Dry Eye Clinic Markham ON

Unionville Dry Eye Clinic In Markham ON

Dry Eye Clinic chair at Unionville Optometry in Markham ON

Our specialists treat Dry Eyes with these 3 technologies:

LipiFlow® – Treatment Technology Treating Dry Eye With IPL Radio Frequency Treatment Endoret PRGP

LipiFlow® – Treatment Technology

Young woman receiving IPL Treatement In addition to the traditional dry eyes treatment methods listed below, our Unionville Dry Eye Clinic now offers LipiFlow® dry eye treatment options for patients diagnosed with MGD.

FDA Approved

LipiFlow® is an FDA-approved device used to remove gland blockages and restore gland function, getting to the root cause of your dry eyes rather than just treating dry eye symptoms. The patented device uses Vectored Thermal Pulsation technology to apply heat and massage the inner eyelids, removing any obstructions within the glands.

This in-office dry eye treatment typically takes about 12 minutes per eye and patients often notice an improvement in their dry eye symptoms within two weeks. The LipiFlow® dry eye treatment typically provides results for up to one to two years.

Treating Dry Eye With IPL

The technology behind “Intense Pulsed Light” (IPL) has been in use for many years in treating over 30 skin conditions. IPL treatment is revolutionary for managing inflammation of the skin and eyelid that in many cases is the root cause of dry eye symptoms.

This treatment for dry eye syndrome involves the application of Intense Pulsed Light Therapy on the cheeks, nose, and below the lower eyelids.

IPL Treatment Schedule

The schedule of IPL treatments consists of 3 to 4 sessions, 3 to 4 weeks apart. Patients may feel a mild warming sensation during therapy. At Unionville Optometry, we use the Optima IPL “continuously cooled” handpiece, which is designed to enhance patient comfort during dry eyes treatment.

Radio Frequency Treatment

Radio Frequency (RF) is a non-invasive skin tightening treatment that delivers Radio Frequency energy to help heat and unblock the meibomian glands. RF treatments have also proven effective at improving dry eye symptoms. The RF energy reactivates natural collagen production helping to reduce wrinkles and improve skin tone by noticeably lifting and tightening the skin.

Tighter Smoother Skin

Stimulation of new and strong collagen and elastin fibres results in tighter smoother skin and improves eyelid laxity while alleviating dry eye symptoms.

RF energy is delivered into the dermis without affecting the epidermis, allowing the procedure to be done without any down time. Skin may be a slight pink for 1-2 hours, and you can return to your daily routine immediately after the dry eyes treatment. Radio Frequency technology is suitable for all skin types and can be combined with IPL and Lipiflow treatments.

Endoret PRGP

Endoret PRGP disposable kit Endoret® (PRGF®) is a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) technology for obtaining autologous proteins from the patient’s own blood.

It is designed for the safe and rapid preparation of autologous platelet-rich with growth factor. The concentrated growth factors in Endoret PRP promote tissue regeneration and healing; and stimulate and support regenerative processes effectively addressing the root causes of dry eye.

Endoret PRP tears modulate inflammation, reducing irritation and discomfort associated with dry eye syndrome. The personalized nature of this treatment ensures compatibility and safety, as the PRP is derived from the patient's own blood.

You Shouldn't Have to Live with Pain

The Dry Eye Clinic at Unionville Optometry in Markham ON helps eye patients who suffer from dry eye syndrome (keratoconjunctivitis sicca).

Our eye care specialists firmly believe that you shouldn’t have to live with the pain and discomfort of dry eyes. In fact, we believe it is crucial to determine and treat the underlying cause of your dry eye symptoms. This will help protect and ensure the continued health of your vision. Visit our Markham Dry Eye Clinic. Our dry eye specialists are now equipped to treat even the most severe dry eye symptoms.

Call our dry eye clinic at 905-477-4488 or email us to learn more.

The Cause Of Dry Eyes

In as many as 86% of cases, the underlying cause of dry eyes is a condition called Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). The Meibomian glands in the eyelids are responsible for producing a protective oily layer of tear film. When these glands become blocked or fail to produce the oils needed for healthy tears. If left untreated, the eye becomes very dry leading to irritation, discomfort, and eventually, gland dropout.

Chronic & Progressive

This dysfunction is both chronic (meaning it is persistent and recurring), and progressive (meaning it develops in stages). It is why it is important to mention any dry eye symptoms you may be experiencing to your Unionville optometrist.

