Dry Eye Treatment Experts In Calgary | Eyedeology Eye Clinic
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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
Mission
We are passionate about your eyes, and about building long-lasting relationships. Our goal is to ensure your eyes remain healthy throughout your life. We are all about service, love, kindness and a belief in strong community. Through our holistic approach to caring for you and our dedication to learning, we pioneer carefully researched new treatments, technology, and products to help ensure eye health.

What Is Dry Eye Disease?

Dry Eye Disease is a condition where the eyes cannot produce the right quantity or quality of tears.  Many factors contribute to Dry Eyes and symptoms are often worse at the end of the day, or after focusing on something, such as a computer screen, for a prolonged period of time.  If left untreated, Dry Eye is progressive and can lead to more serious problems, including impaired vision and an increased risk of eye infection.

What Causes Eyes To Dry Out?

Dry Eye Disease can have many causes and risk factors which include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • hormonal changes
  • medical conditions such as autoimmune diseases, diabetes, Sjogren’s syndrome, thyroid gland problems
  • medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, hormone replacement therapy, antidepressants, preservatives in eye drops, birth control
  • high blood pressure
  • acne treatments such as Accutane
  • contact lens wear
  • laser eye surgery and cataract surgery
  • wind, smoke, and dry climate
  • chronic dehydration
  • alcohol use
  • smoking and vaping
  • vitamin A deficiency
  • abnormal eyelid closure and improper blinking
  • increased screen time

Harmful Effects

Dry eyes can be a hindrance to performing daily tasks such as driving, reading or working on the computer due to discomfort and blurry vision. A stable tear film plays a critical role in providing a clear vision and protecting the eyes against debris and harmful microbes. Therefore, insufficient lubrication of the eyes can result in an increased risk of eye infections. The cornea may become more prone to scratches and abrasions and this is made worse by a decreased ability to heal ocular surface wounds. Without proper treatment, individuals with severe dry eyes may experience more serious complications such as corneal ulcers and potentially vision loss. If you suspect that you may have Dry Eye Disease, please contact the Eyedeology Team at 587-353-5061 or email us at info@eyedeology.ca to book a Dry Eye Assessment.

 

How Can We Help?

The cornea, the clear front surface of the eyes, has the highest density of nerves compared to the rest of the body. This allows the eyes to detect even the smallest changes in our environment so that we can blink in response to contact with dust particles, produce tears when the eyes are feeling dry, or initiate wound healing in the eye.

Individuals with dry eyes may have problems with the oil glands in the eyelids or their corneal nerves, ultimately preventing the proper production of tears. A healthy tear film is essential to provide clear and comfortable vision and to protect the surface of the eyes against bacteria, allergens, and foreign debris. Because the cornea is highly sensitive, decreased lubrication in the ocular surface causes increased irritation and discomfort.

Therefore, individuals with dry eyes often experience symptoms such as blurry, fluctuating vision, red and itchy eyes, stinging and burning sensations, increased light sensitivity, and gritty irritated eyes. If you are experiencing any dry eye symptoms, or suspect that you may have Dry Eye Disease, please contact the Eyedeology Team at 587-353-5061 or email us at info@eyedeology.ca to book a Dry Eye Assessment.

Dry Eyes Symptoms:

  • stinging
  • burning
  • scratchy/gritty sensation
  • itching
  • redness of the eye
  • sensitivity to light
  • tearing
  • tired eyes
  • blurred vision
  • swollen red eyelids
  • soreness, achiness
  • headaches

Steps We Follow For Your Eye Assessment

For patients experiencing dry eyes, a Dry Eye Assessment is recommended to obtain baseline measurements to determine the cause(s) of your dry eyes. We will review your signs and symptoms using a dry eye questionnaire and several quick and painless tests which include assessing the cornea (the front surface of the eye), the conjunctiva (the white and pink tissue of the eyes), and the upper and lower eyelids including the Meibomian glands which make the oily part of the tears. These tests will grade the severity of your Dry Eyes and determine possible treatment options. This assessment is not covered by Alberta Health Care but may be submitted to any extended insurance you have. Please inquire with your insurance provider.

