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Dry eye care

Dry eye can cause burning, redness, gritty sensation, watering, and fluctuating vision. It often gets worse with screens, contact lenses, and dry winter air. We start with a careful assessment and then recommend practical treatment options based on what is driving your symptoms.

Quick guidance

If symptoms are mild
Start with a comprehensive eye exam and tell us what you are noticing. We will assess the tear film and recommend next steps.
If you wear contacts
Dry eye and lens comfort often need to be managed together. We can assess fit and tear film and adjust your plan.
If symptoms are severe
If you have significant pain, light sensitivity, or sudden vision loss, contact our office directly before booking online.

Who this is for

  • Burning, stinging, or gritty sensation
  • Redness, watering, or fluctuating vision
  • Eyes that feel tired or strained during screen-heavy days
  • Contact lens discomfort or reduced wearing time
  • Dryness that persists despite over-the-counter drops

Why dry eye happens

Dry eye is not one condition. Symptoms can come from tear evaporation, reduced tear production, inflammation, eyelid gland dysfunction, or environmental factors. Treatment works best when we understand what is driving your symptoms.

If you want the deeper explanation, read Dry Eye Disease.

How we assess dry eye

  1. Symptoms and triggers. We start with what you feel and when it is worse (screens, mornings, contacts, seasonal changes).
  2. Eye health and tear film. We assess the front of the eye, eyelids, tear quality, and factors that affect comfort.
  3. Plan and follow-up. You will leave with clear next steps and a plan that matches your severity and lifestyle.

If we recommend diagnostics or imaging, it is because they improve patient care and clinical outcomes. Applicable fees are explained upfront.

Treatment options

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Options may include targeted lid care, changes to drops, prescription therapies, lifestyle adjustments, and contact lens changes when appropriate. We focus on practical improvements you can maintain.

Foundational care

Daily routines that improve comfort over time: lid care, hydration, environment, and screen habits.

Prescription and targeted therapies

When clinically appropriate, we use evidence-based prescription options and a structured follow-up plan.

Fees and insurance

Some dry eye assessments and recommended testing involve additional fees beyond a standard eye exam. Fees reflect the diagnostics and imaging that support better clinical decisions.

Some services are not covered by OHIP and may be eligible for reimbursement through third-party insurance. Coverage varies by insurer and policy.

See eye exam prices and OHIP eligibility and coverage for details.

Before your appointment

  • Bring: your glasses and contact lens details (if you wear contacts).
  • Tell us what you have tried: drops, warm compresses, lid wipes, supplements, or prescriptions.
  • Plan for screens: if screens trigger symptoms, note your daily screen time and environment (air conditioning, fans, etc.).

What to do next

If you are dealing with ongoing discomfort, start with a comprehensive eye exam and tell us you are booking for dry eye concerns. If contact lenses are part of the problem, we can assess comfort and fit as part of your plan.

Want a deeper explainer first? Read Dry Eye Disease.