignment at both near and far distances. These measurements are then used to provide a customized prism recommendation for Neurolenses. This diagnostic test takes only minutes.
Dry Eye Still a Problem? Ask Your Doctor if it is TD and Try Neurolens!
If you are someone who experiences symptoms of eyestrain, headaches, and neck pain that do not improve with other treatments, you are likely a candidate for Neurolenses. Neurolenses can also provide relief to those who experience eye strain symptoms from prolonged use of digital devices. The contoured nature of these lenses provides great benefit for both near and far vision making it an easy addition to any prescription. It can also be utilized by those without a prescription.
If you believe you may be a candidate for Neurolens, talk to your optometrist. Whether you may be experiencing symptoms associated with an overstimulated trigeminal nerve or the visual demands associated with a digital lifestyle, Neurolens may be the solution you need.
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https://eyedropshop.ca/fr/blogs/news/why-do-my-eyes-get-watery2023-06-17T17:16:11-04:002023-08-08T22:39:57-04:00Why Do My Eyes Get Watery?Diana NguyenPlus]]>
This post Why Do My Eyes Get Watery? first appeared on MyDryEye.ca It was written by Dr. Diana Nguyen. Please visit MyDryEye.ca to visit the original post.
Watery eyes can be a nuisance especially if it occurs often and interferes with your daily activities. Why does this happen and what is the cause of it? There are several reasons why your eyes may get watery. Below are 5 possible causes:
Dry Eye. In some cases of dry eyes, a sign of this condition is watery eyes.
Allergies. Your eyes respond to an allergen as a danger and water in an attempt to remove the allergen from your eyes.
Infection. An eye infection can cause your eyes to become watery, especially a viral infection.
Narrow drainage system (or nasolacrimal duct obstruction). If the drainage is narrow there is no proper tear outflow and the tear amount increases.
Tear reflex. In extreme wind or coldness, our eyes water naturally in response to these conditions.
In today’s blog, we will outline how watery eyes relate to dry eyes and how an eye doctor can help to reduce this symptom.
Dry Eye – How it Relates to Watery Eyes
Dry eye is a common condition that affectsalmost 20-30% of Canadians.A specific type of dry eye that causes watery eyes is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
MGD affects the glands in the eyelids that create oil in the tears. It is an eye condition where there is not enough oil in the tears and the tears dry up faster than normal.
As the tears evaporate quickly, it sends a signal to the brain to produce even more water in the tears and causes an overproduction of water.MGD is a condition caused by several factorssuch as aging, hormonal changes, certain medications and systemic conditions.
If you are bothered by grittiness, irritation and watery eyes, an optometrist can provide a tailored treatment plan for you. Let’s go over how an optometrist can help.
Treatments for MGD
To address MGD, it is necessary to unclog the glands and produce more oil in the tears. At-home therapies may include a warm compress to unblock the glands. It is important to use a mask that can maintain heat for a prolonged period of time such as a Bruder Mask.
For some patients, their MGD is more severe and warm compresses are not enough to address their blocked glands. With these types of cases, an optometrist will reach for more treatments in their dry eye toolbox.
In-Office MGD Treatments – Your Optometrist Can Help!
Don’t suffer with watery eyes for any longer. Visit aMyDryEye clinicthat has a doctor with dry eye knowledge and in-office procedures to treat your MGD. Your doctor will examine your eyes thoroughly and discuss which treatment is the best one for you.
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https://eyedropshop.ca/fr/blogs/news/can-accutane-cause-dry-eyes2023-06-17T17:14:08-04:002023-08-08T22:40:08-04:00Can Accutane Cause Dry Eyes?Diana NguyenPlus]]>
This post Can Accutane Cause Dry Eyes first appeared on MyDryEye.ca It was written by Dr. Diana Nguyen. Please visit MyDryEye.ca to visit the original post.
Accutane, known generically as isotretinoin, is an oral prescription medicine used to treat acne. It’s normally only given for severe, scarring acne after other creams or antibiotic treatments have failed. Although it is proven to be effective in reducing stubborn acne,it’s a potent medication with several potential side effects, includingdry eyes.
If you’ve noticed an increase in your dry eye symptoms and have recently been prescribed Accutane, there could be a connection and you might need to contact yourlocal dry eye doctor.
Symptoms of Dry Eye
It is estimated about30% of Canadianssuffer from some form ofdry eyes. Since Accutane can cause dry eyes in people who have never experienced it before, you may be unaware of what it is.Some of the symptomsyou might notice if you have dry eyes are:
A feeling of dryness, grittiness, or scratchiness in the eyes
Redness or irritation
Sensitivity to light
Blurred vision or difficulty seeing clearly
A burning sensation
Eye fatigue or strain
A feeling of having something in the eye
Inability to wear contact lenses
Excessive tearing (in some cases, dry eyes can cause an overproduction of tears in an attempt to compensate for the lack of moisture)
How Does Accutane Cause Dry Eyes?
