What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?

If your eyes often feel gritty, tired, watery, or burning—especially during our dry, windy seasons—you might have dry eye syndrome. It happens when your tears don’t lubricate the surface of the eye properly. At OptoDoc, we diagnose the type of dryness you have and build a plan that actually brings relief.

Dry Eye, Explained in 30 Seconds

Your tears have three layers: an oily layer (reduces evaporation), a watery layer (hydrates), and a mucin layer (helps tears spread evenly). Dry eye occurs when one or more layers are lacking in quantity or quality.

Evaporative Dry Eye

Often due to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)—the oil glands in your eyelids don’t release enough oil, so tears evaporate too fast.

Aqueous-Deficient Dry Eye

Your lacrimal glands don’t produce enough of the watery layer—common with aging, certain medications, autoimmune conditions, or dehydration.

Common Symptoms

Burning, stinging, or gritty sensation (like sand in the eye)
Excessive tearing (yes—watery eyes can be a sign of dryness!)
Redness, light sensitivity, or eye fatigue—especially on screens
Blurred or fluctuating vision that improves after blinking
Discomfort with contact lenses

Why It Happens

Environment: cold, dry air; wind; indoor heating or A/C
Digital time: reduced blinking while using screens
Eyelid health: clogged oil glands (blepharitis/MGD), Demodex mites
Medications: antihistamines, some antidepressants, acne treatments, hormone therapy
Systemic factors: autoimmune disease, thyroid conditions, diabetes, menopause
Contact lenses & surgery: lens overwear or post-refractive surgery dryness

Proven Relief Options

At-Home Care

Use preservative-free artificial tears 2–6x/day
Warm compresses & gentle lid massage for oil flow
Lid hygiene with foam/scrubs for blepharitis
20–20–20 rule for screen breaks + intentional blinking
Humidifier in home/office; hydrate well
Omega-3s (if appropriate) and a balanced diet

In-Clinic & Prescription

Diagnosis of MGD and targeted in-office gland therapy
Prescription drops (anti-inflammatory, tear stimulants) when needed
Punctal plugs to reduce tear drainage
Contact lens strategy: daily disposables or material change
Allergy management if itching/redness are triggers

How OptoDoc Finds the Cause

A one-size-fits-all drop won’t fix every dry eye. At OptoDoc we perform a comprehensive dry eye assessment that may include:

Tear breakup time (how fast tears evaporate)
Staining to map surface dryness and inflammation
Eyelid & meibomian gland evaluation
Contact lens fit and material review
Review of medications and systemic health

We then build a personalized plan—often combining home care, targeted drops, and in-office treatments—to improve comfort and visual clarity.

See us urgently if you have persistent pain, light sensitivity, sudden vision changes, pus-like discharge, or if symptoms do not improve with lubricants. These may indicate infection or other conditions that need prompt care.

Seasonal Tips (Fort McMurray Friendly)

Use a humidifier when the heat is on; avoid air vents blowing at your face.
Wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors to block wind and blowing snow.
Limit contact lens wear on extra-dry days; carry preservative-free rewetting drops.
Increase intentional blinking during long drives and screen sessions.

Ready for Real Relief?

You don’t have to “put up with it.” Whether your dryness is mild or life-interrupting, OptoDoc can help you feel better and see more comfortably—fast.

Book a Dry Eye Evaluation at OptoDoc

OptoDoc • 8600 Franklin Ave, Unit 501, Fort McMurray, AB • (780) 714-0099 • myeyes@optodoc.ca

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What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?