Dry Eye Treatment in Vaughan

LipiFlow is a treatment system used to gently warm and massage tear glands (meibomian glands) in the eyelids. The heat melts clogged oil (meibum), and the pressure helps the oil flow freely. The oily layer of tears helps the eye’s surface retain moisture and spread tears evenly across the eye.

LipiFlow is typically a 12-minute treatment with improvement lasting up to 12 months. Patients may need additional treatment sessions to achieve effective results.

Scleral contact lenses are custom-designed rigid gas permeable contact lenses. The larger-diameter lens vaults over the cornea, resting on the sclera (white of the eye). The fit promotes overall eye health by supporting oxygen flow and creating a moisture reservoir. 

Scleral lenses are often preferred for patients with irregular corneas, including keratoconus, but can also help relieve dry eye.

Tear glands in your eyelids (meibomian glands) produce oil (meibum) to prevent moisture evaporation. Keeping your eyelids clean helps ensure oil flows freely instead of being clogged by bacteria or debris.

Lid care can be crucial for patients with meibomian gland dysfunction or blepharitis, which can significantly contribute to dry eye. Eyelid scrubs or treatments can help stimulate oil flow and reduce eyelid inflammation to improve eye comfort.

The eye’s surface needs a healthy, consistent layer of basal tears to create the tear film—including the oily layer of tears, which keeps the eye’s surface smooth and prevents moisture from evaporating. 

Omega-3 fatty acids can improve the composition of tears and reduce inflammation, which can block oil flow. Supplements can make adding omega3-s to your diet easier, rather than relying solely on meal planning

Punctal plugs are tiny devices inserted into the tear ducts to slow tear drainage, keeping the eye surface moist and comfortable. They relieve symptoms of dry, scratchy, and burning eyes. 

There are 2 types: temporary plugs, made of materials such as collagen that dissolve within days to a week, often used after refractive surgery, and semi-permanent plugs, made of durable medical-grade plastics like silicone, lasting 3-6 months.

This treatment is ideal for chronic dry eye, aqueous-deficient dry eye, and post-refractive surgery patients, especially once inflammation is managed.

Serum tears are made from blood and are rich in platelets and growth factors that help cells grow and heal. They also contain important vitamins and proteins that protect and repair the eyes. 

These tears are especially useful for treating eye conditions like dry eye disease and Sjogren’s syndrome, which can damage the cornea. Studies have shown that serum tears can help regenerate corneal nerves and improve eye health. 

Additionally, serum tears have antioxidant properties that protect the eyes from damage caused by free radicals.

Amniotic membranes are used as biologic bandages to protect and support the healing of the corneal surface. They treat various conditions, including keratitis, chemical burns, corneal erosions, and chronic epithelial defects related to dry eye. 

Treatment is often times combined with autologous serum eye drops. While not a cure for chronic dry eye, amniotic membranes help create a healthier corneal surface for ongoing treatment.