Dry eyes are caused by complications with yourtear film. The tear film is a thin layer of moisture that covers the surface of the eye. It is made up of three layers:
The innermucin layeris made up of mucus and helps anchor the tear film to the surface of the eye.
The middleaqueous layermakes up most of the tear film and is primarily water and various nutrients that keep your eye healthy.
The toplipid layeris formed of an oil called meibum, secreted from themeibomian glandsalong your eyelids. This oil prevents the water from evaporating too quickly off your eye’s surface.
So, how does Accutane relate to this? Accutane works by reducing the size of the oil glands on the face. This reduces the amount of oil created, which can prevent the clogged pores that eventually result in acne.
However, the chemicals in Accutane can also affect the quality of meibomian glands in your eyelids, causing them to produce less meibum oil necessary for a healthy tear film. This can result in a condition known asMeibomian Gland Dysfunction(MGD). MGD is one of the most common causes of dry eyes, with studies showing that86% of peoplewith dry eyes have it.
Without this oil, the water meant to keep your eyes wet instead evaporates too quickly and you’re left with that dry, scratchy feeling.
How Can an Optometrist Help?
Occasionally you may be referred to an optometrist before being prescribed isotretinoin, especially if you already show signs of dry eyes. While the symptoms normally fade after you stop taking Accutane, if you have severe eye conditions your dermatologist might need to prescribe a different medication.
Artificial Tears
You may need to use lubricating drops, sometimes referred to as artificial tears, to assist your eyes in retaining moisture. These are over-the-counter eye drops that can offer temporary relief from dry eye symptoms. There aremany different typesof drops, varying in viscosity and additional ingredients. Talk with your eye doctor to figure out which drops are best for you.
Prescription Eye Drops
Depending on the severity of the inflammation your eye doctor may prescribe prescription drops. These are a stronger formulation of eye drops that can help to alleviate dry eye symptoms and may include medications that help to increase tear production or stabilize the tear film.
In-Office Procedures
For some blockages, your doctor may suggest anin-office procedurefor some relief. Your optometrist may recommend Intense Pulse Light (IPL), Radiofrequency (RF), LipiFlow or iLux. All of these treatments work on the root cause – MGD. If Accutane is the root cause of your dry eye, these procedures might not be needed as the symptoms should subside after the Accutane leaves your bloodstream. As always, consult with your doctor.
Finding an Optometrist Near You
Whether you’re taking Accutane now and experiencing dry eyes, or you may begin taking it in the near future and have concerns, it is important to talk to a doctor. Dry eyes can go beyond simply being uncomfortable, they can affect how you sleep, how you drive, and overall negatively impact your quality of life.
MyDryEyeis Canada’s premier network for helping patients find relief from their dry eyes. If you believe Accutane is causing your dry eyes,find a dry eye doctorto help you manage your symptoms.
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https://eyedropshop.ca/fr/blogs/news/best-in-office-treatments-for-mgd2023-06-17T17:11:42-04:002023-08-08T22:40:19-04:00Best In-Office Treatments for MGDDiana NguyenPlus]]>
This post Best In-Office Treatments for MGDfirst appeared on MyDryEye.ca It was written by Dr. Diana Nguyen. Please visit MyDryEye.ca to visit the original post.
Dry eye is a chronic disease that requires constant maintenance. A common type of dry eye ismeibomian gland dysfunction(MGD). MGD is a specific type of dry eye that is caused when there is low oil in your tears.
How do we create more oil and restore homeostasis in the eyes? One of the main ways to treat MGD is utilizing thermal pulsation (heat and pressure).
If you have MGD, your dry eye doctor may have recommended at-home therapies such as warm compresses, preservative-free eyedrops and omega-3’s. However, if you are still experiencing irritation and dryness, combined in-office therapyandat-home therapy will relieve your symptoms greatly. In today’s blog, we will discuss the best in-office treatments for MGD.
LipiFlow is anotherbreakthrough treatment designed for patients with meibomian gland dysfunction. This treatment safely applies heat into the upper and lower eyelids while gently applying pressure to liquify and expel the unhealthy oil glands. LipiFlow takes 12 minutes and requires 1 visit to complete the treatment.
Lastly, Systane iLux2is a handheld device thatimproves MGD by melting the clogged meibum oil into the tears. It is a unique treatment that heats the upper and lower eyelid with gentle pressure. An added bonus is Systane iLux2images the meibomian glands on the device to help guide the ocular hygienist or the doctor during the treatment.
Moreover, Systane iLux2is performed manually by a trained ocular hygienist or an eye doctor. The in-office treatment usually requires 1 visit and the entire procedure lasts anywhere from 8 – 12 minutes.
Watch iLux2 and How it Works
MGD Treatments – Ask Your Doctor
If you are looking for an optometrist that has these MGD treatments in their office, visit one of ourMyDryEye clinics. Your doctor will examine your eyes thoroughly and discuss which treatment is the best one for you.
