Prevention And Treatment
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MGD looks different for different patients
Eyes burning, itching, stinging? Or maybe even no symptoms at all? Everyone’s eyes may feel different, but Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) could be present. MGD is a chronic progressive and obstructive condition, so maintaining healthy eyes before you become symptomatic is key.
Treatment of Dry Eye
Treatment for dry eye depends on the cause and severity of the condition, as well as the patient’s overall health and personal preference. If you are suffering from Dry Eye Disease, there are many options available at North Toronto Eye Care in Ontario that can help you to manage your symptoms and find relief.
Call or request an appointment today to take the first step toward managing your dry eye symptoms.
Determining the Appropriate Course of Treatment for Dry Eye
By addressing environmental factors as well as direct eye treatments, the eye doctors at North Toronto Eye Care can help you to find relief from your dry eye symptoms. Frequent causes of Dry Eye Disease include:
Environmental Factors
Environmental factors that may cause dry eye disease include the weather and elements, altitude levels, smoke, allergies, and dust.
Lifestyle Factors
Lifestyle factors that can cause dry eye include computer or screen time spent without sufficient blinking, smoking or being around smoking often, contact lenses, LASIK eye surgery, and consumption of certain medications that may cause dry eye.
Physical Conditions
Physical factors that may contribute to Dry Eye Disease include hormonal changes, Thyroid related disorders, and Sjogren’s Syndrome.
Most commonly, Dry Eye Disease is caused by Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, which describes a gland disruption that prevents proper lubrication of the eyes. Blockages disrupt the meibomian glands’ ability to secrete oil, and without the appropriate oil levels tear films evaporate quickly and lead to Dry Eye Disease. In many cases, treatment of Dry Eye Disease necessitates clearing these blockages.
Symptom Management:
- Restasis, a prescription eye drop that increases the number of tears that are being produced and heals the corneal damage associated with dry eye.
- Adding omega-3 fatty acids to the diet as food or supplements. Omega-3s have been known to decrease inflammation and improve tear production.
- The use of artificial tears or a moisturizing ointment/drops. Your doctor may recommend advanced lubricating eye drops that do not contain irritating preservatives. It is typically recommended to use these drops 3-4x/day in both eyes.
- Be aware of your environment. Avoid air conditioning or windy conditions outdoors and increase humidity levels at home or work.
- Wash your eyelids or use warm compresses to control inflammation and keep the area free of excess oils.
- Stop smoking and avoid exposure to second-hand smoke.
- Limit the use of allergy and cold medicines.
- Blinking excercises
Dry Eye Treatment:
Following your consultation, your eye doctor will develop a Customized Treatment Plan to help relieve some of the dry eye symptoms you may be experiencing. Dry Eye is a chronic condition, but it can be controlled with some or all of the following treatment options:
An in-office treatment that uses thermal heat and pulsation to help remove blockage in the meibomian glands, and increase flow of oil into the tear film.
Increased oil secretion decreases the evaporation of tears from the ocular surface. This treatment has been shown to be quite effective in reducing dry eye symptoms.
An in-office, energy based therapy that works to control the inflammatory process and stop the viscious cycle of inflammation, reducing the need for medications and providing long lasting results.
Punctal Plugs may be inserted in the corners of the inner eyelids to limit tear drainage.
A procedure to permanently close the tear drainage holes.
A solution if an eyelid condition is causing your dry eyes.
Applying heat to your eyelids can help to loosen and unclog blocked meibomian glands. You can purchase an iMask from North Toronto Eye Care that you can heat up in the microwave and leave on your eyes for 10-15 minutes twice a day.
After applying a warm compress, gently scrub the base of your eyelashes for about 15 seconds per eyelid. I-lid and lash is an excellent eyelid cleanser that is designed for use around the eyes.
Labtician Eye Drops may be indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate dry eye symptoms. These preservative and phosphate-free eye drops are suitable for daily and chronic use, and compatible with contact lens wear.
Clinically proven to improve both signs and symptoms of dry eye.
Dry Eye Disease is a chronic medical condition, similar to having high blood pressure or diabetes. Chronic conditions require long term treatment and monitoring to determine the severity of the disease and effectiveness of treatment. Treatment plans will be created on a personalized basis to address the problems indicated by each patient’s clinical examination and diagnostic findings.
Preventing Dry Eye
There are certain steps patients can take to prevent the symptoms of dry eye from occurring, which is especially useful for those at an increased risk of developing symptoms. Simple lifestyle modifications such as wearing protective glasses on windy days, giving your eyes a break during reading or other strenuous tasks can effectively reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms.
Your NTEC doctor in the Greater Toronto Area will provide you with instructions as to how you can avoid the symptoms of dry eye based on your individual condition.
The i-lid’n lash® Plus cleansing wipes are used on individuals suffering from symptoms of dry eye and eye discomfort. It is formulated with tea tree oil, which provides effective, gentle cleansing and hydrating without irritating residue or stinging.
The benefits of this formula:
- Hydrates and soothes area around the eyes
- Does not irritate lids or lashes
- Enhances dry eye treatments
Thealoz is a drops solution for the management of dry eye symptoms. This formula is preservative-free and helps protect the eyes,
The benefits of this product:
- No preservatives
- Lubrication and protection of the eyes
- Can be used as often as necessary
- Useful for environmental-related dry eye symptoms (such as air conditioning or computer use)
Hyabak drops provide long-lasting relief from eye discomfort and dryness. There is no blurriness after applying the drops, and is completely free from preservatives and phosphates.
The benefits of this product:
Single-use wipes used to reduce eyelid inflammation that can cause dry eye. I-LID ’N LASH® is a paraben-free eye hygiene product that effectively cleans and hydrates both the eyelashes and eyelids. They are easy-to-use and effective at removing ocular debris and makeup. The I-Lid N Plus formula contains 5% tea tree oil to remove Demodex and other bacteria causing Blepharitis.
Dry Eye Compress masks are an at-home treatment that can be used to promote dry eye relief. These masks are heated in the microwave and applied to the eye, helping to unclog blocked oil glands. They help to treat dry eye and irritation, relieve swelling and inflammation, and improve the production of oils by the Meibomian glands. By promoting proper eye lubrication, the eye can better expel bacteria and debris.
Clinically proven to improve both signs and symptoms of dry eye.