UrbanEyes Optometry is now I See Optometry (19 Clarence Street)
Dry Eye Clinic in Ottawa: Diagnosis and Treatment
Discover why our patients trust us for dry eye treatment.
Dry eye can make everyday activities like working at a screen, driving, reading or wearing contact lenses feel uncomfortable. Symptoms such as burning, grittiness, watering, redness, blurred vision or tired eyes can have more than one cause, which is why an assessment matters.
At I See Optometry, our dry eye clinic in Ottawa takes the time to understand your symptoms, examine your eye health and recommend a treatment plan that fits your needs. Our goal is to help you feel more comfortable and confident in caring for your eyes.
“It’s just dry eyes”
Dry eye syndrome is an ocular condition that can be caused by insufficient tear production or a deficiency in tear quality, resulting in a lack of sufficient lubrication and moisture on the eyes’ surface. If left untreated, chronic dry eye syndrome can increase the risk of corneal inflammation and eye infections and may also result in damage to the eye's structures. Our optometrists can help you identify and evaluate the specific factors that cause inflammation and irritation of the eyes and their extent, and recommend the most suitable treatments to help your eyes feel comfortable again.
See a Dry Eye Specialist in Ottawa
If artificial tears or simple changes to your routine are not providing lasting relief, it may be time to see a dry eye specialist. Persistent dry eye can be related to issues such as eyelid inflammation, changes to the tear film, contact lens wear, screen use, medications or environmental factors.
Our experienced optometrists use a detailed approach to identify what may be contributing to your symptoms. From there, we will explain what we see, answer your questions and recommend the next steps that make sense for your eyes and lifestyle.
What to Expect at Our Dry Eye Clinic
At our dry eye clinic in Ottawa, your visit begins with a thorough assessment by a dry eye specialist. We review your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle, then perform targeted tests to understand the cause of your dryness. Based on this evaluation, we create a personalized dry eye treatment plan that can include in‑office therapies and at‑home care to relieve irritation and protect the surface of your eyes.
Treatment for this condition can vary, so it is important to visit your doctor if you suspect you have dry eyes. Our dry eye clinic in Ottawa is equipped with technology to diagnose and treat dry eyes, including Meibography and Osmolarity scans, IPL and iLux treatments, and a range of dry eye products.
Common symptoms of dry eye:
- Dryness/Grittiness/Scratchiness
- Soreness/Irritation
- Burning/Excessive watering
- Eye fatigue
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Blurred or distorted vision that gets better with blinking
i-Lux Treatment
The iLUX® MGD treatment system administers therapeutic heat and then expresses the oil directly from the blocked meibomian glands. Now that the glands are unblocked, it will be easier for the oil to be released naturally.
The iLUX® device was shown to significantly reduce dry eye symptoms such as gritty eyes and irritation. In a clinical study, patients' meibomian gland scores were three times better at two weeks post-treatment and four times better at four weeks, compared to baseline
IPL Treatment
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is a technology that generates polychromatic pulsed light, which stimulates the meibomian glands in complete safety. In response to this stimulation, the meibomian glands resume secretion, helping to improve the structure of the lachrymal film and symptoms of ocular dryness. This technology is non-invasive, entirely painless, and completely harmless to the eyeball.
The effects achieved after each session appear very rapidly and persist over time, with their persistence increasing with the number of sessions. Your dry eye specialist will recommend the number of IPL sessions needed and monitor your progress over time.
Dry Eye Questions We Hear Often
Dry eye may feel like burning, stinging, grittiness, itching, redness, watering, tired eyes or fluctuating vision. Some people notice symptoms most when using screens, spending time outdoors or wearing contact lenses.
Watery eyes can still be a sign of dry eye. When the surface of the eye becomes irritated, your eyes may produce extra tears that do not provide lasting moisture or comfort.
Dry eye can have several contributing factors, including changes to the tear film, eyelid or oil-gland concerns, contact lens wear, screen time, medications, hormonal changes and dry or windy environments. During your visit, we look at the whole picture rather than assuming there is one cause.
Book an appointment if symptoms are frequent, affect your work or daily activities, or are accompanied by noticeable differences in vision or eye comfort. A comprehensive assessment can help identify the cause and guide the right next step.
Treatment depends on what is causing your symptoms. Recomsmendations may include changes to your at-home routine, targeted eye drops, eyelid care, contact lens guidance as well as other treatment options based on your examination. We will explain your options clearly and help you choose an approach that feels manageable.
We are happy to welcome new patients!
| Monday | 8am – 5:30pm |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10am – 5:30pm |
| Wednesday | 8am – 8pm |
| Thursday | 8am – 8pm |
| Friday | 9am – 5pm |
| Saturday | 9am – 5pm |
| Sunday | Closed |