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https://eyedropshop.ca/fr/blogs/news/how-long-does-lipiflow-last2023-06-17T17:04:25-04:002023-08-08T22:40:29-04:00How Long Does LipiFlow Last?Diana NguyenPlus]]>
This postHow Long Does LipiFlow Lastfirst appeared on MyDryEye.ca It was written by Dr. Diana Nguyen. Please visit MyDryEye.ca to visit the original post.
Dry eye disease(DED) is a vision condition that occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or something goes wrong during the tear-production process.
Dry eyes come with various irritating symptoms, so the first thing on your mind is probablyfinding relief. TheLipiFlowthermal pulsation system is an innovative treatment system that can give you that relief.
Let’s take a closer look at dry eye disease, how LipiFlow works, how long it lasts, and different dry eye tools that can help you find relief.
A Closer Look at Dry Eye Disease
DED is one of the most common vision conditions—an estimated25% of Canadiansdeal with dry eyes.
Tear production is an essential part of keeping your eyes healthy and dry eyes at bay. Tear instability can lead to inflammation and lead to dry eyes as well. Your tears are comprised of 3 layers:
The oily outer layer
The watery middle layer
The inner mucus layer
The oily layer is created by meibomian glands, tiny glands that line your upper and lower eyelids. If they become inflamed or blocked, they can’t secrete oil, which impacts your tear quality. This inflammation is related tomeibomian gland dysfunction(MGD), a common cause of DED.
Some signs and symptoms of DED include:
Stinging or gritty eyes
Scratchy and uncomfortable eyes
Fluctuating vision
Foreign body sensation (feeling like something is in your eyes)
Dry eye disease can be classified into 2 main groups:
Evaporative dry eyeoccurs when the meibomian glands don’t produce enough oil, leading to your tears evaporating too quickly.
Aqueous deficient dry eyeoccurs when the lacrimal gland doesn’t produce enough of the watery portion of the tear layer.
Dry eye disease can be challenging to manage. The good news is that there aretreatment optionsthat can help you find relief, such as LipiFlow.
Exploring the LipiFlow Process
Your doctor will prepare a personalized treatment plan for you following your comprehensive dry eye assessment. LipiFlow can be an excellent option to help manage dry eye disease.
LipiFlow, or heated meibomian gland expression, is a 12-minute in-office procedure that clears blocked meibomian glands in your upper and lower eyelids. It uses a combination ofheat and gentle massageto remove blockages and obstructions in the glands. This process allows for better flow of oils into your tear film for healthy eyes.
Your optometrist or your ocular hygienist will:
Have you sit comfortably
Apply anesthetizing drops to both your eyes
Place a specialized shield that looks like a contact lens on your eyes and behind your eyelids and it works by applying heat and gentle pressure to your eyelid
The entire relaxing procedure takes 12 minutes until it is complete
LipiFlow often works in conjunction with at-home therapies, such as:
LipiFlow is an effective solution for treating evaporative dry eyes, the most common type of DED, accounting forover 85% of dry eye cases.
LipiFlow usually provides relief for patients within2 to 4 weeksof treatment. A single 12-minute LipiFlow treatment session has resulted inup to 12 monthsof sustained improvement of meibomian gland function, tear break-up time, and dry eye symptom relief.
However, since dry eye is a chronic condition, some patients may need a maintenance or “touch-up” within a year.
Finding Relief from Dry Eyes
Dry eye disease can put a halt to your productivity, cause discomfort, and even damage your eyes. Getting treatment as soon as possible is essential to preserve your comfort and vision. LipiFlow is a proven treatment that can provide long-term relief.
Find a dry eye specialistto get to the bottom of your dry eye symptoms and see if LipiFlow is a good treatment option for you.
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https://eyedropshop.ca/fr/blogs/news/keep-your-eyes-healthy-with-eyegiene2023-06-17T16:59:22-04:002023-08-08T22:38:44-04:00Keep Your Eyes Healthy with EyegieneDiana NguyenPlus]]>
This post Keep Your Eyes Healthy with Eyegiene first appeared on MyDryEye.ca It was written by Dr. Diana Nguyen. Please visit MyDryEye.ca to visit the original post.
Have you ever had itchy and inflamed eyelids? What about a stye a.k.a an “eye pimple”? These are all common causes of debris and bacteria build-up on the eyelid margin. The medical term for this eye syndrome isblepharitis.
Blepharitis is a manageable condition if you have the right treatment at home and in the office. In this blog, we will discuss how to maintain optimal eyelid hygiene for better eye health.
Why Does Eyelid Hygiene (Eyegiene) Matter?
Maintaining proper eyegiene is important for eye health. Blepharitis is not contagious, but it can be irritating and increase the risk of dry eye. If left untreated, severe blepharitis can cause a wide variety of complications including:
Having good eyegiene is similar to oral hygiene. Poor oral hygiene leads to increased risks of cavities, inflamed gums and mouth infections. To prevent these complications, dentists teach us to brush our teeth and floss daily.
Eyegiene requires the same preventative maintenance by cleaning our eyelids with lid cleansers, lid sprays and/or lid wipes. A specific treatment plan can be outlined by your optometrist, but it is usually a daily cleaning in the morning or at night.
