Stoney Creek Eye Care & Eyewear Boutique - Dr. L Bahoshy & Assoc.
15 Mountain Ave S #110 Stoney Creek ON L8G 2V6 (905) 662-8863
https://stoneycreekeyecare.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/StoneyCreekEC-Header-logo.png

(289) 205-2338

facebook-square youtube instagram chevron-right chevron-left chevron-down x phone location share chevron-thin-right calendar left-quote right-quote black-star-glasses-png eye book-appointment-maroon-icon-(1) types-of-services-white-icon-(1) location-white-icon next2 previous2 forward3 backward2

Stoney Creek, ON
(905) 662-8863

single blog hero

The Do’s & Don’ts of Dry Eye

Around 30% of Canadians have some form of dry eye. If you’re experiencing dry eye symptoms, you may have done an online search for ways to remedy your symptoms. While some of these at-home methods are harmless, some should be avoided at all costs. 

Don’t Use Soaps or Shampoo in Your Eyes

Any type of soap or shampoo should never be used around your eyes. Even “tear-free” or “mild” soaps and shampoos can irritate your eyes and even exacerbate dry eye symptoms.

If you notice debris or build-up around your eyes, it could be a sign of blepharitis. Blepharitis is eyelid inflammation that can result in an accumulation of debris on and around the eyelids, causing dry eye symptoms. 

The best thing to do if you think you have blepharitis is to visit an optometrist, as they will be able to recommend the right treatment. A common in-office treatment for blepharitis is BlephEx, a small sponge-tipped tool that is used by your optometrist to gently exfoliate the lids without harming your eyes. Your optometrist might also recommend take-home lid hygiene products, like lid wipes, that contain special eye-safe ingredients that won’t cause irritation.

Don’t Rely on Over-the-Counter Eye Drops

Many find that over-the-counter eye drops provide relief, at least initially. Eye drops from your local pharmacy, however, won’t provide long-lasting relief because they don’t actually treat the root cause of your dry eye. Some over-the-counter eye drops even contain thickeners and preservatives that can irritate your eyes and make your dry eye symptoms feel worse.

Don’t use over-the-counter eye drops more than 4 times per day. If you find yourself reaching for eye drops more often, specialty eye drops from your optometrist could provide you with more relief.

Preservative-Free Eye Drops

Preservative-free eye drops are often recommended for dry eye because preservatives can irritate your eyes and make your dry eye symptoms worse. Eye drops without preservatives are gentler and help to reduce irritation.

Prescription Eye Drops

For more severe cases of dry eye, your optometrist might recommend prescription eye drops. There are a few different types of prescription eye drops:

Prescription eye drops help reduce inflammation, which is thought to be a contributing factor of dry eye.

Do Evaluate Underlying Causes

Certain conditions can increase your risk of developing dry eyes. If these risk factors apply to you, your chances of developing dry eye could be higher.

Medical Conditions

Some medical conditions, especially autoimmune disorders, can interfere with tear production and increase your risk of dry eye. 

  • Sjogren’s syndrome
  • Lupus
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Scleroderma
  • Rosacea

85% of rosacea patients have meibomian gland dysfunction, a disorder that prevents the eyelid’s oil glands from functioning properly. Other conditions like diabetes, thyroid conditions, and vitamin A deficiency are thought to contribute to dry eye. Additionally, Bell’s Palsy and other types of facial paralysis increase the risk of dry eye as they can prevent the eyelids from closing properly.

Medications

Various medications can interfere with tear production, including:

  • Antidepressants
  • Sleeping pills
  • Parkinson’s medication
  • Antihistamines

In addition, acne medication can block oil production from certain glands, including those in the eyelids. Birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy can also contribute to dry eye, especially if the pills are high in estrogen. 

Other Risk Factors

Certain people are more prone to dry eye than others based on certain factors, including:

  • Ageing
  • Menopause
  • Pregnancy
  • High computer/screen use
  • Contact lens use
  • Laser eye surgery

Dry eye can be more common as you get older, especially in women who are going through menopause. Dry eye is also a common side effect of laser eye surgery, although symptoms in many patients improve within 6 months.

omega 3 rich foods like avocado, nuts, and supplements on a wood table

Do Improve Your Diet

A well-rounded diet can help your overall health and your eye health. Eating healthily can help prevent diabetes, which can contribute to dry eye. Many fruits and veggies also contain nutrients that are essential to good eye health, like vitamin A and Omega 3’s. In fact, vitamin A deficiency has been linked with dry eye.

