Dry eye disease can be more than an irritation – it can affect your daily activities and overall quality of life. At Old South Optometry, we offer dedicated dry eye screenings, separate from routine exams, to help thoroughly evaluate your condition.
By identifying the root cause of your dry eyes using innovative diagnostic tools, we can combine education with personalized treatments to bring you the relief you deserve. Our team aims to bring comfort and relief back to your daily life.
Schedule your appointment today to take the first step toward fresher, more comfortable eyes.
Dry eye disease can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including:
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, book a dedicated dry eye screening with us today.
Dry eye symptoms occur when your eyes aren’t producing enough high-quality tears. One common cause can be meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Your meibomian glands produce oil that helps keep your tears from evaporating too quickly. If they’re blocked, the quality of your tears can decrease, leading to dry eyes.
Dry eye symptoms can also originate from anterior blepharitis. Anterior blepharitis is a chronic inflammation of the anterior eyelid margin and eyelashes. It is commonly associated with Staphylococcus Aureus and Demodex infestation. Risk factors includes seborrhic dermatitis, rosacea and eczema. If left untreated, complications such as eyelid hypertrophy, including meibomian gland blockage, are possible. The main treatment includes lid hygiene.
Another major culprit is digital eye strain. Prolonged screen time causes your eyes to blink less often, which leads to dryness and discomfort. Hormonal changes and environmental factors like dry air, dust, and pollutants, as well as certain health conditions, can further aggravate your symptoms.
We use diagnostic tools to identify the root causes of your dry eye symptoms.
We’ll use various technologies during your exam to get more information about your tear production, gland health, and eye surface condition. With this detailed information, we can create a personalized treatment plan to bring you lasting relief.
Meibography is noninvasive and uses special imaging to examine the health of your meibomian glands, which produce the oils in your tears. By assessing their condition, we can identify issues like blockages or dysfunction that could be causing your symptoms.
Dyes or staining are used to check for damage on the surface of your eye. A small drop of special dye is placed in your eye, and then we use a blue light to see how the dye highlights any areas of dryness or irritation. This helps us pinpoint problem areas and guide the best treatment for your dry eyes.
The TBUT test measures how long your tear film stays stable on the surface of your eye before it starts to break up. In an automated TBUT, a machine does the timing for precision, while in a subjective TBUT, we manually observe how long the tears last.
Both tests help determine if dry eyes are affecting your tear quality.
Schirmer’s test measures tear production. A small strip of paper is placed in your lower eyelid, and we monitor how much moisture collects on the strip over a few minutes. This test helps us understand whether your eyes are producing enough tears to keep them comfortable and healthy.
MYAH is a comprehensive diagnostic tool that creates a detailed map of your eye. It helps us assess your eye shape, tear quality, and overall health to determine the best treatment plan for dry eye or other vision concerns. MYAH technology gives us detailed information to personalize your care.
At Old South Optometry, we take a personalized approach to dry eye treatment. We offer a variety of treatments, including eyelid hygiene, scleral lenses, punctal plugs, and more, to tailor a plan that fits your unique symptoms and lifestyle.
Our goal is to help you find lasting relief and comfort.
Eye masks can keep your eyes hydrated, helping unclog the meibomian glands and improving tear production. They’re a relaxing way to relieve dry eye symptoms, especially for people with gland dysfunction or those who experience discomfort from prolonged screen time.
Artificial tears help alleviate dry eye by mimicking your natural tears, providing essential moisture and lubrication to the eyes. Preservative-free drops are especially important for long-term use, as they reduce the risk of irritation and support greater comfort over time.
Medicated eye drops can help target the underlying causes of dry eye, such as inflammation. They can help reduce discomfort and manage conditions like meibomian gland dysfunction and inflammation, offering longer-term relief.
Punctal plugs are small devices inserted into the tear ducts to block tear drainage. They help keep moisture on the surface of the eyes for longer, offering relief for people with chronic dry eye who may not produce enough natural tears.
Scleral lenses are large, gas-permeable contact lenses that vault over the cornea, providing a cushion of fluid to protect the eye’s surface. They’re especially helpful for persistent dry eye, as they create a stable tear reservoir and offer long-lasting relief from dryness and discomfort.
Omega-3 supplements are a natural remedy for improving tear quality. They support the production of healthy oils in the meibomian glands and can reduce inflammation, making them beneficial for individuals with dry eyes or meibomian gland dysfunction.