Now, let’s go over eyelid cleanser products in your doctor’s cabinet and how to properly use them.
If you are using an eyelid wipe such as Blephaclean and iLid ‘N Lash, wrap the wipe around a clean finger and gently clean the upper eyelid and lower eyelid.
With eyelid cleansers/gels such as Blephagel, place a pea sized amount of gel onto clean fingertips. Then, gently cleanse the upper eyelid and lower eyelid in a circular motion for about 30 seconds. Afterwards, wash the gel off your eyelids thoroughly with warm water.
If you are using an eyelid spray like BIHOCl, close the eyes, spray each eye twice and let it air dry for 30 seconds.
Healthy Eyegiene for Life!
Daily eyegiene will help prevent eye issues such as blepharitis, dry eyes and red eyes. Start practicing good eyegiene early on to reduce these ocular health risks.
If you are still struggling with irritated eyes, visit a dry eye doctor that can examine your eyes and provide you with a detailed treatment plan. If you are looking for an dry eye optometrist, visit one of ourMyDryEye clinics
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https://eyedropshop.ca/fr/blogs/news/do-contact-lenses-dry-your-eyes2023-05-30T22:29:41-04:002023-05-30T22:29:41-04:00Do Contact Lenses Dry Your Eyes?Diana NguyenPlus]]>
For many people, wearing contact lenses is the more appealing method of vision correction. Some people enjoy the freedom of not having to wear glasses every day, while others simply enjoy the way they look without them.
Wearing contact lenses can come with a minor drawback: they block enough oxygen from reaching our eyes and can take a lot of moisture out of them. This lack of oxygen and moisture may cause dry eye disease.
Fortunately, there are some solutions available for contact wearers that can help with dry eye disease symptoms, as well as treatments both at home and in your optometrist's office.
Contact-Induced Dry Eye
About half of contact lens wearers develop dry eyes. Contact lens wearers are more likely to experience dry eyes because the contact lens on the cornea can partially block oxygen from entering the eye.
Even though many contact lenses are designed to allow more oxygen into the eye, wearers may still experience dry, gritty eyes at the end of the day.
Tears in a healthy eye allow the contact lens to sit comfortably above the cornea in the tear film. A lack of fluid can result in gaps in the tear film, causing the contact lens to irritate the surface of the eye.
If you have dry eyes, you don’t have to stop wearing contact lenses, but you should reduce the frequency. It’s also important to treat the underlying cause of dry eye or switch to a different type of lens to help manage the symptoms.
Underlying Causes of Dry Eye
Even if you experience dry eye while wearing your contacts, there may be some underlying causes other than your contacts that your optometrist can help you identify. Some of the possible causes are:
Medications, such as antihistamines, certain antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and birth control pills
Contact lenses are available in a variety of types, each of which reacts differently to dry eyes. Here is a list of the most common contact lens types that can provide some relief for dry eyes.
Low Water Content Contact Lenses
Contact lenses come in different levels of water content. It’s a common misconception that the higher the water content of a contact lens, the more comfortable it is.
Certain wearers, particularly those with dry eyes, may experience the opposite effect. Although high-water contact lenses allow more oxygen to reach the cornea, as they lose liquid, they draw it from the tear film, intensifying dry eye symptoms.
Daily Disposable Contact Lenses
These single-day contact lenses, also known as dailies, are an excellent choice for people who suffer from dry eyes. Contact lens buildup can often contribute to dry eye. Makeup, oils, and other substances can build up and irritate the skin over time.
Protein deposits don’t have time to accumulate and cause discomfort in dailies, and lenses don’t dry out as a result of improper cleaning routines.
Scleral Lenses
Scleral lenses are larger in diameter than regular contact lenses. They sit over the cornea and on the scleral (white part of the eye) resulting in a tear-filled space. This liquid cushion has been proven to be beneficial for many patients with dry eyes because it keeps the eyes hydrated and shields the cornea from irritants.
Other Dry Eye Treatments
In addition to the right contact lenses, there are some things you can do at home to help relieve the symptoms of dry eye including:
Eye Drops
There are several types of eye drops used to treat dry eyes. Over-the-counter drops, also known as artificial tears or lubricating eye drops, as well as those with preservatives and those without.
Preservative eye drops will irritate the delicate cornea. They’re generally not recommended for people who have eye dryness. For these patients, prescription eye drops reduce inflammation and assist your eyes in producing more tears.
If you still have some questions about contact lenses and dry eye disease, our doctors are here to help! Find a dry eye doctor to help diagnose and monitor your dry eye and develop the best treatment plan for you.
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https://eyedropshop.ca/fr/blogs/news/what-makes-a-good-eye-drop2023-05-30T22:23:05-04:002023-05-30T22:31:02-04:00What Makes a Good Eye Drop?Diana Nguyen
There is an overwhelming amount of eye drops in the market. In this blog, we break down ingredients for a good eye drop for your dry eyes!
