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Rockyview Health Centre, 1011 Glenmore Trail SW Building #1 Suite 423, Calgary, AB T2V 4R6, Canada
587-353-5061 Book Appointment

New Dry Eye treatment Approved by Health Canada

dry-eye-treatment

At Eyedeology, our Optometrists treat many Calgarians with dry eye disease. We are very passionate about dry eyes and the latest treatment options. We are really excited to have a new medication approved by Health Canada after 7 years – Xiidra® (Lifitegrast Ophthalmic Solution 5%) gives our Optometrists another option to help treat patients with dry eye disease. Xiidra® is preservative free and will be available in the next few months. Symptoms have been shown to improve as early as 2 weeks.

Dry eye disease affects roughly 30% of the Canadian population and significantly affects the quality of life of individuals by affecting vision-related activities such as reading, computer work, driving, watching TV or viewing a digital device. Dry eye disease is caused by inflammation of the front surface of the eye resulting in a poor or deficient tear film.

Dry eye disease is multifactorial and women are more affected than men especially older women; people who use digital devices for a long period of time; anyone with medical conditions such as diabetes or Sjogrens disease; those that are on specific medications for high blood pressure, thyroid, or antihistamines; contact lens wearers, or anyone who has had laser refractive surgery or cataract surgery. A full list can be viewed on our website under services – Calgary Dry Eye clinic.

Signs and symptoms include any of the following: redness, itching, burning or stringing sensation, sandy/gritty feeling in the eyes, tearing during the day or when outdoors, light sensitivity, headaches, vision fluctuations causing blurred vision, and /or eye strain or fatigue. It’s important not to self-diagnose and start treatment. Rather see one of our Optometrists as medically necessary visits are covered by Alberta Health Care! We can design a treatment plan that is just right for you. Ask one of our Optometrists in Calgary if Xiidra® is right for you.

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Deep Cleansing for Healthier Eyelids and Lashes

ZEST (Zocular Eyelid System Treatment) is an in-office eyelid cleaning and debridement treatment developed by Zocular®. It is designed to clean the eyelids and lashes while helping address concerns associated with dry eye, blepharitis, and demodex.

The treatment uses a natural, okra-based gel to remove oil, debris, and residue from the eyelid margins and lashes. By improving eyelid hygiene, ZEST can help reduce the buildup that may contribute to irritation and inflammation around the eyes.

What Is ZEST?

ZEST works like a deep cleansing treatment for the eyelids and lashes. During the procedure, the okra-based gel is applied along the eyelid margins and lashes using a cotton swab. The gel is gently worked into a lather using circular motions before being rinsed away with saline solution.
The gel contains a refined extract of okra, an edible green seed pod. According to the provided product information, okra helps lift and clear oil, debris, and residue while being gentle around the eye area.

How Can ZEST Help?

Keeping the eyelids, eyelid margins, and lashes clean is an important part of eye hygiene. Buildup along the eyelid edges can contribute to symptoms such as itching, burning, gritty sensations, redness, and irritation.

ZEST is designed to address this buildup through thorough cleansing and debridement.

  • Removes Debris: Helps clear dirt, oil, and residue from the eyelid margins and lashes.
  • Supports Eyelid Hygiene: Provides a deeper cleansing treatment than routine eyelid cleaning.
    Addresses Demodex: The treatment is designed to help remove demodex mites and associated debris.
  • Helps Reduce Inflammation: Cleansing the eyelid area may help address buildup associated with irritation and inflammation.
  • Supports Dry Eye Care: ZEST may help relieve symptoms associated with dry eye and poor eyelid hygiene.

ZEST for Dry Eye, Blepharitis, and Demodex

Dry eye and blepharitis can be associated with inadequate eyelid hygiene. Debris along the eyelid margins can enter the tear film with blinking, potentially contributing to redness and irritation.

Demodex mites can also be present in the hair follicles around the eyelashes. According to the provided information, they may contribute to inflammation and dry eye symptoms by blocking the oil glands at the base of the eyelashes.

ZEST provides targeted cleansing of the eyelid margins and lashes to help remove this buildup and address demodex-related concerns.

A Simple In-Office Treatment

The ZEST procedure is performed in the office and involves applying the cleansing gel to the eyelid margins and lashes, working it into a lather, and then rinsing the area with saline solution. The treatment is designed to provide thorough eyelid and lash cleansing without requiring a lengthy procedure.

Is ZEST Right for You?

ZEST may be considered for patients experiencing symptoms associated with dry eye, blepharitis, demodex, or eyelid debris. An eye care professional can assess your symptoms and determine whether ZEST is appropriate for your eye care needs.
587-317-2134