Woman smiling with eyes closed and hand touching her face.

Dry Eyes Disease

At FYidoctors, we’ve incorporated advanced testing and treatments in many of our clinics to diagnose and help manage dry eye disease.

Book an eye exam

What is dry eye disease?

Your eyes are constantly bathed in tears, which is a complex fluid made up of three distinct layers. This tear film helps to keep your eyes healthy and comfortable. The watery layer provides hydration, the outer oily layer prevents tear evaporation, and the inner slippery layer ensures that the tears spread evenly over your eyes. However, if any of these layers aren't working properly, it can result in dry eyes. This can happen when tear ducts don't produce enough tears or when tear evaporation increases. Some common causes of dry eyes include medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, or meibomian glands that don't produce enough oil.

Dry eyes occur when the tears become unstable and cause dry spots on the surface of the eyes. This can lead to inflammation and the uncomfortable symptoms associated with dry eye disease.

Risk Factors

Man in office holding face, appearing stressed.
Four circles in pastel colors: peach, denim blue, light blue, and sky blue.

Environmental: Where we live and the climate

Four colored circles: light blue, sky blue, slate blue, and peach.

Occupation: Computer screen time or working outdoors

Four circles in different shades of blue and one peach color, arranged in a grid.

Medications: Antihistamines, high blood pressure medications (diuretics), and thyroid supplements

Four circles in shades of blue and orange, arranged in a square pattern.

Gender: Women more than men, especially those in post-menopausal years

Dealing with dry eyes

With some relatively simple lifestyle changes, there are steps you can easily incorporate into your daily routine to make symptoms of dry eye disease less severe. These include:

Four circles in pastel colors: peach, denim blue, light blue, and sky blue.

Using a humidifier

Four colored circles: light blue, sky blue, slate blue, and peach.

Getting enough sleep

Four circles in different shades of blue and one peach color, arranged in a grid.

Reducing contact lens wear

Four circles in shades of blue and orange, arranged in a square pattern.

Wearing sunglasses to block the sun and wind

Four circles in different shades of blue and one peach color, arranged in a grid.

Drinking sufficient water

Four circles in shades of blue and orange, arranged in a square pattern.

Taking breaks from your smart phone and computer and reducing screen brightness

Four circles in different shades of blue and one peach color, arranged in a grid.

Warm compresses

Eye receiving a drop from an eye dropper.

Spot the symptoms

The first step in determining if you might suffer from dry eye disease is identifying the symptoms such as:

If you believe you suffer from any of the above symptoms, and/or have some of these risk factors, you may have dry eye disease and should book an appointment with one of our doctors. FYidoctors now offer dry eye disease Personalized Treatment Plans so together we can confidently and properly address your issues.

Close-up of a person's face, focusing on the eye and partial smile.
An eye icon with a blue tear drop.

Gritty, burning, watery or red eyes

An eye icon with a blue starburst shape in the center.

Eyes sometimes feel uncomfortable or irritated and itchy

An eye with a blue cloud inside, symbolizing speed and visibility.

Watery eyes in the wind

Eye icon with a stylized blue and white circular design in the center.

Film over their vision

Eye icon with a stylized blue and white circular design in the center.

Blurred vision and/or need to over-blink

Eye icon with a blue sun symbol in the center.

Discomfort while reading digital screens

Eye icon with a blue sun symbol in the center.

Sensitivity to light

The FYi Difference

Is your prescription up to date?

It starts with an eye exam, book today.

Find A Clinic Near You

The FYi Difference

Lenses made in Canada

Doctor-recommended lenses for your unique vision needs 

Customized lenses adapted to lifestyle and prescription needs

High quality control for lenses that meet our standards 

Precise digital measurements tailor eyewear to your face, posture and prescription 

Over 350 clinics across Canada