Many patients feel as if there is an overwhelming amount of eye drops and it’s difficult to know which ones are safe to use. You may try one eye drop and feel nothing. Then you try another one and it makes your symptoms worse! Fortunately, this blog will go over the different types of drops that are best suited for the dry eye patient. So, what makes a good eye drop? What are key things to identify?
Preservative-Free
Always look for eye drops that do not contain any preservatives. Look for the preservative-free label. Preservatives in eye drops should be avoided in dry eye patients because the surface of the eye is extremely sensitive to harsh chemicals. Below is a non-exhausting list of preservatives to avoid in an eye drop:
Benzalkonium chloride (BAK)
Chlorobutanol
Methyl paraben
Sodium perborate
Buffer-free
Another component in eye drops that could add toxicity to the delicate eye are buffering agents. With these agents, there is an increased risk of cell damage to the eye tissues. The following buffer agents should be avoided:
Disodium-ethylene diamine tetra-acetate (EDTA)
Phosphate-buffered saline
Key Ingredients
Now that you know what to avoid in an eye drop, what do you want to look for in an eye drop? There are quality ingredients that will help retain as much water in your tears as possible. As you look for your next eye drop, look for the following ingredients:
Carbomer is a mucoadhesive polymer that provides the gel to stay on the surface of the eye for a longer period of time for prolonged dry eye relief.
We Can Help Reduce Your Dry Eyes!
If you still feel like eye drops aren’t doing enough for your dry eyes and you wish to seek professional help from your local optometrist, contact your nearest MyDryEye clinic
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https://eyedropshop.ca/fr/blogs/news/can-fake-eyelashes-cause-dry-eye2022-09-12T15:00:00-04:002023-05-30T22:31:13-04:00Can Fake Eyelashes Cause Dry Eye?Daniel ElkeslassyOur natural eyelashes are very helpful in protecting the eyes, but do fake eyelashes increase your risk for dry eye?Common causes of dry eyeare prolonged contact lens wear, dry air, and even simply getting older. But eyelashes aren’t always a common topic when discussing dry eye.
Our natural eyelashes are very helpful in protecting the eyes, but do fake eyelashes increase your risk for dry eye?Common causes of dry eyeare prolonged contact lens wear, dry air, and even simply getting older. But eyelashes aren’t always a common topic when discussing dry eye.
It’s worth mentioning that there isn’t a high risk of permanent damage to your eye from dry eye. However, there is the risk of some complications, such as infection or scratches to the eye’s surface. If you’re suddenly experiencing persistent dry eye symptoms, it’s a good idea tosee an optometrist. They can perform an eye examination and ensure that nothing more serious is going on to cause the symptoms.
What Is Dry Eye?
The eye produces tears that are responsible for lubricating the eye and preventing contaminants from doing any damage. They are a complex mixture of proteins, water, and oils. When the eye doesn’t produce enough tears or low-quality tears that evaporate too quickly, the result isuncomfortable dry eye symptoms.
Dry eye is a chronic condition that can come back repeatedly. It’s possible to experience some symptoms out of nowhere. For example, wind or smoke blowing in your face, extended periods looking at a computer screen, or dry air are all things that could leave you with dry, itchy eyes.
Can Fake Eyelashes Cause Dry Eye?
While fake eyelashes look great, they may not be the best option if you’re prone to suffering from dry eye. A study done at the Georgia Institute of Technology determined the optimal length of the eyelashes to beone-third of the eye’s width, approximately the average natural eyelash length.
The study discovered that eyelashes of the one-third ratio helped form a barrier to control airflow and the rate of tear evaporation. If the eyelashes were shorter, this effect was still present but not as pronounced.
However, the opposite happened when the study looked at eyelashes extending past the one-third ratio. Instead of stopping the air, the longer lashes created a funnel that increased the amount of air and debris that hit the eye.
In addition, here are some other reasons that suggest that lash extensions can contribute to dry eye:
Since you cannot clean them as thoroughly as natural eyelashes, the potential for dirt, debris and bacteria to build up can increase the chance of infection and dry eye symptoms
When artificial eyelashes are glued to the eyelid, it’s possible that the meibomian glands could be blocked. This would reduce the amount of oil in your tears and make them evaporate quickly
More Potential Issues From Fake Eyelashes
Dry eye isn’t the only potential eye problem that could result from fake eyelashes. You could also be possibly allergic to the glue adhesive used to attach the eyelashes to the eye.
Additionally, there may be a chance that the eyelash and its glue adhesive falls out and gets stuck in the eye. This will cause irritation and possibly an eye scratch.
Treating Dry Eye
If you are experiencing dry eye symptoms after getting lash extensions, it’s best to have them carefully examined by an optometrist. Your optometrist may suggest having the lashes professionally removed if it is the root problem.
Eye drops: Over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription eye drops are available. Some are simply to replace your tears and lubricate and others are to reduce inflammation.
