What Is Dry Eye?
A comprehensive eye exam is much more than writing or adjusting your eye glasses or contact lens prescription. During the exam, your optometrist looks at the entire ocular and visual system to diagnose, treat and manage any emerging eye conditions or problems you may encounter. The comprehensive eye exam is your best step in preventing eye issues and allows for the early detection of health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, cataracts or brain tumors. We recommend that a healthy adult get their eyes checked by an optometrist every one to two years to keep their eyes and vision system healthy and carefully monitored.
Your visit to Komoka Optometry will always be comfortable and convenient. Our space is designed to feel welcoming and warm, so you don’t feel like you’re waiting in a clinic. We’ve invested in state-of-the-art technology that allows our optometrist to make your appointment more efficient and accurate. Our optometrist uses a retinal camera to take a photo of the back of your eye to establish a baseline (so we can monitor changes year-after-year) and performs a non-invasive optical coherence tomography test to see under the layer of the eye to help diagnose diseases and monitor your ocular health. Our new Auto Phoropter also allows us to write or check your prescription faster and more accurately with an automatic refraction test.
We also perform intraocular pressure testing, visual acuity testing, a binocular visions assessment and an ocular health assessment during your exam.
Call to book an appointment for your next comprehensive eye exam, so we can offer you the gift of good. Find out why we are quickly being called the best optometrists in the London area!
Regularly testing your child’s eyes is an important step in their healthy ocular development, especially since 80% of all learning in a child’s first 12 years is visually-based. Many eye conditions (like myopia) develop in childhood when your child might not be able to verbalize the eye issues they are experiencing. That’s why it’s important to us to diligently track the eye health of our youngest patients. At Komoka Optometry, we recommend that children have their first eye exam between six and nine months of infancy, at least one eye exam between two and five-years-old and then annually after starting school.
During your child’s exam, our Doctor of Optometry follows the recommendations of the Canadian Association of Optometrists to include a full review of your child’s health and vision history and an overall assessment of ocular health. We also test for nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, colour perception, lazy eye, crossed-eyes, eye coordination, depth perception and focusing ability. We know taking young children to doctor’s appointments can be stressful for both kids and their adults, so we offer a welcoming and warm environment with well-trained and friendly staff to make the process of an eye exam quick and easy.
Call us today to book an appointment with one of our amazing optometrists for your child’s next eye exam.
Aging doesn’t have to come with poor vision. At Komoka Optometry, we take a preventative approach to eye health for adults and seniors by performing regular comprehensive eye exams to help detect eye health issues and other diseases as early as possible. During our exams we take the time to listen and get to know you, so we can better understand your needs and your health history. It’s important to us that we are at the forefront of detection technology, so we are always investing in new equipment to help serve you better.
If you’re over 65, it’s important that you have a yearly comprehensive eye exam to monitor your vision and allow for the early detection of eye diseases to possibly slow down the progression. At your annual exam we will check your prescription, test your eye coordination, depth perception, colour vision, eye pressure and monitor your overall eye health. We screen all of our adult and senior patients for age-related eye diseases like macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma.
Our Doctor of Optometry will also make ophthalmology referrals where necessary for a consultation or surgery.
At Komoka Optometry, your Doctor of Optometry is highly-trained to deal with any eye emergency that might come up in your day-to-day life. If you’re experiencing an eye emergency like red eyes (red, pink or itchy), a foreign body in the eye, double vision, warped or tunnel vision, sudden flashes or floaters, abnormally blurry vision or eye pain, it’s important that you call us to make an urgent appointment. Seeking treatment for eye emergencies is an important step in protecting your vision and the ongoing health of your eyes. Our staff will work quickly to get you the best emergency eye care, as soon as possible.
What Is Dry Eye?
Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or when the tears evaporate off the surface of your eye too quickly. This can lead to an unstable tear film, resulting in inflammation and damage to the eye’s surface. Over time this can leave your eyes dry, gritty, red and sensitive to light. If this happens, you could benefit from dry eye management.
It’s more common than most people realize and can affect anyone, often made worse by aging, medications, screen use, or environmental factors. Beyond discomfort, dry eye can also blur or fluctuate your vision, making daily tasks like reading, driving, or computer work more difficult.
The good news is that dry eye is highly manageable. With advanced diagnostics and personalized treatment, we can identify the root cause and create a plan to restore comfort, protect your eyes, and improve your quality of life.
