Eye drops, warm compresses, fish oil… anyone who suffers from chronic dry eye knows it’s more than a nuisance—it’s a painful condition that can truly hinder day-to-day life.Fortunately, innovative treatments are available just up the Sea-to-Sky.
Located in Downtown Squamish, Garibaldi Eye Care excels in advanced dry eye therapies, including Forma-i Radio Frequency and Lumecca Intense Pulsed Light. These treatments target the underlying causes—not just the symptoms—of chronic dry eyes, using radio frequencies and pulses of light.
The therapies can be used in tandem depending on the root cause of your dry eye and the symptoms you experience. “Some people present with your typical burning, dryness and extreme irritation but some present with generalized blurry vision, fatigue, or contact lens intolerance,” says owner and practitioner Dr. Brandon Baker. “We use our years of experience and aid that with advanced diagnostics like infra-red eyelid imaging and special ocular dyes to detect damage to the ocular surface.”
Fortunately, both treatments are non-invasive, safe and designed to offer long-lasting relief. “The treatments take a total of one hour in the office to perform” according to Dr. Baker. “The best science says a minimum of three is needed to really experience the difference in both the way their eyes feel and also the signs of dry eye disease.” Many patients still notice that their symptoms improve immediately after treatment, including clearer vision and more comfortable eyes.
If you’ve had enough of dealing with your dry eyes, you’re in luck! We’ve partnered with Garibaldi Eye Care to award one lucky winner a consultation and two dry eye therapy treatments valued at $1,500. You can enter for a chance to win via the contest entry form below:
So, what causes dry eyes? In most cases, the issue stems from meibomian gland dysfunction. The meibomian glands, located at the base of the eyelashes and along the edges of the eyelids, produce meibum, an oil that coats the eyes and reduces tear evaporation. “Eye Dryness is tightly tied to sleep disorders (such as sleep apnea) and dehydration as well,” says Dr. Baker. “Air conditioning, heaters and fans all dry out the ambient air and contribute to these issues”.
Following your treatment, you’ll receive guidance to help prevent symptoms from returning, including avoiding inflammatory foods, alcohol and cigarettes. “Screen use is another major contributor, as screens reduce blink rate and completeness, which can worsen dryness,” Dr. Baker notes. “Less screen time is however easier said than done!”
Garibaldi Eye Care also offers regular eye exams and treatment for cataracts, myopia, glaucoma and more. You can view a full list of their services HERE.
If you’re tired of at-home remedies, blurry vision and daily discomfort, be sure to enter our contest—and remember, you can see the difference for yourself – treatment is just a short drive away.
For more information on dry eye treatment, visit garibaldieyecare.com