Dry Eye Relief at
Central Optometry
If you’re experiencing eye fatigue, watery eyes, eye irritation, or blurry vision, you may have dry eye, a condition that affects many people worldwide. At Central Optometry, we provide comprehensive dry eye assessments and treatment options to help you manage dry eyes.
Our team considers various factors, such as tear production and quality, environmental factors, and screen time, to develop a personalized treatment plan to manage your dry eyes.
It all starts with a comprehensive eye exam, and our online store also features a variety of helpful dry eye products. Book online to schedule your appointment today and find out how we can help you manage dry eyes.
What is Dry
Eye?
Dry eyes can cause more than just discomfort; if left untreated, they can cause corneal damage. Tear production plays an important role in preventing dry eye, and your tears are made up of 3 layers:
- The oily outer layer
- The watery middle layer
- The inner mucus layer
We can examine your eyes and find a treatment to address the cause of your symptoms during your dry eye assessment.
Dry Eye
Symptoms to
Look Out For
Some common signs and symptoms of dry eye can include:
- Eye fatigue
- Red eyes
- Blurry vision
- A gritty or foreign body sensation
- Stringy discharge
- Sensitivity to light
- Increased sensitivity to glare
- Eye discomfort
- Excessively watery eyes
Our dry eye assessment takes all of your symptoms into account to find a solution that works for you.
Digital Eye Strain & Dry Eye
Digital eye strain and dry eye disease are interconnected conditions often resulting from our screen-intensive lifestyles. Prolonged use of digital screens can increase the risk of these eye-related problems, making them a common issue for many adults today.
However, when we’re engrossed in digital content, our blink rate tends to decrease, and we don’t blink as much as we should. Our blink rate tends to decrease by up to 60% when on computers. This can lead to increased evaporation of tears and, subsequently, dry eye disease.
Remember, your eyes are precious, so don’t forget to give them the care they deserve.
Our Dry Eye Assessment & Quiz
Dry eyes can have a variety of root causes. We offer comprehensive dry eye assessments to determine the cause of your dry eyes and create a tailored treatment or management plan to meet your needs. Our team will perform a series of tests using different diagnostic tests to assess your eyes and determine the right course of action.
If your eyes feel dry and irritated, please take our dry eye pre-screening quiz to determine if dry eyes may be the cause.
Access Your CEQUA Savings Card Online
Patients can access the CEQUA savings cards virtually (and easily) by visiting http://www.cequa.ca and selecting the “Enroll in CEQUA Patient Benefit Program” on the homepage.
OR
You can go directly to https://www.cequapatientbenefitprogram.ca/ to enroll.
It will only take you around 2 minutes to fill out, and it can be done on your mobile device or the clinic desktop at Central Optometry before you leave the office. The CEQUA Savings Card provides patients with a virtual rather than physical savings card that they can show to their pharmacist.
Patients will need to select “No” when asked if they have a physical card and will be asked to input their CEQUA DIN #: 02512629. This number never changes.
For more information, feel free to ask our team.
What Is MGD?
Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a common condition that affects the function of the meibomian glands, which are responsible for producing the oil layer of the tear film. When these glands become clogged or inflamed, they can’t produce enough oil to keep the tears from evaporating too quickly, leading to dry eye.
Symptoms of MGD can include dryness, grittiness, redness, and stinging sensations in the eyes.
In-Office Dry Eye Treatments
We offer a variety of in-office treatments that can help address your dry eyes and provide relief. Your environment and other risk factors, such as exposure to dry air or wind, long-term contact lens wear, and digital eye strain, can increase the chances of dry eye development, and we take that all into account.
Following our thorough diagnostic process to determine your specific needs, our team works with you to find the treatment option that works for you.
IPL (intense pulsed light) therapy can be used to treat dry eyes caused by MGD (meibomian gland dysfunction).
The procedure involves using a handheld device that emits light pulses to gently warm the meibum clogging the meibomian glands. Once the meibum has been sufficiently warmed, your optometrist will apply gentle pressure to these glands, pushing the meibum blockages out. This application of gentle pressure is called meibomian gland expression.