When you visit Komoka Optometry to choose a new pair of glasses, we want you to leave with frames that fit your face and eyes as well as they fit your unique personality. Our optometrist and optician work together as a team to help you select frames and lenses that are right for your personal style and your prescription. While choosing frames, we help you to select a pair in the right size and shape for your face, so we can adjust your frames to fit you comfortably. When selecting lenses, our team ensures your lenses have the proper lens design, material and coatings so you can see clearly, based on your specific eye shape and condition. Before you take your new glasses home, we fit and adjust the frames to make sure your nose, ears and eyes are as comfortable as possible. We want you to love your new glasses, so you can see clearly and feel like yourself.
Come visit us at Komoka Optometry to browse the latest eyewear and learn more about specialty lenses.
Specially fitted contact lenses are a great choice for athletes, active people or anyone who needs a short term or long term eyewear alternative. Choosing the right contact lenses for your eye is important for your vision and eye comfort. Our optometrist will choose a lens material, fitting design and a lens care regime that works for your lifestyle and any eye conditions you may have. Then we will suggest the best type and brand of contact lens for your needs.
We also specialize in fitting contacts for patients who have astigmatism, or have trouble seeing up close. Multi-focal, toric and scleral contact lenses fit differently, so it’s important to consult your optometrist for a lens fitting, so we can customize the fit and lens material to suit your unique eye shape and vision needs.
Call us to book your comprehensive eye exam and contact lens fitting.
Your doctor of optometry plays an important role in the co-management of the eye surgery process, including laser eye surgery and cataract surgery. It’s important to work with an optometrist who knows you and understands your eye health and history when preparing for any kind of eye surgery.
If you’re looking into laser eye surgery, your Doctor of Optometry can see you for a laser eye surgery consultation to determine if you’re a candidate and which surgery option best suits your needs. We can then make a referral to a trusted clinic and provide a pre-op consultation. After your operation, we follow up on your healing progress and vision to make sure you’re seeing as clearly as possible.
Call Komoka Optometry to set up an appointment for a laser eye surgery consultation, so we can answer all of your questions and determine if you’re a candidate.
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is becoming more common in children and tends to worsen as they grow. At Komoka Optometry, we offer personalized myopia management plans to help slow the progression and protect long-term vision.
Using advanced diagnostic tools like the Topcon MYAH, we track eye growth and customize treatment with options such as:
- Specialty myopia control contact lenses (MiSight, ortho-k)
- Low-dose atropine drops
- Lifestyle and screen-time guidance
Our goal is to help reduce the risk of future vision complications like retinal detachment or glaucoma. Early intervention makes a difference—book a consultation to see if your child is a candidate.
Do you experience eye fatigue, neck pain, or headaches—especially after screen time or reading? You may have a small but significant misalignment in your eyes.
Using the Neurolens Measurement Device, we assess your eye alignment and prescribe custom contoured prism lenses that help bring your vision into balance. These lenses are designed to reduce the stress on your visual system, improving comfort throughout your day.
Neurolens is ideal for patients with:
- Headaches or migraines
- Eye strain
- Neck and shoulder tension
- Sensitivity to light
- Motion sickness
- Dry Eyes
Ask us if Neurolens is right for you—relief could be just one pair of lenses away.
Common Dry Eye Symptoms
Signs and symptoms, which usually affect both eyes, may include:
A stinging, burning,
sandy sensation
Eye redness
Sensitivity
to light
Excessive
watering
Blurred vision
or eye fatigue
Feeling like
something is
in your eye
What are the causes of Dry Eye?
Dry eye presents when the creation of a healthy tear film is disrupted. Decreased tear production or increased tear evaporation happen for many reasons, like aging, allergies, hormonal changes, eyelid problems, Parkinson’s Disease, gland dysfunction, living in a dry climate or even having a job that requires increased screen time. Most commonly, dry eye is caused by a blockage in the Meibomian glands, which are responsible for producing the lipid layer of our tears. Problems with the creation of any part of your eye’s tear film can cause dry eyes.
Dry Eye Treatments
There’s much more to dry eye management than using eye drops. Our team will help you to create a plan to manage your dry eyes with targeted in-office treatments, a discussion about nutrition and tailored home care including warm compresses, lid hygiene and artificial tears. In office treatments such as Radiofrequency, Intense Pulsed Light Therapy and Lipiflow Therapy can treat severe symptoms of dry eye including burning, itching, redness and irritation. To learn more about the InMode technology at Eye Spa Komoka, click here
What is Radiofrequency Dry Eye Therapy?
