Comprehensive care for dry eyes at MD Wellness Solutions

Ocular surface diseases, such as dry eyes, can be extremely uncomfortable and interfere with day to day activities. Dr. Shelin Tkatch has developed the expertise to diagnose and treat this common condition at MD Wellness Solutions in Surrey, British Columbia. If you are experiencing dry, gritty, irritated eyes, there are now effective in-office treatments available.

What is dry eye syndrome?

Symptoms of dry eyes include:

  • Eye irritation
  • Gritty sensation in eyes
  • Blurred of Fluctuating vision
  • Eye fatigue
  • Intolerance of contact lenses
  • Itchy eyes
  • Watery eyes from over production of aqueous portion of tear film
  • Recurrent styes or chalazions
  • Eyelids stuck closed after sleeping

What causes dry eye syndrome?

Dry eyes disease can be caused by inadequate tear production, or by an abnormal tear film.

Tears are  made up of 3 layers: an oil layer, a water layer and a mucin layer. The top oil layer of tears is critical to eye comfort. When we don’t have normal eye oil production, dry eyes is the result.

Meibomian glands located in the eye lids are responsible for production of the oil layer of tears. Most cases of dry eyes are caused by meibomian gland dysfunction.

Risk factors for meibomian gland dysfunction include:

  • Screen time: excess screen time reduces blink rate, which is critical to tear production
  • Contact lens wear
  • Eye surgery
  • Rosacea
  • Demodex mite overload
  • Menopause
  • Normal aging
  • Eyelash extensions

How is dry eye syndrome diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves several key steps:

  1. Patient history: Dr. Tkatch will review your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical and eye care history
  2. Eye exam: A focused eye exam with be completed to evaluate lid and lash health
  3. Diagnostic tests: Advanced in-office technology to evaluate tear quantity, quality and the health and function of the meibomian glands

What are the treatment options for dry eyes?

Treatment varies based on the severity of your symptoms. Dry eye treatment options include:

  • Artificial tears: Preservative free lubricating drops for immediate, temporary symptom relief
  • Home care: Lid cleaning wipes to reduce demodex load and eyelid warming masks to improve meibomian gland function
  • Prescription medications: Reduce eye inflammation and address eyelid rosacea
  • Omega-3 supplements: Eye health-specific formulations to improve tear quality
  • Lifestyle adjustments: Healthier choices for eye makeups, lash treatments
  • Screen time: Manage screen time and learn eye health habits when using screens

What Are Advanced Treatment Options for Dry Eyes?

Dr. Tkatch offers a comprehensive treatment plan to help you find relief from dry eyes. A typical in clinic treatment plan includes:

  • Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL) : IPL reduces Demodex load, treats eyelid inflammation and improves meibomian gland dysfunction, benefiting those with chronic Dry Eyes or Ocular Rosacea
  • Thermal Meibomian Gland Expression: Using Radiofrequency  to heat and massage the eyelid meibomian glands to increase the production and release of the healthy oil component of tears
  • Eyelid cleaning and debridement to reduce Demodex load and decrust meibomian gland surface
  • Manual Meibomian gland expression
  • Red Light Therapy to reduce eyelid inflammation

While there is no cure for dry eye syndrome, there are highly effective treatments. These treatments can reduce inflammation of the eyelids, reduce demodex mite population of the lids and lashes, and help return your meibomian glands to health. Dr. Tkatch can help you manage your symptoms of dry eyes so you can return to living your life without the constant distraction of dry eyes.

What is the cost of dry eye treatments?

We want to ensure that your treatments are not only effective, but also cost-effective. For this reason, we offer a comprehensive and all-inclusive six-month dry eye treatment program that includes all of your home care and all of your in-clinic treatments. The home care products you will receive during your six-month treatment program include your artificial tear eye lubricants, eyelid cleaning wipes, eyelid warming mask, and omega-3 vitamins.  The in-clinic treatments include eyelid IPL, radiofrequency, red light therapy, eyelid cleanings and meibomian gland expressions. You will see us for in-clinic treatments every 2-3 weeks. The all inclusive cost for your 6 month dry eye program is $1,600. Healthy, comfortable eyes are a phone call away, book your consultation today.

What happens after I complete the six-month program?

After graduating from the comprehensive six-month treatment program, you will then continue with your home care and visit us every six months for an “eye-giene” visit. You should continue to experience relief from dry eyes with simple home care habits and regular in-clinic maintenance treatments.

Seek relief from dry eyes today

Ocular surface disease is a condition that affects millions of Canadians. If dry eyes affect your quality of life, MD Wellness Solutions in Surrey, British Columbia offers expert care and advanced treatments to address your symptoms. Dr. Shelin Tkatch is dedicated to help you achieve comfort and improve your eye health.  Contact us today at (604) 385-3838 to book your consultation.