Understanding the Two Main Causes of Dry Eyes 

October 15th, 2024
Dry eyes in Toronto

Dry eyes can irritate and disrupt, even causing vision issues if left untreated. Although many people experience occasional dryness, ongoing symptoms often point to an underlying condition.  

The main underlying causes of dry eye disease are meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and aqueous deficiency, each requiring a different approach to treatment. 

At Bochner Eye Institute, esteemed ophthalmologist Dr. Raymond Stein, recognized as one of North America’s leading ophthalmology specialists, leads a talented team of dry eye disease experts. We use the most advanced eye care innovations to detect and resolve dry eye disease so you can enjoy great eye health and vision.  

One of our focuses is patient education. Unfortunately, when it comes to dry eyes, many patients don’t have access to the information they need to understand it as a disease. Our blog today delves into the two main causes of dry eye disease and how we can help. 

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: Blocked Glands 

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) happens if the meibomian glands — the oil-producing glands above and below the eyelids — become clogged or inflamed.  

These glands secrete oils that help prevent tears from evaporating too quickly. When they don’t work properly, tears are mainly composed of water. Too-watery tears dry out too quickly, failing to lubricate your eyes and causing common symptoms of dry eyes. Some common signs that your dry eyes could be caused by MGD include: 

  • Dryness  
  • Gritty Feeling: Like sand in the eyes 
  • Red Eyes 
  • Swollen Eyelids 
  • Light Sensitivity 
  • Blurry Vision 

Watery eyes are one of the signs of MGD-caused dry eyes that surprise many people. While it sounds strange that watery eyes are a sign of dry eyes, it’s true! When your eyes don’t have enough oil and get too dry, you can experience reflex tearing. But those aren’t genuine tears and offer no lubrication to soothe your eyes.  

Aqueous Deficiency: Not Enough Tears 

Aqueous deficiency dry eye can develop if the lacrimal glands don’t make enough water to help maintain the proper tear balance. The causes of aqueous deficiency can include Sjögren’s disease, other autoimmune diseases, certain medications, hormone changes, and aging.  

Aqueous deficiency dry eye causes many of the same issues as meibomian dry eye, although stinging sensations may be more common with aqueous dry eye. 

Effective Treatments for Dry Eyes 

Fortunately, several treatments can help with dry eye symptoms. Two effective examples are: 

  • Restasis: A prescription eye drop that reduces tear gland inflammation to boost tear production. It helps treat aqueous deficiency by encouraging natural tear flow. 
  • LipiFlow: A treatment specifically for MGD. It uses heat and light pressure to unclog the meibomian glands. 

If you experience frequent dry eye symptoms, a consultation can help you find the right approach for lasting relief. 

Dry Eye Treatment in Toronto 

Bochner Eye Institute offers customized dry eye solutions to help restore comfort and quality of life. Call us in Toronto at 416-960-2020 to schedule your consultation. 

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What Should You Do When Presbyopia Starts?

June 10th, 2024

As we age, our eyes naturally undergo changes, and one of the most common age-related vision issues is presbyopia. This condition generally starts to affect people in their 40s and early 50s and can be quite unsettling as it progresses. If you’re noticing early signs of presbyopia, understanding what it is and knowing how to manage it can help maintain your vision and quality of life. Ophthalmologist Dr. Raymond Stein offers this guide on what to do when presbyopia starts.

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Can People with Dry Eyes Safely Wear Eye Makeup?

February 5th, 2024
Dry Eye Toronto

Makeup is often considered an essential part of a daily routine, allowing users to express themselves and enhance certain features. However, for those who suffer from dry eyes, using eye makeup can raise concerns about eye irritation or prolonged eye dryness. Highly experienced and respected ophthalmologist Dr. Stein wants dry eye patients to experience optimal eye health and comfort. Ahead, learn more about dry eyes and if it is possible to safely enjoy makeup with the condition.

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Spotting the Signs of Keratoconus in Your Teen

October 12th, 2023
Keratoconus Treatment in Oakville

Keratoconus is an eye disease that affects the cornea, which is the transparent, curved outer layer of the eye. With keratoconus, the cornea begins to bulge outward into a cone shape, which makes vision blurry and distorted. Keratoconus is a progressive condition that often shows up when a child reaches their teenage years, and the corneal changes and symptoms worsen over time if the disease is not treated. Because this condition can threaten your child’s vision, it is essential to become familiar with the signs of keratoconus.

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Is Macular Degeneration Genetic? How Having a Parent with Eye Disease Increases Your Risk

June 1st, 2023
macular degeneration Toronto

As we age, the risk of developing certain eye conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), increases. This condition is a leading cause of vision loss, and risk factors include lifestyle choices and diet. Genetics can also play a significant role in the development of AMD and how it progresses in an individual. Continue reading to learn how genetics affects your risk of developing AMD.