Heat and massage: This can be done at home with a warm compress or a special heating mask. Once the eyelid is heated, it’s massaged to stimulate the oil glands. In more severe cases,Lipiflowmay be an option. This unique in-office procedure and massages much more effectively than a heating mask at home.
In-office procedures: The technology for dry eyes has grown tremendously in the past few years. LipiFlow, Intense Pulsed Light and Radiofrequency helps halt dry eye symptoms over-time and reduces the need for eye drops. Your dry eye optometrist will know what is best suited for you.
Weighing the Pros and Cons of Fake Eyelashes
If you’re already prone to dry eye syndrome, it’s a good idea to weigh the pros and cons of getting fake eyelashes, even though they’ll look great. But it may not be a big deal if you’ve never had a problem. The best thing to do is sit down with an optometrist that has expert knowledge in dry eye. Once they look at your eyes, they’ll be able to determine your risk level for dry eye.
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https://eyedropshop.ca/fr/blogs/news/lumify-eye-drops-for-red-eyes2022-08-25T15:00:00-04:002023-05-30T22:30:47-04:00LUMIFY Eye Drops for Red EyesDaniel ElkeslassyLUMIFY drops safely reduce redness temporarily in the eye due to minor eye irritations such as environmental allergies and dryness. The results are within a few seconds and last up to 8 hours...
LUMIFY drops safely reduce redness temporarily in the eye due to minor eye irritations such as environmental allergies and dryness. The results are within a few seconds and last up to 8 hours.
What is LUMIFY?
Its active ingredient is low dose brimonidine (0.025%) and it selectively constricts the veins instead of the arteries. Interestingly, brimonidine (0.1%) was first used as a glaucoma medication to lower eye pressure. It demonstrated redness reduction so researchers investigated this usage further.
In clinical trials,LUMIFY was proven to be safe and effective when used as directed. It is safe to use for anyone over the age of 18 years and may be used up to 4 times a day. If used more than recommended, your eyes may be irritated because LUMIFY has preservatives. Always speak to your eye care professional about your specific dose and if it’s the right drop for you.
Why Use LUMIFY?
As previously mentioned, LUMIFY is the only over-the-counter redness reliever that selectively targets the veins and does not cause a rebound effect.
Other “Get the Red Out” eye drops are decongestants that you should avoid. These drops cause the blood vessels (arteries) on the eyes to shrink so the eyes appear whiter. However, the blood vessels will dilate overtime and become red again. This causes the rebound effect and your eyes will become dependent on these drops.
LUMIFY: A Temporary Solution to Red Eyes
Although LUMIFY is a great alternative to other red eye relief drops, it is still important to treat the underlying cause of your redness. A red eye can say a lot about your health. There are several causes to a red eye including:
Uveitis (inflammation of the uvea)
Viral infections (such as Herpes)
Scleritis (inflammation of the sclera)
Dry Eye
If you have a persistent red eye and are using LUMIFY daily, visit your eye doctor to assess your eyes and rule out any other diseases. Contact your eye doctor or your nearestdry eye specialistso they can assess your red eye today and discuss if LUMIFY is an option for you.
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https://eyedropshop.ca/fr/blogs/news/diet-for-dry-eye2022-08-08T15:00:00-04:002023-05-30T22:31:35-04:00Diet for Dry EyeDaniel ElkeslassyDry eye disease(DED) is a pretty common eye problem—approximately30%of Canadians experience symptoms associated with dry eyes. Symptoms can include burning or scratchiness, blurred vision, and redness...
Dry eye disease(DED) is a pretty common eye problem—approximately30%of Canadians experience symptoms associated with dry eyes. Symptoms can include burning or scratchiness, blurred vision, and redness.
There are manytreatmentoptions to manage and minimize the symptoms of dry eyes. Apart from these, diet can also play a crucial role in treating dry eyes.
Let’s learn more about dry eyes, their causes and symptoms, and how the foods we put into our bodies can help maintain healthy eyes.
What Is Dry Eye Disease?
Dry eye disease is ocular discomfort mainly caused by insufficient tear production or production of poor quality tears. The normal tear film comprises 3 layers:
Oil: The oil or lipid layer prevents tears from drying out or evaporating too quickly.
Water: The tear film is mostly water. This aqueous layer protects the eyes from foreign objects, dust, and dirt.
Mucin: The mucin or mucous layer keeps the tears on the eye’s surface.
The eyes dry out with altered tear film stability and function, such as in lack of oil frommeibomian gland dysfunction, lack of water from thelacrimal gland, decreased tear secretion rate, and a higher incidence of bacterial infection.
How Does Diet Help with Dry Eye?
Treating mild dry eyes usually involves using artificial tears to compensate for lack of production and treating the underlying causes. An additional form of treatment includesdiet and nutrition. A healthy diet can support overall health and help with dry eye symptoms.
So which foods provide the necessary vitamins and nutrients your body needs to keep your eyes hydrated and healthy?
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce and soothe inflammation in the eyelids. They also increase the quality of oil secreted by the meibomian glands and prevents tears from evaporating in dry eye disease.
