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Dry Eye & MGD

👁️what is dry eye disease?

  • Dry Eye Disease occurs when there is a problem with one or more (most commonly) layers of the tear film

  • Symptoms include:

    • Burning, itching, scratchy, gritty sensation

    • Fluctuating vision 

    • Redness and watery eyes

    • Frequent styes (eyelid infections)

  • Causes of dry eye:

    • Autoimmune disease (most commonly Sjogren’s Syndrome, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus)

    • Rosacea

    • Dry climates

    • Excessive screen use

    • Certain medications

    • Long term contact lens wear

    • Certain refractive surgeries, namely LASIK

    • Thyroid imbalance

Comprehensive Testing for Dry Eye Disease

  1. Measure tear production using a Schirmer’s Test

  2. Analyze and quantify corneal and conjunctival staining patterns using several dyes

  3. Assessing the eyelids looking for rosacea, meibomian gland dysfunction, blepharitis and Demodex

  4. Imaging the meibomian glands (oil glands) in the eyelids

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Technology at School

  • Genetics

    • Neither parent myopic  =    low risk

    • One parent myopic       =    3x the risk

    • Both parents myopic     =    6x the risk

  • Your environment 

    • Time spent outside

      • Low risk    =    2.7+ hours outside daily

      • Medium risk    =    1.6-2.7 hours outside daily

      • High risk    =    <1.6 hours outside daily (2-3x increased risk)

    • Time spent doing near tasks (reading, computer, tablet, phone etc)

      • Low risk    =    0-2 hours

      • Medium risk    =     2-3 hours (around 2 times the risk)

      • High risk    =     3+ hours (2-3 times increased risk)

MGD rosacea_edited.jpg

🛑the hidden cause:
meibomian gland  dysfunction (mgd)

MGD is one of the most common causes of dry eye.

 

What is it?

Your eyelids contain tiny oil glands (meibomian glands) that produce the oily layer of your tear film. If these glands become clogged or dysfunctional, your tears evaporate too quickly—leading to dry, irritated eyes.

 

Symptoms of MGD:

  • Burning or itching

  • Eyelid inflammation or crusting

  • Redness and light sensitivity

  • Blurry vision

  • A heavy or tired feeling in your eyes

What Is Dry Eye Disease?Dry Eye Disease occurs when your eyes don't produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. This can result in discomfort, blurry vision, and even long-term eye damage if untreated.Common symptoms include:Stinging or burning eyesRedness or watery eyesGritty, sandy sensationBlurry or fluctuating visionEye fatigue, especially after screen useDry Eye is more than a nuisance—it’s a chronic condition that impacts quality of life.

80% of Rosacea patients suffer from MGD, the leading cause of Dry Eye Disease

💧 dry eye and MGD treatment options

​​Depending on the root cause, your treatment plan may include:

  • Preservative-free artificial tears

  • Warm compresses and lid hygiene

  • Omega-3 supplements

  • Anti-inflammatory eye drops

  • Punctal plugs

  • Serum tears or Plasma Rich Protein tears (made from your blood)

  • And the latest light-based therapy: IPL with OptiLight​

💧 what is IPL (intense pulsed light)

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) with OptiLight by Lumenis is a cutting-edge treatment that targets inflammation and restores healthy meibomian gland function. It’s the first and only IPL Health Canada-approved for dry eye management.

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