Dry Eye Consultation & Diagnosis
Dry eye is a condition that affects almost half of adults. Peninsula Lifetime Eyecare Centre is uniquely equipped to diagnose and treat dry eye. Our wide range of diagnostic and treatment tools enables us to administer the most effective course of treatment to alleviate your symptoms.
Dry Eye Consult
Not every case of dry eye is the same. The underlying causes of dry eye disease vary from meibomian gland dysfunction, poor tear quality, eye allergies, contact lens overuse, or symptoms associated with another eye disease, condition, or medication. All of these factors require a dry eye assessment with our eye doctor in Sidney, BC.
Peninsula Lifetime Eyecare Centre boasts one of the largest dry eye clinics in the greater Victoria area to test the health of your eyes for a thorough evaluation of your unique case of dry eyes. In addition to our diagnostic technology, our eye doctor has access to a wide range of leading dry eye treatments to accurately treat your symptoms and providing fast & effective relief.
i-Pen Tear Osmolarity
Then i-Pen is a handheld diagnostic device used in the differential diagnosis of dry eye and to monitor treatment effects. By measuring your tear film’s osmolarity (the concentration of salts), the i-Pen gives us objective data to use in our decision making process for both diagnostic purposes and the effectiveness of the treatment.
Meibomian Gland Evaluation
When functioning properly, the meibomian glands secrete oils or meibum to keep tears from evaporating too quickly.
Using our Oculus Keratograph, we are able to obtain a clear view of the meibomian glands overall health and structure. This allows us to detect any loss, shortening or distortion of the meibomian glands, their ducts and associated structures. Since the meibomian glands are responsible for the majority of dry eye complaints and their health is vital to tear film stability and effectiveness, this test is extremely helpful in directing our treatment plans.
Corneal Staining
Without proper lubrication, the cornea and conjunctiva can develop imperfections, abrasions and ulcers. When diagnosing dry eye, we may administer different topical dyes that will highlight tissues that are under stress. These dyes will stain cells that have lost vitality, mucous, and any corneal abrasions or ulcers; making them much more apparent. This allows us to most accurately detect any damage that is occurring so we can then treat and monitor the treatment effects.
Tear Breakup Time
We may instill fluorescein (one of the dyes used in corneal staining) into your tear film. With the help of a cobalt blue light we will be able to watch the outermost layer disintegrate and record the time that it took to happen. If the tear film evaporates too quickly, it is a good indication of poor tear quality.
Tear Volume Testing
To test your tear volume, we will very gently immerse the tip of a device called an SM Tube in your tear film. The colored interior of the tube will indicate the volume of your tears, allowing us to assess whether or not your eyes are producing enough tears. This test takes approximately 5 seconds to conduct.
Ready for your dry eye assessment? Book your dry eye consultation with us.
Call our optometry practice in Sidney, BC for dry eye exam and eye health evaluation.
