Relief for Uncomfortable Eyes
If your eyes feel dry and uncomfortable, and you find yourself blinking more than usual to get your vision clear and crisp, you might have dry eye. We live in a hot, dry climate here in the Okanagan, and while it’s fantastic for fun in the sun, our eyes might be feeling the heat. Here at Orchard Park Optometry, our doctors have invested in technology to diagnose your dry eye.
The key to treatment is finding the cause, which can sometimes be multifaceted. Some patients may find relief from the regular use of quality, preservative-free artificial tears, while others may require additional treatment approaches to address the issue. While dry eye on its own is not usually serious, it certainly is uncomfortable. And, if left untreated, it can become harmful, causing tissue damage and scarring the cornea. Dry eye can also significantly impact your quality of life.
Whenever your eyes are uncomfortable, schedule an appointment. We can help you find relief.
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Common Dry Eye
Symptoms
Dry eye symptoms aren’t always obvious. In fact, excessive tearing is one of the most surprising signs; it’s your body’s way of trying to compensate.
Some common dry eye symptoms can include:
- Stinging sensation
- Gritty feeling
- Foreign body sensation
- Watery eyes
- Blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Tired eyes
- Stringy mucus in or around your eyes
Any time your eyes feel off, it’s worth checking in with our team.
What Causes Dry Eye?
Dry eye disease occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the right quality of tears to keep your eyes hydrated and protected. The issue often falls into one of 2 categories:
Not Enough Tears
Sometimes, the eyes simply do not produce enough tears. Reasons for decreased production might include:
- The aging process
- Certain medications, like antihistamines
- Medical conditions like lupus or Sjögren’s Syndrome
- Recent laser eye surgery
Poor-Quality Tears
High-quality tears rely on an effective tear film with 3 balanced layers. The first layer is made up of mucus. It ensures that moisture is spread evenly over the eye. The second layer, the water layer, hydrates the eye. And, the third layer, an oil layer, keeps the water from evaporating too quickly.
If any of the 3 layers are out of balance, you might experience dry eye symptoms.
Our Dry Eye Diagnostics
Diagnostics & Treatments
At Orchard Park Optometry, we’re dedicated to innovative diagnostics and treatment of dry eye disease. Our optometrists have a variety of tools to keep your eyes comfortable.
Digital Tear Layer Assessment
Our dry eye exams include a noninvasive tear film analysis, which measures:
- Tear breakup time (how quickly your tears evaporate)
- Tear volume
- Oil layer quality
This high-tech approach helps us understand what’s really going on so we can target treatment where it matters most.
I-MED Pharma Products
We carry a curated selection of clinically trusted I-MED Pharma dry eye products, including:
- Preservative-free lubricating eye drops
- Therapeutic warming eye masks
- Lid and lash cleansers to reduce inflammation
- Punctal plugs to help retain natural moisture
These at-home treatments can complement your in-office care and keep symptoms at bay between visits.
Let’s Bring Comfort Back to Your Eyes
You don’t have to live with burning, blurry, or irritated eyes. Whether your dry eye is caused by environmental factors, excessive screen time, or an underlying condition, our experienced optometrists are here to help.
We’ll work with you to diagnose the cause, recommend effective treatments, and support you every step of the way.
Book your dry eye assessment today to start feeling better, and your eyes will thank you.
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Come Visit Us in Kelowna
Stop By
Let our family take care of your family. We’re excited to share our beautiful office and friendly team with everyone in the Kelowna area.
Where to Park
We are located in the Orchard Park Shopping Centre, right inside LensCrafters! The closest entrance is located near Old Navy & Tim Hortons. There’s plenty of parking available.
Our Address
Contact Information
- Phone: 250-762-2090
Hours of Operation
Our office opens before mall hours on certain days. Entry at these times is by appointment only, if you have a scheduled appointment we will ensure the doors are unlocked for your arrival.
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