ZEST (Zocular Eyelid System Treatment)

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. Learn More

Advanced Dry Eyes Treatment Options

The first step toward managing your Dry Eye Disease is to book a Dry Eye Assessment with one of our optometrists to determine the root cause of your dry eyes. A management plan is then created with you, to best address and alleviate the symptoms you are experiencing. Following the Dry Eye Assessment, treatment options at the clinic may include:

  • Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy
  • Radiofrequency (RF) therapy
  • ILux treatment
  • BlephEx treatment
  • Umay Rest – Thermal Meditation Device (As seen on Dragon’s Den – CBC)
  • Preservative-free artificial tears
  • Lubricating eye gels or ointments
  • Prescription eye drops
  • Eyelid hygiene products
  • Eye masks (including electronic masks)
  • Moisture goggles for the eyes
  • Vitamins and supplements for eye health
  • Punctal plugs
  • Scleral contact lenses

Other Treatment Options At Our Eye Clinic In Calgary

  • In treating Dry Eye Disease we can recommend artificial tears along with medicated eye drops approved by Health Canada. The goal of treatment is to help increase the eye’s natural ability to produce tears and we recommend one of two products depending on the degree of inflammation. Symptoms can improve as early as two weeks. Ask our Optometrists about the right treatment options for you. Learn about Xiidra and Cequa medicated drops for dry eye
  • Ask our Optometrists about Blood-Derived Eye Drops especially if you have had any laser refractive surgery.
  • Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD): blocked meibomian oil glands in the eyelids are a root cause of dry eye disease. These glands play an important role in producing oil for the tear film. If left untreated, these oil glands can shrink and die off. Imaging of your oil will help us to classify the condition they are in and help us determine the appropriate treatment options for you. Treatment options include IPL, RF and iLux®. These options are quick, efficient, gentle and comfortable and done in our Eye Spa and require no downtime. Watch our video. Watch our video.
  • Intense Pulsed-Light (IPL) Therapy: Lumenis IPL Treatment addresses the root cause of dry eye disease by targeting the inflammation of the eyelids, reducing redness, and stimulating healthy oil gland function. By targeting the meibomian oil glands, we can improve your symptoms and slow down the progression of your chronic dry eyes. Watch our video.
    • IPL stimulates collagen growth and helps improve the skin’s texture, reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and dark circles while tightening the skin. These treatments are customized to your skin type and condition.
    • Our Optometrists may recommend combining IPL treatments with other dry eye therapies such as Radio Frequency (RF) or ILux to clear out blockages in the meibomian glands and improve gland function.

     

  • Radio Frequency (RF): Radiofrequency treatments (RF) help to unclog the meibomian oil glands in your eyelids. This low energy helps to improve the function of the oil gland to release their natural oils into the tear film. Watch our video.
    • RF stimulates collagen growth and helps improve the skin’s texture, reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, crow’s feet around the eyes, and dark circles while tightening the skin. Due to the skin tightening effects of RF, this procedure can be used as an option for a non-surgical lid-lift (blepharoplasty) treatment for saggy eyelids.
    • Our Optometrists may recommend combining RF treatments with other dry eye therapies such as Intense Pulse light treatment IPL to target the inflammation of the eyelids, reducing redness, and stimulating healthy oil gland function.

     

  • iLux®: A light-based heat therapy that gently warms the inner and outer lid to a safe therapeutic temperature unblock the meibomian oil glands in your eyelids to help secrete these natural oils into the tear film, preventing the tears from evaporating. Watch our video.
    • Our Optometrists may recommend combining ilux treatments with other dry eye therapies such as Intense Pulse light treatment to target the inflammation of the eyelids, reducing redness, and stimulating healthy oil gland function.

     

  • If you suffer from Blepharitis, we can help. Read our blog on our BlephEx treatment
  • Learn more about punctal plugs treatment option.
  • For more advanced cases, our Optometrists may recommend Scleral contact lenses to help provide a moisture barrier which prevents tear evaporation.
  • Vitamins to specifically help dry eyes are a great addition to any of the foregoing treatments.

What We Recommend

Testing at our Eye Centre in Calgary

Our Optometrists at Eyedeology will recommend a Dry Eye assessment to review your signs and symptoms using a dry eye questionnaire and several quick and painless tests which include assessing the cornea (the front surface of the eye), the conjunctiva (the white and pink tissue of the eyes), and the upper and lower eyelids. These tests will grade the severity of your Dry Eyes and possible treatment options. This assessment is not covered by Alberta Health Care but may be submitted to any extended insurance you have. Please inquire with your insurance provider.

Learn More

Watch our tutorials on how to use our dry eye products
Eyelid Wipes
Eyelid Foaming Cleansers
Brushes

Dry Eye Management

Dry eye occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly from the eye’s surface. This can affect the stability of the tear film and may lead to inflammation and irritation. Common symptoms include dryness, grittiness, redness, light sensitivity, and eye fatigue.

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Amniotic Membrane Therapy

Amniotic Membrane Therapy uses specially prepared amniotic membrane tissue to support the healing of the eye’s surface. It may be considered for people with moderate to severe dry eye, especially when other treatments have not provided enough relief.