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Does Low Vision Impact Your Quality of Life? Schedule an Eye Exam to Find Answers

January 31st, 2023

Vision is one of the most important senses that help us process, observe, and interact with the world around us. For many individuals, low vision has impacted their lives in a number of ways. Low vision can result from injuries to the eye, as well as conditions such as diabetic retinopathy. Whatever the cause, declining vision can impede the ability of an individual to perform everyday tasks, such as writing, reading, walking, and socializing. It is important to schedule regular eye exams to monitor the health of your eyes. Here, Dr. Stein discusses how quality of life is impacted by low vision.

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Can Keratoconus Make You Blind? What To Do About Worsening Vision

October 3rd, 2022

The good news is that keratoconus rarely results in total blindness. However, this degenerative condition can lead to extensive vision loss. Dr. Raymond Stein, the Medical Director of the Bochner Eye Institute and Professor of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences at the University of Toronto, discusses the signs and symptoms of keratoconus and treatment options.

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What is the Perfect Age for LASIK or PRK?

September 3rd, 2022

While there is no perfect age for laser vision correction with LASIK or PRK, some age groups are less likely to qualify for the procedure for several reasons related to eye development and health. Our eye surgeon, Dr. Raymond Stein, in Toronto, will discuss your eye health, vision prescription and medical history during your eye exam. He will recommend the vision correction options to help you eliminate glasses and contacts. 

Many eye surgeons prefer LASIK patients in the 25 to 40 age range because they’re more likely to have stable prescriptions and aren’t at risk for age-related eye diseases and vision changes. 

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3 Tips for Choosing Your LASIK Eye Surgeon

March 6th, 2022

While deciding to have laser vision correction is a big decision, choosing your eye surgeon is the most important part of the process. You rely on your eyes for virtually every task throughout your life. Therefore, you need a LASIK eye surgeon with the experience and skill to improve your vision safely and effectively. Your chosen surgeon is directly responsible for your LASIK results and handling any post-operative concerns. 

Other staff may assist the LASIK surgeon during your procedure. However, the surgeon is in charge of all aspects of the process, including determining if LASIK is the right option for you and confirming the measurements that guide the laser during the procedure. The surgeon is also the one who will provide follow-up care and handle your questions and concerns. 

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How to Prevent Screens from Affecting Your Ocular Health

October 7th, 2021

The average worker spends seven hours a day on the computer for work purposes. In many cases, one or more of these hours is spent on a smartphone or tablet. Screens are so engrained in our society that there is an umbrella term for eye issues caused by excessive exposure.

Computer vision syndrome involves two main concerns for people who spend most of their days in front of a screen: dry eyes and eyestrain. Dr. Raymond Stein and our eye doctors at Bochner Eye Institute explain what causes these screen issues and how to prevent them.

Dry Eyes Caused by Screen Use 

Whether you work with images or text, your eyes are overwhelmed by the stimulating screen in front of you, and you forget to blink. The average blinking rate goes from 15 times per minute to just five to seven during computer usage. Your eye’s surface depends on a thin layer of liquid to protect it that is replenished by blinking. A lower blinking rate leads to dry eyes.  

Digital Eye Strain 

There could be a few culprits behind digital eye strain — one being the glare or brightness emanating from the screen, and the other that your prescription is out of date. People who don’t use reading glasses when they need them or need a new contact lens or glasses prescription have a harder time focusing on the text or images on a screen. Research suggests this is because the screen uses pixels with blurry edges unlike a piece of paper or book with defined print. 

Tips to Prevent Computer Vision Syndrome 

Computer vision syndrome symptoms may involve headaches, eyestrain, blurred vision, dry eyes and neck and shoulder pain. These concerns are often caused by a combination of issues associated with long-term computer use, such as poor lighting, inadequate viewing distance and uncorrected vision. Luckily, the symptoms are temporary, and there are several ways to alleviate and prevent computer vision syndrome including: 

  • Regular eye exams to adjust your prescription if necessary and look for early signs of eye disease. 
  • Sit two feet away from the computer screen.
  • Center the computer monitor lower than your eye level, approximately 20 degrees from the center of the screen. 
  • Use a screen filter to decrease the glare on your computer, smartphone or tablet.
  • Adjust the settings for a larger font to reduce eye strain. 
  • Switch your office light bulbs out for softer, low-wattage bulbs to help screen glare. 
  • Use the 20/20/20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away.
  • Rest your eyes for 15 minutes for every two hours of computer use.
  • Use glasses with special tints to reduce screen glare and blue light exposure. 
  • Talk to our eye doctors about eye drops and other options for computer vision syndrome.

Schedule an Eye Exam 

If you’re experiencing signs of computer vision syndrome, call or email our team at Bochner Eye Institute in Toronto to schedule your eye exam today.

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