Omega 3’s

Omega 3’s are a type of fat that is known to reduce inflammation, a contributing factor in dry eye. Some studies suggest that a diet rich in omega 3’s can help prevent and reduce dry eye. You can get your omega 3’s through supplements or food, including:

  • Ground flaxseed and flaxseed oil
  • Palm oil
  • Soybean oil
  • Chia seeds
  • Fish, including salmon, tuna, sardines, and mackerel
  • Walnuts
  • Eggs supplemented with omega 3’s

Do Improve Hydration & Humidity

Overall hydration can help lessen dry eye symptoms, both in your body and in your home. Make sure that you drink plenty of water, as dehydration can prevent your body from producing enough tears and lead to dry eye. 

Keeping moisture levels high in your home can help too. Using a humidifier and decreasing how often you turn on the AC can help improve moisture levels in your home. At work, try not to sit directly in front or underneath heating or cooling vents.

Do See Your Optometrist

Many at-home dry eye treatments can provide relief, but they won’t be as effective as dry eye therapy from an optometrist. A hot compress at home, for example, can provide some relief, but it won’t be as effective as the in-office equivalent from your optometrist.

The other important part of visiting your optometrist is they can evaluate your eyes and diagnose what is causing your dry eye symptoms. With the proper diagnosis, your optometrist can recommend the best dry eye treatment for you.

If you’re struggling with dry eye, book an appointment at Stoney Creek Eye Care. We use a variety of diagnostic tools and treatments to provide you with relief from dry eyes.

Written by Dr. Louis P. Bahoshy

Dr. Bahoshy attended the University of Waterloo, where he graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Science Degree (B.Sc), as well as a Doctor of Optometry (OD) Degree.

As part of his optometry training, Dr. Bahoshy completed an externship at the prestigious Omni Eye Institute in Baltimore, gaining extensive experience in diagnosing and managing ocular health conditions. He worked alongside a pediatric ophthalmologist at their satellite location in White Marsh.

While in optometry school, Dr. Bahoshy spent two summers as a researcher at the world-renowned Centre for Contact Lens Research (CCLR) at the University of Waterloo, School of Optometry, learning about the latest in contact lens technology.

Dr. Bahoshy began practicing at Stoney Creek Eye Care (formerly known as Dueck Optometry) in 2001. In October 2017, Dr. Bahoshy became the clinic’s new owner, continuing the commitment of serving Stoney Creek and the surrounding community.

Today, Dr. Bahoshy is an active member of the Ontario Association of Optometrists (OAO), the Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO), and the Hamilton and District Society of Optometrists. He is also an affiliate doctor at TLC Laser Eye Centres.

When not seeing patients, Dr. Bahoshy enjoys swimming, going to the gym, and spending time with his wife Cynthia, and their two young boys, Pierre and Leo.

More Articles by Dr. Louis P. Bahoshy

Our Vision in Action

At Stoney Creek Eye Care & Eyewear Boutique our trusted team of eye doctors is committed to providing you with high-quality eye care, stylish frames, and personalized attention. We offer a wide variety of services, including:

Convenient Location, Extended Hours,
and Direct Billing

We understand that life is hectic. We want to help make it a little simpler, which is why our centrally-located practice offers extended hours on Saturdays. We’re also happy to directly bill most major insurance companies on your behalf. And on top of all that? We’ve got plenty of free parking. Stoney Creek Eye Care & Eyewear Boutique will always do whatever we can to make your life a little easier, located in the Health Science Building.

Stoney Creek Eye Care & Eyewear Boutique

  • 15 Mountain Ave S #110
  • Stoney Creek, ON L8G 2V6

Contact Information

Clinic Hours

  • Monday9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Thursday9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Friday10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Saturday8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  • SundayClosed

Eyeglass Frames & Lenses

A truly complete eye care experience includes the best eyewear the world has to offer. Our Boutique is well-stocked with globally-recognized brands like Dior, Ray-Ban, Kate Spade, Fossil, and much more.

But of course, your eyewear is much more than just your frames. We offer Zeiss lenses; the paragon of quality lens technology. By pairing the best in optical lenses with filters and coatings for improved performance, Stoney Creek Eye Care & Eyewear Boutique is here to help you look your best, see your best, and feel your best.

View All Our Brands

Our Instagram

facebook twitter linkedin2 google-plus instagram pinterest youtube yelp phone link location calendar envelope share2 yelp