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Insurance Coverage

Alberta Health Care covers some aspects of your Dry Eye appointments with our Optometrists. However, additional costs associated with preliminary testing, recommended products, in-office treatments and scans are not covered. We will be happy to provide you with a copy of the receipt for your healthcare spending account. Our eye doctors will review the options with you during your assessment. Our goal is to treat the signs and symptoms of your Dry Eye Disease so your eyes can feel their best.

Frequently Asked Questions

Areas We Serve

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Supporting Ocular Surface Healing and Comfort

The membrane contains natural growth factors and anti-inflammatory properties. When placed over the cornea, it acts as a protective layer that supports healing and may help reduce inflammation.

Potential Benefits

  • Supports Healing: Helps promote natural healing of the eye’s surface.
  • Reduces Inflammation: Its natural properties may help calm inflammation.
  • Improves Comfort: May help relieve discomfort related to dry eye.
  • Supports Recovery: Helps support the healing of the ocular surface.

Who May Benefit?

Amniotic Membrane Therapy may be suitable for people with moderate to severe dry eye, particularly when conventional treatments have not provided enough relief. An eye care professional can assess your eyes and determine if this treatment is appropriate.

How Does It Work?

The amniotic membrane is the innermost layer of the placenta and contains growth factors and anti-inflammatory properties. During treatment, a specially prepared membrane is placed over the eye’s surface to act as a biological covering and support healing.

What to Expect

Before treatment, your optometrist will examine your eyes and determine whether Amniotic Membrane Therapy is suitable for you.

  • Before Treatment: The eye is numbed with topical anesthetic drops, and the area is prepared.
  • Membrane Placement: The preserved and sterilized membrane is placed over the cornea.
  • After Placement: A special contact lens may be used to hold the membrane in place.
  • Post-Treatment Care: Antibiotic or anti-inflammatory eye drops may be prescribed when needed.
  • Follow-Up: Regular visits help monitor healing and the membrane’s absorption or integration.
Some patients may experience mild discomfort, a foreign body sensation, or temporary blurred vision after treatment. Improvement in symptoms may take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the individual.

Understanding Dry Eye and Your Treatment Options

Dry eye can develop for several reasons, and understanding the underlying cause is an important part of managing symptoms. Our team can assess your eyes and help develop a management plan based on your individual needs.

Common Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye can affect both eyes and may cause different symptoms, including:

  • Stinging or Burning – A burning, stinging, or gritty feeling in the eyes.
  • Eye Redness – Red or irritated eyes.
  • Light Sensitivity – Increased sensitivity to light.
  • Excessive Watering – Eyes that water more than usual.
  • Blurred Vision or Eye Fatigue – Blurry vision or tired, strained eyes.
  • Foreign Body Sensation – A feeling that something is in your eye.

What Causes Dry Eye?

A healthy tear film has several components that work together to keep the surface of the eye comfortable and protected. Dry eye can occur when tear production decreases or when tears evaporate too quickly.

Several factors may contribute to dry eye, including:

  • Aging
  • Allergies
  • Hormonal changes
  • Eyelid problems
  • Gland dysfunction
  • Certain health conditions
  • Living in a dry climate
  • Extended screen time

One common factor is blockage of the Meibomian glands, which produce the lipid layer of the tear film. When these glands are not functioning properly, tear evaporation can increase and contribute to dry eye symptoms.

A Personalized Approach to Dry Eye Management

Managing dry eye involves more than simply using eye drops. Our team can help develop a personalized plan that may include targeted in-office treatments, nutritional guidance, and home care based on your needs. 

Home care may include:

  • Warm Compresses: Used as part of a regular eye-care routine.
  • Lid Hygiene: Keeping the eyelids and surrounding area clean.
  • Artificial Tears: May be recommended to help manage dryness and discomfort.

In-Office Treatment Options

For patients with more severe dry eye symptoms, targeted in-office treatments may be considered. Available options include:

  • Radiofrequency
  • Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL)
  • LipiFlow Therapy

These treatments may be used as part of dry eye management for symptoms such as burning, itching, redness, and irritation. The appropriate approach depends on the underlying factors contributing to your symptoms.

Managing Your Dry Eye Symptoms

Dry eye can have several contributing factors, so treatment is not the same for everyone. A thorough assessment can help identify factors affecting your tear film and determine which management options may be appropriate.

If you are experiencing persistent dryness, irritation, redness, light sensitivity, or other symptoms, speak with our eye care team about your dry eye management options.

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.
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