Dry Eye Syndrome (DES)

Dry Eye Syndrome (DES), or keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is a condition that occurs when the eyes are unable to produce tears of the proper quantity or chemical composition.

Call Us Book Appointment

Tears are necessary for overall eye health: they moisten the eye, keep away harmful debris, help ocular wounds heal, and protect against infection. Up to 30% of Canadians are affected by DES, of which there are two main types:

Aqueous Tear-Deficient: a disorder in which the lacrimal glands are unable to produce enough of the watery component in the tears to help maintain a healthy ocular surface.
Evaporative: This disorder is caused by inflammation of the meibomian glands located in the eyelid. These glands are responsible for producing the oily layer of the tears. Without this layer, tears can be unstable and evaporate too quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How severe is my Dry Eyes? Take the quick Dry Eye Quiz, NOW!

What are the risk factors for dry eye syndrome?

DES can be caused by a multitude of factors, including some of the following:

Increased age
Female gender
Hormonal changes such as menopause
Contact lens wear
Exposure to dry or dusty environments
Presence of autoimmune or connective tissue disorders
Long-term use of certain drugs such as antihistamines, nasal decongestants, anti-depressants, retinoids and tranquilizers
Inflammation of the conjunctiva
Skin conditions that affect the eyelids such as acne rosacea
High or low dosage of vitamins
Inadequate blinking frequency or magnitude

What are the symptoms of DES?

Since tears are an integral part of a number of ocular processes, DES can present with a wide range of symptoms. Some common symptoms include:

Scratchy, sandy sensation
Foreign body sensation (or the feeling that something is inside your eye)
Excessive tearing
Blurry vision
Swollen eyelids
Red eyes
Itching or burning of the eyes
Soreness
Light sensitivity

What is the Treatment for DES?

DES is a chronic and often progressive condition, and may not be completely curable. However, DES can be managed successfully, resulting in improved comfort and sometimes clearer vision as well. Because DES has a number of causes, treatment options vary from patient to patient, and may include:

Artificial tears
Lubricating ointments
Anti-inflammatory drops
Restasis
Meibomian gland expression
Warm compresses
Cliradex cleansing wipes
Punctal plugs
Nutritional supplements
BlephEx

What should I do if I think I have DES?

My Optometrist Calgary is the home of the Calgary Dry Eye and Ocular Wellness Clinic. This clinic was created to enable our doctors to thoroughly assess the health of your ocular surface, develop a customized treatment plan for you, and administer specialized treatments in office.

Learn More Call Us

What are the risk factors for DES?

DES can be caused by a multitude of factors, including some of the following:

Increased age
Female gender
Hormonal changes such as menopause
Contact lens wear
Exposure to dry or dusty environments - like living in Alberta!
Presence of autoimmune or connective tissue disorders
Long-term use of certain drugs such as antihistamines, nasal decongestants, antidepressants, retinoids and tranquilizers
Inflammation of the conjunctiva
Skin conditions that affect the eyelids such as acne rosacea
High or low doses of vitamins
Inadequate blinking frequency or magnitude

Connect With Us Today!

Let's See Clearly, Together

Our Eye Care Professionals are thrilled to serve the Calgary and Three Hills, Alberta area for over 35 years! With our main floor access, vast medical eye care services, and enhanced supplier choice and selection for frames, prescription eyeglass lenses and contact lenses, we've got you covered. Book an appointment online, come see us in person, or shop for your eye care products. Reach out today!