IPL therapy also allows our team to treat ocular rosacea—a condition linked to inflammation, Demodex, and MGD for many patients.
LipiFlow is an in-office treatment that uses a small, handheld device to treat MGD (meibomian gland dysfunction). The device applies gentle heat and light pressure, warming the thickened meibum clogging the glands so that it can be removed.
LipiFlow helps improve gland function and can offer long-term relief for MGD.
Radiofrequency thermistors can be used to treat meibomian gland dysfunction in some patients. This small, handheld device uses radio waves to target clogged meibomian glands.
The radio waves generate heat where the skin and fat layer meet, liquifying thickened meibum (whose consistency is similar to curdled milk or cream cheese, as opposed to the olive oil-like consistency it should have). Warming and softening the meibum allows it to be gently removed.
Zocular Foam is a natural eyelid cleanser formulated with okra complexes to address the root cause of irritated and dry eyes. Zocular Foam provides a soothing and calming action. With its gentle foaming formula, this product efficiently removes debris on the lids and lashes, helping to manage dryness and discomfort.
ZEST (Zocular Eyelid System Treatment) is designed to help with eyelid debridement and help relieve dry eye symptoms. ZEST works by helping to remove bacteria, debris, oil, and residue from the eyelids with gentle exfoliation.
ZEST treatments can also help treat Demodex issues, which can cause blepharitis, resulting in inflammation of the eyelids and severe dry eye.
If you suffer from either chronic or occasional dry eyes, your optometrist may suggest you increase your intake of some nutrients and minerals, such as omega-3s.
Omega 3 supplements from PRN (Physician Recommended Nutriceuticals) can help improve tear film quality to prevent tears from evaporating too quickly. Research has shown that consuming omega-3 fatty acids can significantly improve tear quality.
PRN DE3 Omega 3s have been clinically proven and evaluated by Health Canada to improve the signs and relieve they symptoms of dry eye.
Thealoz Duo eye drops may be prescribed to patients with moderate to severe dry eye to be used in conjunction with regular in-office treatments. As its name suggests, these eye drops contain two significant ingredients: trehalose and sodium hyaluronate.
Trehalose is used to protect the eye’s epithelial cells so they can become more resistant to the everyday stress of dry environments and tear film changes that can cause dry eye. Sodium hyaluronate is used to help your tears retain the water they need to hydrate and lubricate your eye’s surface.
Thealoz Duo drops are clinically proven to increase film thickness for up to 4 hours, with Thealoz Duo gel increasing tear film thickness for up to 6 hours.
Bruder masks use gentle, warming heat to provide relief from dry eyes caused by MGD and blepharitis. The mask uses heat to melt thickened meibum, improving meibomian gland function and slowing the evaporation rate of your tears.
Warm the mask in the microwave for around 20 seconds. Then, place the mask over your eyes for 10 minutes. Gently massage through the mask with the palm of your hand every minute or so to express the warmed meibomian glands in your eyelids.
ZEST (Zocular Eyelid System Treatment) is designed to help with eyelid debridement and help relieve dry eye symptoms. ZEST works by helping to remove bacteria, debris, oil, and residue from the eyelids with gentle exfoliation.
Ocunox Eye Ointment is designed for overnight corneal protection. The cornea is particularly sensitive to drying at night since our eyes don’t typically produce tears while we are sleeping. Ocunox is designed to protect the surface of the eye and improve your tear film, providing long-lasting dry eye relief during the day.
Ocunox ointment is preservative and phosphate-free, with Vitamin A to improve the tear film overnight.
Zocular Foam is a natural eyelid cleanser formulated with okra complexes to address the root cause of irritated and dry eyes. Zocular Foam provides a soothing and calming action. With its gentle foaming formula, this product efficiently removes debris on the lids and lashes, helping to manage dryness and discomfort.
Zocular Foam can also help treat Demodex issues, which can cause blepharitis, resulting in inflammation of the eyelids and severe dry eye.