LidWipes are specially designed wipes that help cleanse and remove debris from the eyelids and lashes. Regular use can reduce inflammation and improve the function of the meibomian glands, which are key in preventing and managing dry eye.
Don’t let dry eyes hold you back any longer. If you’re experiencing irritation, redness, or discomfort, it’s time to take action. From lifestyle adjustments to innovative therapies, we offer a range of solutions to bring you clearer, more comfortable vision.
Book your dry eye screening today, and let our team evaluate your condition with our technology.
Book Appointment
*Closed on long weekends
Depending on the underlying cause of your dry eye, certain soft contact lenses may help alleviate your symptoms. […]
Keep reading to learn what you need to know about wearing contacts with astigmatism, including the different types available, like soft toric lenses, rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses, scleral lenses, and hybrid options. […]
Read More… from What to Know About Wearing Contacts with Astigmatism
Astigmatism is due to an abnormally shaped cornea or lens, while myopia results from an elongated eyeball or curved cornea. […]
Read More… from Astigmatism vs. Myopia: What’s the Difference?
OHIP doesn’t cover eye exams for all age groups or conditions. OHIP coverage applies as follows: -Children aged 0–19 are eligible for one comprehensive eye exam every 12 months -Adults aged 20–64 with specific conditions, like diabetes and glaucoma, are eligible for one comprehensive eye exam every 12 months -Adults over the age of 65 are eligible for one comprehensive eye exam every 18 months, unless they have a specific condition, which would make them eligible for one comprehensive eye exam every 12 months. […]
To check if your sunglasses are polarized, look at a reflective surface through the lenses and tilt your head—if the glare diminishes or changes, the lenses are polarized. […]
Read More… from How to Tell If Your Sunglasses Are Polarized?
Here are some factors to consider when ensuring your eyeglasses fit correctly: frame size, temple length, bridge fit, lens height and width, nose pad comfort, frame weight, material durability, face shape compatibility. […]
Vision plays a crucial role in a child’s learning, development, and well-being. Regular eye exams for children are not just about prescribing glasses—they’re key to children’s success both in and out of the classroom. […]
Contact lens prescriptions account for the shape of your eye and the material of the lens. Meanwhile, eyeglass prescriptions are measured for lenses positioned at a distance. […]
Read More… from Contact Lens vs. Glasses Prescription: What’s the Difference?
It helps to make some adjustments to your immediate surroundings. Use a humidifier, aim fans away from your face, and avoid harsh winds and air. It also helps to stay hydrated and follow a healthy diet. This gives your eyes the nutrients needed to protect themselves. […]
A comprehensive eye exam lasts about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the tests performed and your specific needs. […]
Daily contact lenses are intended only to be used for one day and should not be worn any longer than that. Wearing these lenses more than once can pose a risk to your eye health. […]
Read More… from Can You Wear Daily Contacts for More Than a Day?
There are indeed hereditary aspects of glaucoma. However, knowing the ways in which these aspects can manifest can help with prevention and management of the condition. […]
In moderated usage, screens won’t cause any significant problems. However, in excess, they can lead to a significantly higher risk of nearsightedness, sleep disorders, and more. It’s essential to make sure your child uses screens in moderation and follows healthy visual habits to improve their visual development. […]
Sometimes, spending a day out in the sun is one of the most pleasant ways to enjoy your time. However, the sun isn’t harmless; it can quickly damage your eyes if you aren’t careful. Exposure to the sun’s rays increases the risk of all kinds of long-term eye conditions, but there’s one thing often forgotten […]
A yellowish bump on your eyelid could be a number of things: a stye, a chalazion, a milia or xanthelasma. They likely come from the buildup of protein or fats under the skin on the eyelids. […]
Orthokeratology (ortho-k) lenses are worn while sleeping to temporarily reshape the cornea. This provides temporary vision correction and reduces the need to use glasses or contacts during the day. […]
But amid this excitement, it’s paramount that we discuss an aspect often overshadowed by the eclipse’s awe: eye safety. Staring at the sun, even during an eclipse, can cause severe and permanent vision damage. So, it’s critical that you take steps to protect your eyes by using specialized solar-viewing glasses or a pinhole projector. […]
Read More… from Solar Eclipse Eye Safety: Prepare for the April 2024 Eclipse
