From diagnosis to relief: dry eye care
Dry, irritated, or stinging eyes can make even simple tasks like reading, working, or enjoying the outdoors uncomfortable. At The Monocle, we believe dry eye care should be both precise and personal.
We take the time to understand the root causes of your discomfort, whether it’s a tear film imbalance, meibomian gland dysfunction, or environmental factors. Using targeted diagnostics and a mix of clinical expertise and thoughtful treatments, we craft a plan that supports both comfort and long-term eye health.
From lifestyle adjustments and daily hygiene routines to prescription therapies and in-office treatments, our goal is to make your eyes feel as good as they can while giving you clear, healthy vision.
Don’t let dry eye slow you down. Contact us to schedule your appointment today.
Recognizing dry eye symptoms
Dry eye disrupts the protective tear film that coats the eye, leading to discomfort and irritation. Common symptoms include:
- Burning, stinging, or gritty sensations
- Redness and irritation
- Light sensitivity
- Contact lens discomfort
- Difficulty with night driving
Even mild symptoms can impact daily activities, so early evaluation with Dr. Zaiffdeen is key.

Understanding the causes of dry eye
Your tear film is made of water, oil, and mucus. When one or more layers are disrupted, tears evaporate too quickly or are low in quality, leading to dry eye. Contributing factors include:
- Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)
- Aging and hormonal changes
- Medications
- Screen use and environmental conditions
- Contact lens wear
Addressing the underlying cause helps ensure treatments are more effective and tailored to your specific needs.
Diagnostics at The Monocle
We take a thoughtful approach to understanding your dry eye, combining a thorough clinical exam with specialized diagnostic tools to pinpoint the underlying causes:
- Meibography: Detailed imaging of your meibomian glands lets us see blockages or dysfunction that may be affecting your tear quality. This insight guides us in targeting treatments that restore natural lubrication.
- Dyes & Staining: Special dyes highlight areas of your ocular surface that are damaged or dry, giving a clear picture of how your eyes are reacting to environmental factors and tear deficiencies.
- Subjective Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT): This test measures how long your tears remain stable after a blink, helping us understand tear film quality and the degree of evaporation.
- Topcon MYAH: High-resolution corneal and eyelid imaging provides a comprehensive view of your tear film, gland function, and overall eyelid health, so that no detail is overlooked.
Together, these diagnostics give us a complete understanding of your eyes, allowing us to recommend treatments tailored to your unique needs and lifestyle.
Dry eye treatments we offer at The Monocle
Dry eye symptoms can range from mild irritation to significant discomfort that affects your daily life.
At The Monocle, we approach treatment with both precision and care, targeting the root causes of dry eye rather than just masking symptoms. Our goal is to help restore comfort, protect your eyes, and support long-term ocular health with personalized solutions tailored to your needs.
Eyelid & Tear Hygiene
Maintaining healthy eyelids and a stable tear film is foundational to managing dry eye. Eye masks provide soothing warmth to open blocked glands, while LidN’Lash wipes and LidN’Lash Plus support daily eyelid hygiene by removing debris and reducing inflammation, keeping your eyes clean and comfortable.
Medications & Eye Drops
Prescription eye drops such as Thealoz Duo, iDrop Gel, and iDrop MGD can address inflammation, promote tear production, and relieve irritation. Lubricating drops protect the ocular surface, providing immediate relief while supporting long-term eye health.
Meibomian Gland Therapies
When oil-producing glands are blocked, tears evaporate too quickly, leading to chronic dryness. Meibomian gland expression and probing help unblock glands and restore natural oil flow, improving tear stability. Punctal plugs conserve your natural tears, keeping your eyes hydrated and comfortable for longer periods.
Nutritional Support
Nutrition plays an important role in eye health. DE3 vitamins provide essential nutrients that support tear quality, reduce inflammation, and enhance overall ocular surface health.
Specialty Contact Lenses
For patients with persistent dry eye, custom specialty contact lenses can offer both clear vision and extra protection for the tear film. These lenses are designed to fit comfortably while supporting your eyes throughout the day.
Blood-Derived Therapies
In more chronic or severe cases, serum tears provide natural growth factors to promote healing and reduce inflammation on the eye’s surface. This therapy is particularly useful when traditional treatments have not delivered sufficient relief.
Managing dry eye, your way
Dry eye can affect everything from reading and screen time to driving at night, but treatment doesn’t have to be complicated or uncomfortable. At The Monocle, we combine expert care, personalized therapies, and thoughtful guidance to help you manage your symptoms and protect your eyes for the long term.
Whether you need guidance on daily eyelid hygiene, prescription drops, specialty lenses, or more targeted therapies, we’ll work with you to create a plan that fits your lifestyle and needs.
Contact us to book your appointment today and take back your comfort from dry eye.

Eye Care Services designed around you
01
Comprehensive Eye Exams
Experience a personalized exam that combines expert care with modern technology. We catch changes early, so your vision stays clear and vibrant, helping you see your best every day.

02
Dry Eye Treatment
Discover tailored solutions that bring lasting comfort and restore eye health. Our approach focuses on real relief, so your eyes feel refreshed and cared for with every visit.

03
Eye Disease Diagnosis & Management
Trust our team to guide you through early detection and ongoing care for conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration. We’re here to protect your vision with clarity and compassion.

04
Laser Eye Surgery Co-Management
Thinking about laser surgery? We provide consultations and support throughout your journey so your eyes receive the attentive care they deserve.

#115 140 Bellerose Drive
St. Albert, AB T8N 8N8
You can find us in the Shops at Boudreau Plaza. We’d love to see you.
Book an appointment online or contact us today.
T, W & F: 9am–5pm
Thurs: 11am–7pm
Sat: 9am–3pm
Mon & Sun: Closed


