If your eyes often feel gritty, irritated, or tired, chances are you have dry eyes syndrome. Many people are reporting symptoms of dry eyes, and we’re diagnosing it regularly during comprehensive eye exams at our clinics.
What Is Dry Eye and why is it so common?
Dry eye syndrome (also known as dry eye disease) affects roughly 1 in 10 adults, and it’s becoming increasingly common. You might be more likely to experience dry eye if you are:
- A post-menopausal woman
- Over the age of 50
- A frequent contact lens wearer
- Spending lots of time indoors
- A smoker
- Someone who spends long hours looking at screens
- Taking allergy medications like antihistamines
- Living with autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or Sjögren’s syndrome
What treatment is available?
Sight Care has recently added advance Dry Eye treatments to our practice. We are able to offer two of the most effective treatments now available on the market. They are:
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL):
IPL uses gentle, broad-spectrum light to heat the skin around the eyes, helping to:
- Unclog the meibomian glands (which produce the oily part of your tears)
- Reduce inflammation by sealing abnormal blood vessels
- Kill bacteria and Demodex mites on the eyelids
- Improve tear quality and comfort
Most people need a series of 4 treatments, spaced 2–4 weeks apart, with follow-up treatments every 6–12 months if needed.
Radiofrequency (RF)
RF treatment delivers controlled heat through radio waves to the eyelids and nearby skin. It helps by:
- Melting hardened oils in the glands to enhance function and enable better tears
- Stimulating collagen (bonus: it can also tighten eyelid skin!)
- Supporting long-term tear film stability
Depending on the severity of your symptoms, up to 4 sessions may be recommended. In some cases, RF is combined with IPL for even better results.
What Should You Do If You Have Dry Eyes?
The first step is to book an evaluation. Our Optometrists can confirm whether you have dry eye and suggest the most effective treatment for your needs. Some people find relief with high-quality lubricating eye drops, while others may benefit from more advanced therapies like IPL or RF.
At Sight Care, we carry premium lubricating drops—and we now offer the IPL and RF therapies.
Give us a call or email us at sightcareoptometry@outlook.com to arrange your evaluation.
Have questions about your vision or symptoms you’re experiencing? Don’t guess—ask a professional. We’re happy to help.
Visit www.sightcareoptometry.com to book an appointment.
Note: This posting is for informational purposes only and does not attempt to diagnose or
recommend treatment for any condition. Please refer to the Ontario Association Optometrists website (https://optom.on.ca/eye-health-library) for more information or consult an Optometrist if you are experiencing eyesight issues.