Blurred vision is a common symptom associated with dry eyes. When the eye does not have enough moisture, it can lead to a disturbance in the visual pathway, resulting in blurred or distorted vision similar to that experienced with allergies. This may be temporary or chronic, depending on the severity of the dryness. […]
Meibomian glands are tiny oil glands that line the margin of the eyelids. They are crucial for maintaining the health of the ocular surface by producing an oily substance, meibum, that prevents the evaporation of the eye’s tear film. Keeping these glands unclogged is vital to ocular health. A blockage or dysfunction, called meibomian gland […]
If you are looking for contact lenses that provide sharper vision and more durability than soft lenses, RGP lenses might be the perfect fit for you. RGP lenses, referring to rigid gas-permeable lenses, are a type of contact lens made of a relatively hard, durable and deposit-resistant material that may allow more oxygen to reach […]
Whether you find yourself squinting at the fine print or struggling to read road signs from afar, you’re not alone. Many of us have been there, questioning if it’s time to think about buying glasses. Fortunately, your optometrist can help! With an eye exam, we can help you and your family figure out if glasses […]
Read More… from Do I Need Glasses? Here are Some Signs That You Might
OHIP continues to cover for pediatric eye exams up until age 19, diabetic eye exams, seniors eye exams and comprehensive eye exams for patients age 20-64 with certain eye conditions. […]
Blue light glasses can shield your eyes from the effects of blue light emitted by screens. Blue light can affect your circadian rhythm and make it harder for you to sleep at night. […]
When seasonal allergies affect your eyes, your vision can become blurry as you try to see through swelling and tears. […]
Polarized sunglasses can provide crisper, clearer vision, and reduce glare. […]
Read More… from Are Polarized Sunglasses Better for Your Vision?
During an eye exam, your eye doctor can look for changes in the blood vessels in the retina that may indicate high blood sugar levels, which can be a sign of diabetes. […]
One of the best ways to protect your eye’s long-term health is with regular comprehensive eye exams. A comprehensive eye exam allows an optometrist to look at your entire eye and visual system, allowing them to diagnose various eye diseases and disorders. These exams involve tests designed to detect early signs of eye disease, such […]
Many Canadians are familiar with dry and itchy eyes. The trouble with dry and irritated eyes is that the cause can be hard to narrow down. Chronic dry eye disease is a common culprit, but other common reasons for irritated eyes include allergies, eye infections, or contact lens wear and care. An over-the-counter (OTC) lubricating […]
For those with dry eyes, it can seem like there’s no end. The stinging, burning, and redness are ever-present. It doesn’t just affect your eyes; it can affect your entire life. That’s why there’s nothing better than getting those dry eyes treated by a professional. While you may have heard about treatments from eye drops, […]
Read More… from Vitamins & Supplements for Dry Eyes: What are my Options?
It’s not always obvious when you need glasses. Vision changes can be misleading—they rarely suddenly appear one day as blurry vision, difficulty reading fine print or street signs, or difficulty with night vision. If you never had to use glasses as a kid, you may believe that you don’t need them as an adult. This […]
Putting on a new pair of glasses for the first time can be exciting for many people. A lot of us are interested to see how our new frames will suit our faces, and others are just relieved to finally have better vision. Almost everyone who begins wearing glasses for the first time goes through […]
Myopia Management: What Does It Involve? Nearsightedness, also known as myopia, affects about one-third of children in Canada, and its prevalence is rising globally. By 2050, it is estimated that more than 50% of the world will be myopic. Myopia is an eye condition that causes blurry vision at a distance. Fortunately, recent developments in […]
Dry eyes are a prevalent condition that affects many Canadians. In many cases, wearing contacts can be an additional irritant that increases dry eye symptoms if you’re already prone to those itchy, burning eyes. If you’re experiencing any unusual and uncomfortable symptoms when wearing your contact lenses, it’s a good idea to book an exam […]
Whether it’s allergies or some other reason, eye drops are a pretty common tool for eye care. As with anything medicinal, paying attention to expiry dates is part of using the eye drops properly—even over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops. You may have fought hard to put eye drops in your eyes, so we want to make […]
The feeling of something being stuck in your eye is especially annoying. But what do you do if there’s nothing actually in your eye? It could be a sign of seasonal or perennial ocular allergies. Ocular allergies can affect anyone and can make daily activities uncomfortable and frustrating. Fortunately, there are many ways to manage […]
Old South Optometry
