Itchy, burning, tired eyes? For many, dry eye is a relentless and frustrating condition.
While over-the-counter drops can offer temporary relief, those struggling with severe dry eye often crave a truly lasting solution. Cwood Eyecare is addressing this need head-on. Their specialized dry eye clinic offers cutting-edge treatments that go beyond just managing symptoms.
"Dry eye is a disease of inflammation," explains Dr. Jayne Cation of Cwood Eyecare. "This inflammation worsens over time, particularly as we age. Telling people to simply grab those drugstore drops felt like a disservice. There had to be a better way."
Beyond the Pharmacy Aisle
Key to Cwood Eyecare's approach is understanding what's really causing your dry eye. Lifestyle plays a major role. "Diet and targeted supplementation are crucial," Dr. Cation emphasizes. "High-quality omega-3 supplements, specifically, can make a noticeable difference." Blocked meibomian glands, responsible for producing those essential lubricating oils for your eyes, are another major culprit. Warm compresses are often the go-to for relief.
But the clinic's real draw is its array of in-office procedures. For those battling Demodex mites (tiny creatures that can irritate the eyelids) specialized treatments can bring significant relief. "A thorough cleaning procedure can make a tremendous difference," says Dr. Cation.
One of the clinic's most popular offerings is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy. Originally used for skin conditions, IPL's benefits for dry eye were an exciting discovery. "IPL targets the underlying inflammation. It reduces redness and improves tear quality," Dr. Cation explains. Cwood Eyecare uses specialized protocols and eye shields, ensuring maximum safety and effectiveness.
Other innovative treatments include radiofrequency, using controlled heat to melt blocked glands, and low-level light therapy to improve cellular function. The clinic prides itself on offering this range of services, which are uncommon outside major urban centres.
The Goal for Lasting Improvement
While these treatments won't cure dry eye entirely, they offer a powerful tool to manage it more effectively. "For many patients, the goal is to reduce their reliance on drops and those constant daily routines," Dr. Cation explains. "These treatments can significantly improve quality of life."
Cwood Eyecare sees these specialized treatments as the next step in proactive eye care. "Just like we learn to care for our teeth, we need a similar mindset for our eyes," says Dr. Cation. "By managing dry eye early on, we can prevent the discomfort and frustration it often brings as we age."
If you're struggling with persistent dry eye, a consultation with Cwood Eyecare may be a worthwhile investment.
Find out more information on their website.
This article was sponsored by Collingwood Optometry & Cwood Eyecare, a 2023 CollingwoodToday Reader Favourite.