Do You Suffer from Dry Eye Syndrome?

14 February 2019

Dry eye disease is a bothersome, unpleasant condition that’s unfortunately growing increasingly common. Luckily, your optometrist can easily diagnose the problem and help you treat it. We had a chat with one of our owners, Dr. Josée Falardeau, optometrist, from the Opto-Réseau clinic in Val-d’Or, to help us shine a little light on a condition that can make seeing a bit of a pain! 

What is dry eye syndrome?

Dry eye is a degenerative disease that affects the surface of the eye. It’s chronic and progressive and can’t be completely cured. It affects around 34% of the population—especially seniors—but Josée Falardeau says the onset age is creeping down, particularly because of an increase in screen time.

What are the symptoms? 

Dry eye disease is a complex dysfunction that occurs on the eye’s surface, resulting in discomfort and even pain. There are two causes: the eye produces less tears and/or they evaporate faster.  

“If your eyes burn, water, or are red, if your vision is blurred or shaky, or if you’re sensitive to light or feel like you have sand or something in your eyes, you may suffer from dry eye syndrome,” says Josée Falardeau.

She also notes that many people suffer from dry eye without knowing it. That’s why it’s so important to visit an eye care professional regularly—so the condition can be identified and treated.

Preventing dry eye disease

There are a few simple things you can do to avoid getting dry eye or reduce the symptoms. At home, you can use warm compresses or masks on a regular basis, take omega-3 supplements, use eye drops, and practice good eyelid hygiene to make sure your tear glands, or lacrimal glands, are working properly. Opto-Réseau clinics carry I-MED Pharma I-DROPs, which are preservative-free and help patients control their dry eye symptoms, whether light or severe.

As Dr. Falardeau, optometrist, explains, “In cases of extreme dryness, it’s important to have your optometrist perform a thorough exam to determine the composition of your tears and establish a treatment plan for your specific condition.”

Josée Falardeau’s team at the Opto-Réseau clinic in Val-d’Or has acquired considerable expertise in managing dry eye syndrome, providing individualized treatment designed to keep people with the condition as comfortable as possible.

Think you may have dry eye disease? Make an appointment for a complete eye exam at the Opto-Réseau clinic nearest you to get the full rundown on the state of your eyes. 

 

Many thanks to Dr. Josée Falardeau, optometrist, for her help with this article! 


 

 

 

  • Dry eye
  • Dry eye syndrom
  • i-med

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