An advanced option for the treatment of dry eye is the use of Radiofrequency (RF) energy. This treatment works by warming up the Meibomian glands to liquefy any clogged oil inside and clear any blockages. After the treatment, your optometrist may manually express the Meibomian glands, to release additional oils trapped inside.
This treatment is recommended for those suffering from evaporative dry eye or meibomian gland dysfunction. It may be recommended in conjunction with other therapies such as intense pulse light.
Benefits
- Improves dry eye symptoms
- Safe, comfortable and painless
- Quick, non-invasive with no post-treatment downtime
- Tailored treatment to your specific needs
- Traditionally used as a treatment in dermatology, Radiofrequency also has several aesthetic benefits including skin tightening and increased collagen production.
Who Is It For?
Radiofrequency therapy is best for patients who have dry eye symptoms connected to increased tear evaporation from Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. When the Meibomian glands are blocked, your eyes can feel red, gritty and irritated to the point that they water, itch and burn. If left untreated, Meibomian Gland Dysfunction can result in decreased Meibomian gland functionality. Therefore, the goal of treatment is to unblock the Meibomian glands, ultimately helping to restore healthy tear film for those suffering with advanced symptoms.
Women who are pregnant, or could be pregnant are not candidates for radiofrequency therapy. Additionally, anyone with metal implants in the face, or diseases stimulated by heat would not be a candidate.
How does the treatment work?
In our office, Radiofrequency Dry Eye Therapy is done using an advanced technology called Forma-I RF. It’s an innovative and safe dry eye treatment that uses radiofrequency (RF) energy to deliver a non-invasive heat treatment to the eyes. Radiofrequency has been shown to stimulate the Meibomian glands in the eyelids which improves the quality of the tear film and alleviates dry eye symptoms. The heat further stimulates collagen formation, bringing white blood cells, and stem cells to the skin around your eyes while reducing inflammation.
Forma-I RF works by delivering radiofrequency energy to the obstructed Meibomian glands, allowing for free-flowing oil production to prevent the rapid evaporation of tears that result in dry eye symptoms. The pressure from the applicator further allows the oils to be expressed. This treatment is ideal for those looking for immediate results as it can be performed as a package treatment or can be combined with Lumecca Intense Pulsed Light therapy or Lipiflow to further combat dry eye symptoms.
What to Expect
The treatment is generally comfortable and relaxing for our patients. Ultrasound gel is applied to the eye area and heat is applied with mild pressure. Treatments usually take between 20 and 45 minutes to complete, and the Optometrist may perform a Meibomian gland expression afterwards to remove any further obstructions. Patients should expect some redness around the eyes for up to 24 hours after treatments. Results can be expected after 2-4 treatments.
Before & After
What is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Eye Therapy?
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy is a widely used treatment for managing dry eye, blepharitis, and ocular rosacea. It also helps reduce the presence of demodex mites and bacteria around the eyelids, supporting overall eyelid and ocular surface health.
Benefits
- Decrease in dry eye symptoms and ocular rosacea
- Reduces abnormal blood vessels to ease inflammation
- Safe and quick in-office procedure
- Same day recovery, slight redness for up to an hour
- Tailored treatment to your specific needs
Traditionally used as a treatment in Dermatology, IPL also has several aesthetic benefits including decreasing redness, sun spots and hyperpigmentation.
Who Is It For?
Patients suffering from dry eye, blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid) or those with ocular rosacea can benefit from this high-efficiency treatment built specifically to reduce treatment time. IPL can also be used to treat styes and chalazions and well as control or eradicate Demodex.
How does it work?
We use an IPL technology called Lumecca, delivered through our in-office InMode device. The Lumecca handpiece emits intense pulsed light that targets inflammation, pigmented lesions (such as sun spots and rosacea), and vascular irregularities—helping improve overall complexion and skin health.
When used for dry eye, IPL works by delivering controlled pulses of light to the facial tissue, specifically targeting blood vessels and inflammation along the eyelid margin. This process can reduce inflammatory markers, improve meibomian gland function, and help manage symptoms related to dry eye, blepharitis, and ocular rosacea. Lumecca settings—including energy, wavelength, pulse rate, and duration—can be customized to each patient's specific needs.
