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Dry Eye Diagnosis and Treatment in Calgary

Is redness, irritation or pain in your eyes not going away? You need to visit our dry eye clinic in Calgary without delay.

Dry eye may seem like a minor issue, but it can be symptomatic of wider health and lifestyle issues. Schedule an appointment to diagnose and address your dry eye without delay.

You May Have Dry Eye and Probably Not Even Know It

Dry eye disease (DED) is a common condition affecting more than 1 in 5 Canadians. It occurs when the eye is unable to lubricate itself adequately, causing discomfort, irritation, and vision issues.

DED can be caused by aging, an underlying medical condition, medication, and even contact lenses. Though more and more, it happens due to excessive screen time.

Fortunately, dry eye is very treatable. You can prevent any lasting harm to your eyes if you address it early.

Full-Service Dry Eye Clinic in Calgary

LipiFlow®

LipiFlow® is a quick, 12-minute treatment that targets the root cause of dry eye by gently heating and massaging your eyelids to clear blocked Meibomian glands. It provides lasting relief from dryness and irritation for up to a year.

Intense Pulsed Light

IPL therapy uses pulses of light to clear blocked Meibomian glands, reduce inflammation, and stabilize the tear film. It is known as the gold standard for treating Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, Blepharitis, and Ocular Rosacea. It offers relief after just 1-2 sessions.

Meibomian Gland Expression

This uses gentle pressure to release blockages and improve the quality of oil production in your eyelids. MGE is an in-office procedure that provides lasting relief. However, you can perform at-home massages too.

Zocular® Eyelid System Treatment

ZEST is a soothing in-office treatment that removes bacteria, mites, and debris from your eyelids using a unique gel made with okra extract. This gentle cleanse reduces inflammation, eases redness, and provides fast relief. Many people notice improvements after just one session.

Autologous Serum
Eye Drops

Ideal for treating severe dry eye and Sjogren’s syndrome, these drops help regenerate corneal nerves, improve eye health, and protect against damage from free radicals. Serum eye drops are made from your own blood, packed with growth factors, vitamins, and proteins that promote healing and repair.

Punctal
Plugs

Punctal plugs are tiny inserts placed in the tear ducts to slow tear drainage, keeping your eyes hydrated. They are available as temporary dissolvable plugs or longer-lasting silicone options. Punctal plugs are ideal for chronic dry eye and post-refractive surgery care.

Surgery

Surgery offers targeted solutions for complex dry eye causes. It can repair tear distribution, lumps, tear drainage, and tear retention. Speak to our specialist to understand if a surgery is an appropriate course of action for you.

Amniotic Membranes

Amniotic membranes act as biologic bandages, promoting healing for conditions like keratitis, corneal erosions, and chronic epithelial defects caused by dry eye.

Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses provide lasting relief for severe dry eye by creating a fluid reservoir that hydrates the eye while improving vision. These large-diameter lenses are ideal for people who haven’t found success with other treatments.

Not Just Eye Exams in Calgary, We Provide Great Value

DIRECT BILLING WITH MOST INSURANCE COMPANIES
Minimize hassle and out-of-pocket costs with direct billing. Our team can advise you on if your treatment will be covered under your insurance.
Extended Hours
Get dry eye treatment in Calgary without disturbing your workday. We’re open till 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm on select weekdays, and also on Saturday.
Qualified Optometrist
Gain peace of mind when you speak directly with a qualified optometrist. Plus, receive guidance, treatment, and support from an experienced team.

Dry Eye Treatment in Calgary

Macleod Optometry is a top-rated optometry and eye glasses store in Calgary.

Call us at 403-460-3937 or click Book Online to schedule dry eye treatment in Calgary.

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Signs and Symptoms of Dry Eye

If you are experiencing these symptoms, you may be experiencing dry eye:

  • Persistent dryness or irritation
  • Red, itchy, or burning eyes
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Blurred or fluctuating vision
  • A gritty or sandy sensation in the eyes
  • Watery eyes due to reflex tearing
  • Difficulty wearing contact lenses
  • Eye fatigue, especially after screen use

Why You Need to See an Eye Doctor

Dry eye causes more than just a little redness and irritation, it can lead to long-term damage if left untreated.

Left untreated, dry eye can increase the risk of eye infections, inflammation, damage to the corneal surface, ulcers, and even vision loss.

If the symptoms don’t dissipate on their own within a few hours or a day or so, it is imperative that you have your eyes examined by a professional.

Calgary eye clinic

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need professional dry eye treatment?

If you experience persistent dryness, burning, or sensitivity, it’s time for a professional evaluation. 

Over-the-counter solutions can temporarily mask symptoms but don’t address underlying problems like meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) or tear imbalances. 

A tailored treatment plan ensures your eyes receive the care they need to improve comfort and visual clarity.

2. Are dry eye treatments safe for long-term use?

Yes, most dry eye treatments are designed for safety and long-term use. Prescription medications like Cyclosporine and Lifitegrast reduce inflammation without compromising your ocular health. Procedures like LipiFlow therapy are non-invasive and approved by health authorities.

When you visit us for dry eye treatment in Calgary, our team takes the time to understand your needs and preferences. Anxious about eye-related procedures? No problem, we’ll try to address your dry eye with OTC and prescription medication.

3. How quickly can I expect results from dry eye treatments?

Results vary depending on the treatment. Lubricating drops provide immediate, temporary relief. Prescription medications typically take a few weeks to reduce inflammation. Advanced therapies, like IPL treatments, may require multiple sessions but yield lasting improvements.

Our Calgary dry eye treatments focus on long-term eye health, rather than just short term relief from discomfort. In addition to treatments, our team provides guidance and education that help you manage DED and protect your vision.

4. Can lifestyle changes help with dry eye symptoms?

Most definitely. Studies have found that people with screen time of over 4 hours per day have significantly greater chances of dry eye. Other environmental factors include partaking in sports such as cycling, and spending large amounts of time in air conditioning.

Again, our team will help you identify potential reasons for your dry eye, and suggest ways to reduce their impact on your eye health.

5. How often should I or my child get an eye exam?

It is generally recommended that adults get an eye exam every six months to one year, depending on age and overall eye health.

For children, eye exams are crucial for early detection of vision problems and should be done at least annually, starting at six months of age.

If you or your child wear corrective lenses, have a family history of eye conditions, or experience any changes in vision, more frequent exams may be necessary.

(403) 460-3937