At our Markham Ontario Dry Eye Clinic, our dry eye specialists can perform a series of dry eye tests and evaluations to properly diagnose MGD and determine the causes and treatment. This may include applying LipiView® tear film, gland imaging, and Meibomian gland evaluation.

Older woman holding glasses in one hand and rubbing her eyes with the other hand

Man at a desk with a laptop, holding a pair of glasses in one hand and rubbing his eyes with the other hand

Dry Eye Symptoms

While every individual is different there are a number of common dry eye symptoms:

Stinging eyes

Burning eyes

Scratchy sensation in the eye

Sensitivity to light

Redness of the eye

Difficulty wearing contact lenses

Difficulty with driving at night

Blurred vision

Eye fatigue

Watery eyes

Foreign body sensation

Eye pain

IPL for Dry Eyes - How It Works

With Intense Pulsed Light, we can target the abnormal blood vessels that may be causing the inflammation. As the pulsed light penetrates the skin and affected tissues, it generates heat. The treatment triggers the body’s natural ability to heal, helping the body to remove the abnormal blood vessels and decrease inflammation. In turn, IPL pulsed light helps to improve the symptoms of dry eyes, increasing collagen production, and improving the overall appearance of the skin.

Immediate Relief

IPL pulsed light is a fast “lunchtime treatment”; patients can resume everyday activities with minimal downtime. The IPL for dry eyes treatment can provide immediate relief with signs and symptoms improving after only 1 to 2 treatments, and steadily improving throughout the course of therapy. We use Intense Pulsed Light therapy for dry eyes in conjunction with Lipiflow dry eye treatment. The two treatments are the perfect combination, and when used together will target the two main causes of dry eye and MGD (inflammation and blockages of the Meibomian gland).

Gloved hand holding a device for Dry Eye treatment

Traditional Treatment Options

When properly treated for dry eye symptoms, you’ll notice enhanced eye comfort and less severe (and fewer) dry eye symptoms. In some cases, eye patients also report clearer and sharper vision.

Our Unionville Dry Eye Clinic can recommend any one or a combination of dry eye treatment options depending on the cause of your dry eyes. Talk to our dry eye specialists about the following traditional dry eye treatment options including:

Over-the-counter Eye Drops (Artificial Tears)
Prescription Eye Drops (Restasis)
Punctal Plugs
Restasis and steroid eye drops
Meibomian Gland Expression
Warm Compress

Lipiflow FAQ

What Is Lipiflow?

What Are Meibomian Glands?

Meibomian glands are embedded in the upper and lower eyelids and produce the oily layer of our tears. It is common for Meibomian glands to become blocked, which inhibits their function. Inadequate gland function means low tear oil layer production, leaving the eye vulnerable to fast tear evaporation and dry eye. This is known as Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). MGD is chronic, progressive, and not always felt at the beginning and is present in almost 90% of dry eye patients.

What Is Lipiscan?

How Does The Lipiflow Treatment Work?

How Long Does A Lipiflow Treatment Take?

What Is The Lipiflow Recovery Time?

Does Lipiflow Treatment Hurt?

How Effective Is Lipiflow?

The Lipiflow removes blockages in your Meibomian glands. If your glands are blocked long enough, you will likely experience gland “dropout,” which means they die. Therefore, the purpose of Lipiflow is to protect your glands in the short and long term from “dropout” and inhibiting dry eye from progressing. Most symptomatic patients do report feeling better, however the goal is stop it from getting worse. For additional information, see this Review of Ophthalmology article entitled, What To Expect from Your Dry-Eye Device.

Is Lipiflow Follow-Up Assessment Required?

Is Lipiflow Safe?

Will Lipiflow Cure Dry Eye Syndrome?

Where Can I Get Lipiflow Treatments?

Does Insurance Cover Lipiflow Treatment?

Our Unionville Optometry Eye Doctors Are Also Members Of:

Book With Our Unionville Dry Eye Clinic Today

Contact our Unionville Optometry Dry Eye specialists today. We won’t just treat the symptoms of your dry eyes. Let us help you address the actual cause of your dry eyes.

We also carry Skinceuticals science-backed skin care products available without a prescription.

Please call us at 905-477-4488 or send us an email to book an initial dry eye evaluation with our specialists here at the Markham Dry Eye Clinic.