Dry Eye Therapy in Surrey

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Wet Weather Won’t Stop Dry Eye

Wet, west coast weather doesn’t stop dry eye disease. The gritty, burning sensations associated with dry eye can be uncomfortable and terribly disruptive. 

According to a 2019 study, approximately 6 million Canadians suffer from the condition. You aren’t alone, and we can help. But why do you have dry eye disease? It’s a simple question, but the answer is a little more complex.

Book an appointment for a dry eye diagnostic today and find relief.

What Is Dry Eye Disease?

Dry eye disease can happen for a few reasons. Dusty, smoky, or windy environments sure don’t help, but they aren’t always the root cause either. 

When your eyes either don’t produce enough tears or the tears they do produce are poor quality, uncomfortable symptoms are the result

Aqueous deficiency is caused by reduced tear production. Only about 10% of people with dry eye disease suffer from this type.

The majority of dry eye disease results from evaporative dry eye. In these cases, the eye’s tear film is out of balance.

The Tear Film

When dry eye disease occurs, the tear film is most often the culprit. 

Our tears are made up of 3 layers: a water layer, a mucus layer, and an oil layer. Water keeps the eyes hydrated, mucus keeps the moisture spread over the eye’s surface, and oil ensures the water doesn’t evaporate too quickly.

Imbalances in the layers mean tears are not doing their job effectively to keep your eyes moist and comfortable. 

Evaporative dry eye can also be a result of blocked meibomian glands. These tiny glands line your upper and lower eyelids and produce the oil layer of your tears. If they become clogged, your tears might not get enough oil.

When Should You See Your Optometrist?

Whenever your eyes become uncomfortable, you should see an optometrist. While dry eye in itself is not dangerous, if left untreated, it can cause more serious problems. Corneal abrasions, inflammation, and ulcers might develop due to untreated dry eye. 

Contact lens wearers are more likely to have meibomian gland issues. That’s why we recommend that people who wear lenses get an annual, comprehensive eye exam. 

If you have any of the following symptoms of dry eye, your optometrist can help.

  • Redness
  • Difficulty wearing your contacts
  • Watery eyes
  • Eye fatigue
  • Blurry vision
  • Foreign body sensation
  • Stringy mucus

Find Relief Today

Book an appointment at West Coast Optical to discuss your dry eye symptoms today.

Come See Us

Find us right on the Fraser Highway near the Langley/Surrey border, one block from Willowbrook Shopping Centre in Langley!

Our Address

  • 102B 19475 Fraser Hwy
  • Surrey, BC V3S 6K7

Contact Information

Our Hours

  • Monday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Thursday: 9:30 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday: Closed
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Our Blog

Can You Sunburn Your Eyes?

Eye Health & VisionSunglasses

For many patients, it’s common knowledge that sunglasses are essential for protecting your eyes. Overexposure to UV light can lead to serious complications, but how does the sun affect your eyes if you forget to wear your sunglasses for a day?  Is it possible to sunburn your eyes?  Don’t Mess with the Sun Summertime brings […]

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May 19, 2023
West Coast Optical

How Long Does an Eye Exam Take?

Eye ExamsEye Health & Vision

Everyone needs eye exams, from childhood through to your adult years. These examinations are essential for protecting your vision.  When you book your next eye exam, how long can you expect to be at the optometrist?  Eye exams can vary in length depending on your needs, from 30 minutes to over an hour.  For example, […]

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April 25, 2023
West Coast Optical

What Are Polarized Sunglasses?

Eye WearFrames & Lenses

Whether you’re spending time in the sun or snow, sunlight can irritate your eyes.  Even when you wear sunglasses, sunlight can bounce off water, snow, and other surfaces, disrupting your vision. You may wonder if there are any specialized lenses that can help you see clearly.  Your optometrist may recommend polarized sunglasses to help you […]

Read More…

April 14, 2023
West Coast Optical
A man on top of a mountain wearing sporty sunglasses and a backpack while hiking with poles

For many patients, it’s common knowledge that sunglasses are essential for protecting your eyes. Overexposure to UV light can lead to serious complications, but how does the sun affect your eyes if you forget to wear your sunglasses for a day?  Is it possible to sunburn your eyes?  Don’t Mess with the Sun Summertime brings […]

Read More…

An optometrist briefing her patient on what to expect during her upcoming eye exam.

Everyone needs eye exams, from childhood through to your adult years. These examinations are essential for protecting your vision.  When you book your next eye exam, how long can you expect to be at the optometrist?  Eye exams can vary in length depending on your needs, from 30 minutes to over an hour.  For example, […]

Read More…

Point of view of a person looking at the sea through a pair of polarized sunglasses

Whether you’re spending time in the sun or snow, sunlight can irritate your eyes.  Even when you wear sunglasses, sunlight can bounce off water, snow, and other surfaces, disrupting your vision. You may wonder if there are any specialized lenses that can help you see clearly.  Your optometrist may recommend polarized sunglasses to help you […]

Read More…

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