These types of fish are the safest to eat and they have high omega-3 fatty acids. Remember the “S.M.A.S.H.” acronym:
Salmon
Mackerel
Anchovies
Salmon
Herring
Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids also include:
Nuts and seeds such as flax, chia, hemp, and walnuts
Vegetable oil
Soybeans
Green leafy vegetables
If it is difficult for you to obtain omega-3 through your diet, you should consider taking omega-3 supplements. However, omega-3’s are not all the same so look for these 3 key ingredients when buying an omega-3 supplement:
Make sure the omega-3 is re-esterified triglyceride
Look for an EPA:DHA ratio of 3:1
Consume a daily serving of 2000 mg or more per day
Below are omega-3’s found in your eye doctor’s cabinet and they meet the 3 standards of omega-3 supplement care as stated above. You can try PRN omega-3 (capsule or liquid form):
Vitamins
There are various vitamins that can promote healthy eyes and aid in easing dry eye symptoms. These include:
Vitamin A
Dry eyes can signal a vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin A increases the turnover of corneal epithelial cells, where the loss or damage of these cells is present in patients with dry eyes. Beta carotene converts to vitamin A, and foods high in this include:
Carrots
Sweet potatoes
Pumpkins
Spinach
Kale
Apricots
Vitamin C
Vitamin C provides antioxidants that protect against oxidative stress and helps maintain functioning tear film. Foods high in vitamin C include:
Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, grapefruit
Bananas
Apples
Peppers
Blueberries
Vitamin D
A deficiency in vitamin D is linked to dry eyes.Vitamin Dreduces inflammation on the eye’s surface and improves tear secretions. You can get vitamin D from the sun, supplements, and the following foods:
Fortified dairy products
Egg yolk
Salmon
Sardines
Vitamin E
Vitamin E protects your eyes from cell damage, reduces oxidation and low-grade inflammation associated with dry eye syndrome, and boosts the immune system. Foods high in vitamin E include:
Sunflower seeds
Almonds
Peanuts
Hazelnuts
Wheat cereal
Sweet potato
Zinc
Zinc is a mineral that helps transport vitamin A from the liver to the retina. It also makes melanin, a pigment that protects the eyes. You can get zinc from the following foods:
Whole grains
Corn
Lentils
Nuts
Beef
Pork
Oysters
Lobster
Eggs
Lutein and Zeaxanthin
These are antioxidants that keep the cells in your eyes healthy. Foods high in both include:
Eggs
Corn
Leafy greens such as kale, spinach, collards
Broccoli
Probiotics
Onestudyshows that the administration of probiotic strains effectively reduces dry eye syndrome. Anotherstudyshows that a bifidobacterium mixture, made of 5 strains, may successfully treat and benefit people with dry eye syndrome. These had an anti-inflammatory effect and improved tear secretion.
Foods for Dry Eye Relief
A proper diet can contribute to alleviating dry eye disease symptoms, as can drinking lots of water to keep the eyes hydrated. Incorporating the above foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals decreases oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, and the risk of developing chronic and inflammatory dry eye.
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https://eyedropshop.ca/fr/blogs/news/can-dry-eye-cause-floaters-flashes2022-07-25T15:00:00-04:002023-05-30T22:31:25-04:00Can Dry Eye Cause Floaters & Flashes?Daniel ElkeslassyYou’re going about your day when you see an odd shape make its way across your field of vision, or maybe you caught a flash of light and it’s causing you some concern. The next thing you know, the shape is gone and the flash of light has disappeared.
You’re going about your day when you see an odd shape make its way across your field of vision, or maybe you caught a flash of light and it’s causing you some concern. The next thing you know, the shape is gone and the flash of light has disappeared.
You may have recently been diagnosed withdry eye diseaseand are wondering if these floaters and flashes are a result of your diagnosis. Surprisingly, while both issuesstem from aging, they are not interrelated.
Dry Eye Disease
Dry eye disease occurs when tears aren’t produced enough to keep your eyes moisturized. This causes discomfort and irritation in your eyes and can eventuallyaffect your vision. Possible indicators of dry eye disease include:
Sensitivity to light
An eye-stinging or burning sensation
Irritation of the eyes
Vision impairment
Aging increases your risk factor for dry eye disease. Women’s Health Study and the Physician’s Healthfound that dry eye disease incidence rate increases in men and women every five years after the age of 50, with women having a higher prevalence than men.
What Are Floaters And Flashes?
Both floaters and flashes are caused by the natural shrinking of the gel-like fluid in your eye (vitreous) as you get older. Floaters appear as small shapes in your field of vision, whereas flashes can resemble lightning or camera flashes.
Floaters are very common and usually do not require treatment. However, if you have a lot of floaters and flashes in your eyes, it could be a sign of a serious eye condition called a retinal detachment.
Eye Floaters
While looking around, you may notice small shapes moving in front of you. They almost appear to be small bits of dust caught in your vision because they are fuzzy or out of focus. Even when you try to blink them away, they linger around and follow as you shift your gaze.
