Dry Eye Treatment
in Ottawa
If your eyes feel gritty, burn, water constantly, or just never feel right — you may be dealing with dry eye. Our team will work with you to identify the root cause and create a treatment plan that actually works.
Three locations · 75,000+ patients served · Expert care since 1987
Overview
The Details:
Dry Eye Treatment
What is dry eye?
Dry eye is a condition where your tears don't provide enough lubrication for your eyes. It can be caused by a loss of balance in your tear film, leading to inflammation and damage to the eye's surface. It's more than just discomfort — left untreated, dry eye can affect your vision and quality of life.
The good news? It's very treatable. We use advanced diagnostic tools and in-office therapies to get to the root of your dry eye and find lasting relief.
What does dry eye feel like?
Common symptoms include blurry vision, tired eyes, constant watering, a burning sensation, grittiness, and difficulty tolerating contact lenses. Prolonged irritation can lead to inflammation or damage to the eye's surface.
What can cause dry eye?
Many factors can contribute including age, overall health, medications and supplements, dry environments, and eyelid conditions. Screen time is also a major contributor — we blink less when staring at computers, which disrupts tear production.
What happens during a dry eye assessment?
Your optometrist will measure the quality and quantity of your tears, check the health of your eyelids and meibomian glands using our Oculus Keratograph, test for inflammatory markers with Inflammadry, and perform slit lamp biomicroscopy.
What's included in a treatment plan?
Your plan may include in-office treatments, prescription eye drops, lid cleansers, vitamins, omega-3 supplements, and/or a heat mask. Most patients find significant relief within a few weeks.
What treatments do we offer in office?
Diagnostics
- Oculus Keratograph: Advanced imaging for measuring your tear film, eyelids, and meibomian glands.
- Inflammadry: Tests for MMP-9 inflammation markers that help guide your treatment plan.
Therapies
- Zest Kit: Intensive in-office lid cleaning.
- IPL (Intense Regulated Pulsed Light): Light therapy that stimulates meibomian glands to improve lipid production and reduce inflammation. Effective for rosacea-related dry eye.
- LLLT (Low-Level Light Therapy): Used alone or with IPL to treat styes and eyelid disorders. Amplifies IPL effects.
- iLux: Warms and expresses blocked meibomian glands to improve tear film quality. Comfortable and immediately relieving.
- Jett Plasma Pen: Plasma energy treatment that clears blocked meibomian glands, reduces eyelid inflammation, and provides long-lasting dry eye relief; with no downtime (more info in section below).
Jett Plasma Pen: Advanced Dry Eye Treatment
For patients who haven't found enough relief from drops or warm compresses, the Jett Plasma Pen offers a different approach. This Health Canada–approved device delivers gentle, controlled energy directly to the meibomian glands along your eyelid — the glands responsible for keeping your tears stable. When these glands aren't functioning well, tears evaporate too quickly and dry eye symptoms follow.
Each session takes about 15–20 minutes with no downtime. Results are typically felt quickly and can last several months.
Book a dry eye assessment to find out if the Jett Plasma Pen is right for you.
Frequently asked questions about
Dry Eye Treatment
If you regularly experience burning, grittiness, watery eyes, blurred vision, or difficulty wearing contact lenses, you may have dry eye. The best way to know for sure is to book a dry eye assessment — we'll run diagnostic tests and give you a clear answer.
While dry eye is a chronic condition for many people, it's very manageable with the right treatment plan. Most patients experience significant relief from symptoms. Ongoing maintenance like lid hygiene and omega-3 supplements helps keep symptoms at bay long-term.
Most patients benefit from 3–4 IPL sessions spaced a few weeks apart, followed by maintenance treatments as needed. Your optometrist will recommend a schedule based on the severity of your condition.
OHIP covers the initial eye exam for eligible patients (children under 20, adults 65+, and those with qualifying medical conditions). Dry eye assessments and treatments like IPL, LLLT, and iLux are not covered by OHIP but may be covered by private insurance plans. Check with your provider for details.
Yes, if left untreated. Chronic dry eye can lead to corneal damage, increased risk of eye infections, and difficulty performing everyday tasks like reading and driving. Early treatment prevents these complications.
Meet the team behind your care
Our team across Vision Care Ottawa includes optometrists with specific expertise. When you book, we'll match you with the doctor who best fits your needs.
Your next step is clear
Book an appointment at any of our three Ottawa locations. Your eyes are in good hands.