DRY EYE CLINIC
DRY EYE CENTRE EDMONTON
Dry Eye Disease (DED) is a prevalent condition that we encounter frequently at our clinic. The symptoms can vary from minor inconvenience to chronic discomfort and may fluctuate depending on various factors.
At Trifecta Optometry we have made it our mission to provide focused attention to this condition by relying on evidence-based research. Our goal is to offer our patients the best possible care by leveraging the latest medical technologies in both diagnosis and treatment, all under one roof. We take pride in our commitment to providing comprehensive care for DED.
WHAT IS DRY EYE DISEASE?
Dry Eye Disease is a condition that gradually alters and disrupts the natural balance of chemical and tissue composition in the eye, leading to significant functional changes in vision quality and patient comfort.
While dry eye disease is complex and can be described as a vicious, ongoing cycle, we've identified numerous potential causes that can initiate the cycle. If left unaddressed, it becomes increasingly difficult for patients to break out of the cycle.
Research has shown there is no cure for this condition, but through our work, we aim to manage symptoms as effectively as possible by preserving the integrity of the ocular structure. Our goal is to optimize patient comfort and vision quality, even in the absence of a permanent cure.
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF DRY EYE DISEASE
Patients rarely describe their eyes as feeling "dry". Instead, they're more likely to experience symptoms such as:
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The sensation of having a foreign object or eyelash in the eye
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Persistent redness
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Burning or stinging eyes
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Watery or tearing eyes
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Vision fluctuations, particularly after blinking
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Discomfort upon waking up in the morning
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Difficulty wearing contact lenses or intolerance to them
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Fatigue and soreness of the eyes
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The feeling of not being able to keep their eyes open wide.
COMMON CAUSES OF DRY EYE DISEASE
Multiple factors may contribute to the presence of dry eyes. Some of the most common causes include:
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Increased screen time
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Wearing contact lenses
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Undergoing laser eye surgery
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Exposure to a poor environment
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Pre-existing health conditions, such as diabetes
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Certain medications
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Age and gender
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Myopia (Nearsightedness)This refractive error makes it difficult seeing distant objects, but can see objects that are nearby. The reason is generally because the length of the eye is too long and the focal point of light rays lands in front of the retina making objects appear blurry. This can be corrected optically using prescription spectacles and contact lenses. Myopia is becoming a genuine public health concern globally as by 2050, it is estimated that 50% of the world's population will have some form of myopia. As an individual's myopia increases, it places them at a higher risk to develop potentially blinding conditions in their adulthood such as retinal detachment, maculopathy, and early cataract formation. We are now living in an era where there are many different options to address this pandemic that manages the progression of myopia in our children. Trifecta Optometry is proud to be a clinic that recognizes this disease and places high value in managing it for our patients. Click here to learn more about Myopia Management
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Hyperopia (Farsightedness)Simply, it is theoretically the opposite to myopia. One has the ability to see objects in the distance, however can struggle to read at near. Depending on how high the prescription is, one may be functional unaided, while others may require prescription spectacles part time typically with near work, and others may need them full time for all distances. In this case, the length of the eye is generally too short and the focal point of light rays lands behind the retina making objects appear blurry.
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AstigmatismThis is a common vision condition that can contribute to blurry vision. However rather than experiencing blurriness at one distance, it is usually at every distance. Most astigmatism originates from an irregular corneal shape causing light to be dispersed in multiple directions causing the visual obscuration. In other scenarios, the astigmatism can come from the lens of the eye as well. It can be corrected by prescription spectacles and contact lenses.
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PresbyopiaThis is a natural effect of aging, usually occurring after the age of 40. This is a phenomenon in which the ability to focus on close objects decreases over time and can occur simultaneously and in addition to one's existing refractive error. Left uncorrected, it can cause difficulty with intermediate and near work requiring more light and at times can cause headaches. The need for reading glasses or bifocals and progressive lenses will be necessary to correct.
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CataractsAs we age, the lens of the eye becomes cloudy. The process is typically gradual and one may be asymptomatic initially, however as they continue to progress, there are many symptoms that can affect the quality of vision. This can include: Blurry or foggy vision Difficulty with night time driving Difficulty with near vision Increased halos, glare, starburst around lights Fading colours Early signs generally start at the age of 60 and once it becomes visually significant, surgical removal will be necessary with the replacement of an implantable intraocular lens.
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Diabetic RetinopathyIn individuals with uncontrolled blood sugar levels, it can cause changes to the tissues of the eye. Many changes can occur including the development of new blood vessels, white blood cells, swelling and leakage of fluid in the retina only to name a few. These episodes can cause immediate to long term changes to vision including: Spots or floaters in vision Distortion around objects Decreased vision Darkened areas of vision
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Age-Related Macular DegenerationThis is the leading cause of vision loss among the older population. The macula, the portion of the eye responsible for clear central vision, undergoes a slow deterioration of the tissue as the disease progresses. This causes the central part of the vision to blur and/or distort while sparing your peripheral vision. Some of the early symptoms may include: Blurry and decreased central vision Straights lines may seem bent and distorted Difficulty seeing fine details
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GlaucomaGlaucoma is also known as the "silent killer of sight". It is a disease that starts with almost no symptoms for the individual; once it becomes noticeable, a considerable amount of damage has already been done. Glaucoma is a disease that causes the gradual thinning of the thickness of the tissues of the optic nerve head. At times, high intraocular eye pressure may be associated with the disease however a majority of the time, it is not the case. There are also numerous subtypes of glaucoma as well. Eventually in the disease's end stage, it causes significant peripheral vision loss eventually into tunnel vision. Some symptoms may include: Perception of becoming more clumsy Difficulty shoulder checking when driving Eye pain Redness Headache
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Dry Eye DiseaseLiving in one of the dryest major cities in Canada, Edmonton's environment certainly contributes to the symptoms of Dry Eye Disease. It is simply more than the eye not producing enough tears - in fact, that is typically not the reason for the majority of individuals suffering from Dry Eye. Dry Eye Disease is a multifactorial disease that starts gradually and can compound to the point of causing a negative impact to someone's day-to-day activities. Some of the symptoms can include: Foreign body sensation in the eye Constant red eyes Burning or stinging eyes Itchy eyes Sensitivity to light Fluctuation in vision
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KeratoconusIn keratoconus, the cornea begins to thin and gradually bulges outward into a cone shape. This can cause blurry and distorted vision. It generally begins at puberty and progresses into the mid-30s. It typically affects both eyes, with one eye being more severely affected than the other. In the early to mild stages, it can be corrected optically with prescription spectacles and contact lenses, however in the moderate to severe stages, more aggressive treatments may require surgical intervention. As with many eye conditions, early detection is key.