If the cataract is visually insignificant then contact lenses or glasses can be used to correct the vision. However, if the cataract develops to a point where it becomes visually significant and starts to affect daily activities; then you will be referred to an ophthalmologist for cataract surgery. Before surgery can be done, the ophthalmologist must take measurements in order to calculate the appropriate intraocular lens needed for vision to be restored. If you suffer from dry eyes then these measurements will be inaccurate. That’s why we highly recommend a dry eye assessment before proceeding with cataract surgery.

The eyes need an adequate tear film to stay healthy. When the quantity and/or quality of tears diminish, a disease called dry eye develops. This disease can produce symptoms such as burning eye, intraocular foreign body sensation, blurred vision, red eye, and tearing.

Several studies have shown that a patient with an unstable ocular surface; who has undergone cataract surgery; are most likely to have a postoperative prescription after surgery. The miscalculation in the intraocular lens can be off by +/- 1.00 Diopter. Cataract and refractive surgery can also trigger or worsen dry eye disease. This is an important element to consider since many patients have not undergone a dry eye assessment and are unaware that they have this condition.

The majority of patients with dry eye are asymptomatic; therefore a thorough evaluation should be performed to avoid diagnostic errors. The main diagnostic methods include Slit lamp examination, Tear Break-Up Time, Meibography, Tearlab, Inflammadry, Conjunctival and Corneal staining.

Treatment options for dry eye include artificial tears, antibiotics, steroids, scleral lens, amniotic membrane, autologous serum, punctual plugs, ilux, Restasis/Xiidra medication, oral omega-3 supplements, warm compress and lid exfoliation.

It is important to advise patients about the potential impact of dry eye disease on their quality of life and the measures they should take before undergoing cataract eye surgery in order to ensure the best possible results.

If you are interested in a Dry Eye assessment or Dry Eye treatment, call D’Orio Eye Care, Optometrists in North York and Toronto, now to book an appointment. Call 416.661.5555 (North York) or 416.656.2020 (Toronto) or visit our website.

The post Why You Need A Dry Eye Assessment Before Cataract Eye Surgery appeared first on Best Optometrist in Toronto.

Optometrists and doctors call what normal people refer to as “eye allergies” allergic conjunctivitis. This medical term essentially means the visible signs of a reaction to seasonal, indoor, or outdoor allergens. These allergens can be anything from pollen and mold spores to dust mites and pet hair. Though the causes/ triggers of eye allergies vary from person to person. They develop when the body’s immune system weakens and becomes sensitive to a particular substance.

When the substance comes in contact with the ocular surface of our eyes and its surrounding issue, the eye tends to become inflamed and irritated. Other symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, stuffy nose, sinus sensitivity/pain may also come with eye allergies.However, this also varies from person to person; more severe cases of eye allergies will come with additional symptoms while mild allergies may come with less symptoms.

There are two main types of eye allergies: seasonal and chronic. Seasonal eye allergies are the most common form and occur cyclically in the spring or fall. This is due to the high levels of pollen in the air. Chronic eye allergies are less common and, in most cases, is the more severe form of allergies. Chronic eye allergies occur throughout the year, usually triggered by dust, mold, pets, or other year-round allergens.

If eye allergies, especially chronic cases, go without treatment, permanent symptoms or visual changes to the eye may occur. Visit Dr. D’Orio Eye Care, optometrists in North York & Toronto, now to help deal with your eye allergy issues. Call us now at 416.661.5555 (North York location) or 416.656.2020 (Toronto location) or visit our website to book an appointment.

The post What You Need To Know About Eye Allergies appeared first on Best Optometrist in Toronto.