Zocu Foam is recommended to be used 1 time daily for 2 months, then 2 times per week ongoing after that.
Zaspray is the ultimate 3-in-1 solution for soothing, hydrating, and relieving dry eyes caused by allergies. With its unique formulation and natural plant extracts, Zaspray provides long-lasting relief from itchy, irritated, and red eyes.
This easy-to-use spray contains sodium hyaluronate, offering a lubricating effect to keep your eyes moisturized and comfortable throughout the day.
BiHoCL features powerful active ingredients an innovative formula and provides fast and effective relief from the discomfort of dry, itchy eyes.
This advanced eye drop solution works to moisturize and soothe your eyes, promoting optimal hydration and comfort.
Blephaclean wipes are preservative-free individual sterile lid wipes. These wipes are can help to reduce signs and symptoms of blepharitis.
Blephaclean wipes are used about 1 or 2 times daily per week.
Blephagel Duo is a preservative-free cleansing gel that helps maintain optimal ocular hygiene. Blephagel Duo is recommended to be used 1 or 2 times daily as needed.
At-Home Dry Eye Treatments
We also advise our patients on at-home dry eye treatments they can implement from the comfort of their own homes to find relief from their dry eye symptoms. Our at-home treatments include Omega-3 vitamins, Theoloz Duo drops, Bruder masks, Ocunox eye ointment, and more. These can all be found on our online store.
Our doctors have hand-picked these products because they are all backed by science and published clinical studies.
Dry Eye Clinical Studies
Transparency and patient education are important to us. Along with providing a variety of dry eye treatments, we also stay up-to-date on clinical studies and new information in the dry eye field.
- LipiFlow for MGD Treatment
- Effect of Oral Re-esterified Omega-3 Nutritional Supplementation
- Analysis of Cytokine Levels in Tears
- Evaluation of Intense Pulsed Light & Meibomian Gland Expression Efficacy
- Combination Therapy of Intense Pulsed Light Therapy and Meibomian Gland Expression
- Intense Pulsed Light Treatment for Dry Eye Disease
Visit Us Today for Dry Eye Relief
We understand that your life is busy, but we also know the importance of regular visits to the optometrist. That’s why we offer some evening hours and are open most Saturdays. Our team strives to help you find relief from dry eyes and starts with a comprehensive dry eye exam.
Explore Our Brands
More of Our Services
Explore our wide range of eye care services at Central Optometry.
AMD Centre of Excellence
The AMD Centre of Excellence is all about using innovative technology, experience, and education towards treating and managing age-related macular degeneration. Our practice has earned the distinction of being an AMD Centre of Excellence through continued efforts of managing and understanding AMD.
Colour Blindness & Enhancement
Colour blindness affects millions of people worldwide. We strive to help people navigate life through colour blindness and see the world in a new light. We offer EnChroma lenses for individuals dealing with colour blindness issues.
Laser Eye Surgery Consultation
We strive to be by your side through the laser eye surgery process. Whether you’re considering LASIK or PRK, we can help determine if you’re a good candidate for laser eye surgery. We also schedule follow-up appointments post-surgery to monitor your recovery.
Gallery
Google Reviews
Take a look at what our patients have to say
about their Central Optometry experience.
Best optometry appointment I’ve ever had. The eye exam took no time at all and I got a year supply of contacts at a really great price! Would recommend this place if you’re looking for a new optometrist in London.
Vanessa
The practice is on my way home from work and was recommended to me by a friend. Hours are great! My appointment was on time and the staff was really helpful with billing and picking out new frames. I would recommend them to anyone looking for an optometrist!
Laura
Testimonials
Take a look at what our patients have to say
about their Central Optometry experience.
Come Visit Us
We offer free parking in our underground parking lot. To access our parking, turn in the laneway on the right side of our building and enter the parking garage on your left. You can enter our lobby from the parking garage near the front of the building and take the stairs or elevator to the second level.
Our Address
- 148 York Street
- London, ON N6A 1A9
Contact Information
- Phone: 519-432-1875
- Email: [email protected]