These are calledeye floaters, and the vitreous in the center of your eye is what causes them.
As you age, the vitreous within your eye shrinks, resulting in these small shapes. Floaters move slowly through the vitreous causing them to pass through your sight as they move.
Eye Flashes
Eye flashes are bright spots that appear in your line of sight. Flashes can occur for a variety of reasons but commonly happens when the gel-like vitreous in your eye shrinks naturally with age and begins to pull on yourretina.
Flashes occur more frequently first thing in the morning or when you are in a dark room. You may see bright flashes as you wake up that fade as the day progresses.
Are Dry Eye Disease and Eye Floaters Related?
While dry eye disease, as well as eye floaters and flashes, can both be a natural result of the aging of our eyes there is no clear indication one causes the other.
You might even start experiencing them at the same time as you get older. People with certain medical conditions such asSjogren’s syndromeor autoimmune diseases that cause inflammation are at an increased risk for both dry eye disease and floaters.
When Should You Get Your Eyes Checked?
Eye floaters and flashes can be a sign of much more serious eye conditions. We suggest getting in touch with your optometrist right away if you see any of the below changes:
Increased eye floaters
Eye floaters that come on suddenly
Floaters and flashes simultaneously
Darkness on the outer edges of your field of vision
Retinal Detachment
The termretinal detachmentrefers to an urgent issue in which the retina, a thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye, moves away from its usual position.
The retinal cells are split off from the layer of blood vessels that supplies them with oxygen and nutrients. Your risk of permanent vision loss in the affected eye increases the longer retinal detachment remains untreated.
Retinal Tears
The vitreous fills the retina-lined cavity at the back of the eye. Initially attached to the retina at birth, this gel graduallydetachesfrom the retina with age, resulting in a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). This usually occurs without any problems but can occasionally cause retinal tears.
When the vitreous pulls abnormally (abnormal vitreo-retinal adhesion), it tears the retina as it separates. Though this can be a result of eye trauma, PVDs are the primary cause of the majority of retinal tears.
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https://eyedropshop.ca/fr/blogs/news/prescription-eye-drops-for-dry-eye2022-06-30T15:00:00-04:002023-05-30T22:31:46-04:00Prescription Eye Drops for Dry EyeDaniel ElkeslassyIt is estimated thatapproximately 25-30% of Canadians experience dry eye symptoms.Luckily, there are many different types of treatments for dry eye. It can range from eyedrops to in-office procedures or a combination of all these things...
Since dry eye disease is complex and chronic, most doctors prescribe a multi-factorial approach with at-home andin-office treatments.This month’s blog will focus on prescription eye drops as a treatment for dry eye.
Utilizing Prescription Drops as a Treatment
Inflammation causes your tears to be unstable and become very salty which contributes irritation, grittiness and eye fatigue. Your eye doctor may recommend a prescription eye drop to calmthe vicious inflammatory cycle.
Immunomodulators and anti-inflammatory eye drops have been utilized in the dry eye space for years to treat inflammation in the eye. Below are the most common prescription eye drops:
CEQUA (cyclosporine 0.09%)
RESTASIS (cyclosporine 0.05%)
LOTEMAX (loteprednol etabonate 0.5%)
ALREX (loteprednol etabonate 0.2%)
Let’s go over each one in detail and understand how it reduces your dry eye symptoms.
CEQUA (cyclosporine 0.09%)
CEQUA contains cyclosporinewhich is an immunosuppressant that modifies the immune system by decreasing inflammation in the eye.
Its unique nanomicellar technology (NCELL) composition contains an outside shell that is hydrophilic (attracts water) to allow better absorption of the drug on the eye. The inside shell is hydrophobic (does not attract water) so the drug remains intact until it reaches the site of action.
Since cyclosporine is reducing inflammation on the eye, it is thought to also increase the ability of the lacrimal gland to produce more tears.
RESTASIS (cyclosporine 0.05%)
The next immunomodulator that is commonly prescribed is RESTASIS. It also works by altering the immune system to reduce inflammation and increase the tear production.
The main difference between CEQUA and RESTASIS is the delivery system. RESTASIS does not contain NCELL technology and is thought to have a less effective penetration to the eye surface as a result.
Your optometrist will prescribe one eye drop over the other depending on their clinical judgment. It could also take up to 3 months to experience a therapeutic effect so it’s important to have strong compliance and continue unless directed otherwise.
Anti-Inflammatory Drops (Lotemax & Alrex)
LOTEMAX and ALREX is usually prescribed to dry eye patients for short-term relief if they are undergoing moderate to severe flare-ups. Theseeye drops are considered “soft steroids”because they can safely reduce inflammation compared to other anti-inflammatory eye drops.
Soft steroids should not be intended to be used as a long-term treatment as it does not treat the underlying issue and only masks the inflammation temporarily.
Which Drops Are Right For You? Ask a Dry Eye Doctor!
Book a dry eye exam with one of our doctors if you think you have inflammation in your eyes. Our knowledgeable doctors will be able to consult with you and properly assess your condition.