What to Expect
Your ocular hygienist will first prepare you by cleansing the eyelids using ZEST (Zocular Eyelid System Treatment) to remove any debris or buildup. If an ocular shield is required, your optometrist will place a mild anesthetic drop in your eye before inserting protective eye shields. Your ocular hygienist will apply ultrasound gel to your face and eyelids. When the procedure begins, you will then feel a mild sensation that feels like a warm rubber band each time the light is triggered. The treatment should last 5 minutes.
You can expect to see results in 2-4 treatments. Some side effects may include redness and mild irritation and swelling. A broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen must be worn after, between and throughout the duration of treatment.
Before & After
What is ZEST Eyelid Cleaning System?
To get a deep, yet gentle, cleansing of the eyelashes and exfoliation of the eyelids, we use a Zocular Eyelid System Treatment (also known as ZEST) developed by Zocular®. This treatment system involves the application of a patented activated okra gel with a micro sponge applicator to clear away dead skin cells, debris, demodex and biofilm in the eye area that cause inflammation and irritation.
Benefits
- Improves eyelid hygiene
- Targets debris causing inflammation and or irritation
- A quick and painless way to seek immediate relief
- Can prevent the presence of demodex (eyelash mites)
Who Is It For?
ZEST is an effective treatment for anyone experiencing dry eye symptoms due to a Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (or other causes), blepharitis or demodex. This treatment can also be helpful for any patients with irritated eyes due to a build up of dirt and debris on their eyelids – or anyone experiencing eye discomfort from seasonal allergies.
Zocular can be used on both children and adults suffering from dry and sensitive eyes.
How does it work?
ZEST okra-based gel soothes irritation and inflammation by cleansing bacteria, debris and oils from the eyelash line. During the treatment the eyelid margin is deeply cleansed with gentle gel and a microsponge, using circular motions. Once the gel reaches a lather it’s rinsed off with saline solution. ZEST is performed prior to in-office treatments such as Lipiflow, radiofrequency or IPL to start off with a clean ocular surface and remove any debris before your treatment begins. It can also be performed as a standalone treatment.
What to Expect
This procedure is quick and painless - it will feel like an eyelash shampoo treatment! You can expect immediate relief from a Zocular Eyelid System treatment after 1-2 sessions. Your doctor may recommend at home maintenance with Blephaclean or Blephadex lid wipes
Before & After
What is Amniotic Membrane Therapy?
Amniotic Membrane Therapy is a revolutionary treatment for patients suffering from dry eye syndrome. This innovative approach utilizes the natural healing properties of amniotic membrane tissue to repair and rejuvenate the ocular surface, providing relief for those with chronic dry eyes.
Benefits
- Natural Healing: Harnesses the body's innate healing mechanisms.
- Reduced Inflammation: Contains natural anti-inflammatory agents.
- Pain Relief: Offers significant pain relief and comfort.
- Quick Recovery: Speeds up the healing process of the ocular surface.
- Safe and Effective: Clinically tested with a high safety profile.
- The therapy is generally safe, with a low risk of complications.
- Efficacy varies, but many patients report substantial relief from dry eye symptoms
Who Is It For?
Patients with moderate to severe dry eye syndrome, particularly those who have not responded to conventional treatments, may benefit from this therapy.
How does it work?
Amniotic membrane, the innermost layer of the placenta, is rich in essential growth factors and anti-inflammatory properties. This type of therapy involves placing a specially prepared amniotic membrane onto the eye's surface. This membrane acts as a biological bandage, promoting healing and reducing inflammation in the ocular tissue.
What to Expect
First, your Optometrist will perform an evaluation of your eye condition to determine if amniotic membrane therapy is suitable.
Prior to the procedure, your eye will be numbed with topical anesthetic drops to ensure comfort. The eye and surrounding area will be thoroughly dried. The amniotic membrane, preserved and sterilized, is carefully positioned over the cornea (the eye's surface). For some patients, a special contact lens is placed over the membrane to hold it in place. You may be prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to prevent infection and aid healing. Regular check-ups are scheduled to monitor the healing process and the membrane's integration or absorption.
Minor discomfort or foreign body sensation may be experienced immediately post-procedure. Vision may be temporarily blurred due to the presence of the membrane. Most patients notice a significant improvement in symptoms within a few days to weeks.
What is Endoret® PRGF therapy?
Endoret® (PRGF) therapy is a cutting-edge regenerative treatment that utilizes Plasma Rich in Growth Factors (PRGF) technology to treat various ocular surface diseases. PRGF therapy is a form of regenerative medicine that harnesses the body's natural healing capabilities. By using patient's own blood plasma, enriched with growth factors, this therapy promotes the regeneration and healing of ocular tissues. It is particularly effective in treating conditions such as dry eye syndrome, corneal ulcers, and post-surgical ocular surface disorders.
