McCormack Optometric Centre
Dry Eye Treatment

Dry eye is a multifactorial disease of the ocular surface that is progressive and chronic. It results in symptoms of discomfort (burning, itching, watering, redness, grittiness), visual disturbances and tear film instability. While occasional dryness may be typical, chronic dry eye disease can interfere with daily activities, affect quality of life, and potentially lead to further complications if left untreated.

Tears spread across the cornea (front surface of the eye) with each blink, providing lubrication, reducing the risk of eye infections, and removing foreign materials. Excess tears drain into small drainage ducts in the inner corners of the eyelids. Dry eyes can occur when the tear production and drainage is not in balance.

Many have learned to live with eye discomfort and become dependent on drops or other short-term relief methods. Others have had severe dry eyes for too long and are left without corneal sensation, increasing risks of ulcers and permanent loss of vision. This has been due to a lack of understanding that a leading cause of dry eye is now understood as evaporative dry eyes caused by Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD).

Understanding MGD

Many commonly attribute their eye discomfort to dry eye, when a leading cause of the burning, scratching, and redness is MGD.

MGD occurs when there is a compromise to the meibomian glands’ function and/or structure. These glands in the eyelids produce the protective oily (lipid) layer of the tear film. This oil helps protect the eye's surface and prevents the tears from evaporating when your eyes are open. Without these oils, the eyes become more susceptible to the adverse effects that dry climates, air conditioning, computer use, reading, and other daily activities can have on the long-term health of our eyes.

MGD is a prevalent, chronic, and progressive disease. MGD can be asymptomatic, particularly in its early stages.6 Routine assessments of meibomian gland function and structure may facilitate early intervention and minimize the negative impact of MGD on patient quality of life.

*85% of Dry Eye Patients are affected by MGD.

Treating MGD with LipiFlow® LipiFlow®, an FDA-approved treatment for moderate to severe dry eye syndrome, is a 12-minute treatment. It is performed in your doctor’s office and is designed to remove blockages from the meibomian glands, allowing them to function correctly.

LipiFlow® Activators are single-use sterile devices that safely and comfortably deliver heat to the inner lids and simultaneous therapeutic motion to the outer lids. The Activators are contoured to avoid contact with the cornea, protecting the delicate structures of the eye. Maximum results are usually experienced 6-8 weeks after treatment and can last years if properly managed post-procedure.

Ask your doctor if you’d be a good candidate for Lipiflow!