Benefits
- Enhances natural healing and regeneration of ocular tissues.
- Reduces symptoms of discomfort and irritation associated with ocular surface diseases.
- Minimally invasive, using the patient's own biological material, reducing the risk of adverse reactions.
Who Is It For?
Endoret® (PRGF) Therapy is suitable for a wide range of patients experiencing various ocular conditions. It is particularly beneficial for those with Dry Eye Syndrome who haven't found relief with standard treatments like artificial tears or medications, as PRGF therapy can significantly improve healing and lubrication of the ocular surface. Individuals suffering from non-healing or recurrent corneal ulcers can also benefit from the regenerative properties of PRGF, which can accelerate healing and minimize scarring risks. Those who have undergone ocular surgery and are facing delayed healing or complications may find relief with PRGF therapy, as it aids in faster recovery and reduces post-surgical inflammation.
Additionally, PRGF therapy is effective in managing ocular surface inflammation caused by conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome, blepharitis, or meibomian gland dysfunction, providing symptomatic relief. Contact lens wearers who experience discomfort or dry eyes can also benefit, as the therapy improves the overall health of the ocular surface. Elderly patients, in whom the prevalence of dry eye and other ocular surface disorders is higher, may find PRGF therapy particularly beneficial. Moreover, for those seeking natural treatment alternatives, PRGF therapy is an excellent option as it leverages the patient’s own blood to stimulate recovery, aligning with the body’s natural healing processes.
How does it work?
The growth factors in PRGF eye drops mimic the body's natural healing response. They signal the cells in the eye to initiate repair processes, leading to quicker and more efficient healing. Additionally, these factors have anti-inflammatory properties, which are particularly beneficial in reducing chronic inflammation associated with various ocular surface disorders.
What to Expect
During your dry eye consultation, your Optometrist will perform thorough examination to determine if PRGF therapy is an appropriate treatment. Our reception will book you an appointment with Coverdale Labs in London, ON for your blood draw. The first step involves drawing a small amount of the patient's blood, similar to a routine blood test. This blood is then processed using a centrifuge, a machine that spins the blood at high speeds. The centrifugation separates the blood components, allowing for the extraction of plasma rich in growth factors. The processed plasma is formulated into eye drops tailored to the patient’s specific needs. The patient is instructed on how to apply the PRGF eye drops. Regular follow-up appointments to monitor the response to treatment and adjust the therapy as needed.
What is LipiFlow® Thermal Pulsation System?
LipiFlow® is a highly-effective treatment for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, one of the main causes of dry eye disease. The device works by liquifying gland blockages that often cause dry eye. This is a quick and easy in-office treatment that safely delivers therapeutic energies (through heat and gentle massage) to your blocked glands while protecting the eye’s surface.
Benefits
- A single 12-minute LipiFlow® treatment can improve symptoms for up to 12 months
- Can increase gland function with just one treatment.
- Is a safe option for long-term effectiveness.
- Maximum results with minimal discomfort.
Who Is It For?
LipiFlow® is a highly-effective treatment for those suffering from Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. This treatment is not intended for patients who have had eye surgery in the last 3 months, or anyone with an ocular surface abnormality or injury.
How does it work?
During a LipiFlow® treatment, a single-use activator device applies heat to both the inside and outside of your eyelids while massaging the outer part of the lid. The activator’s vaulted design protects the cornea, while its sensors monitor and regulate heat to minimize discomfort. It uses an intelligent pressure feedback loop to unblock built up oils in your eyelid glands, while protecting your eye from any unnecessary pressure.
After your treatment, your eyes should be able to create more natural oils and you should feel relief from your symptoms in the days to weeks following your appointment.
What to Expect
First, your optometrist will prepare you by placing a mild anesthetic drop in your eye. Your ocular hygienist will then clean the eyelids using ZEST to remove any build-up or debris before starting LipiFlow®. The single-use activator is then placed onto your eyelids and when the treatment begins, you will feel a warm and gentle pressure on your eyelids.
The treatment runs through three 6-minute cycles:
- A warming phase
- A varied pulsations phase
- A constant pressure phase
After your treatment, you can expect to see results in 4-6 weeks. 79% of patients reported an improvement of their dry eye symptoms within four weeks. LipiFlow® does not cure Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, so treatments are required to unblock glands on a regular basis.
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