Dry Eye Clinic in Surrey, BC

Relief for Dry, Irritated, Tired Eyes Starts Here

If your eyes constantly feel dry, itchy, watery, gritty, or tired, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to live with it. At Boardwalk Optometry’s Dry Eye Clinic, we offer advanced, non-invasive treatments that target the root causes of dry eye disease. We are one of the first dry eye clinics in Surrey to offer radiofrequency (RF) and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapies that not only relieve symptoms, but restore healthy tear function and rejuvenate the delicate skin around the eyes.

Woman rubbing her eyes because they are dry and irritated – Dry eye clinic – Blocked oil glands expression

What Is Dry Eye Disease

Dry eye disease (DED) is a common condition that occurs when your tears cannot lubricate your eyes effectively. It is also known as ocular surface disease (OSD).

What Causes Dry Eye Disease?

Dry eye disease (DED) occurs when your tears are unstable or insufficient, often due to:

  • Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) – the most common cause
  • Aging or menopause
  • Contact lens use
  • Screen time and reduced blinking
  • Medications (Accutane, antihistamines, antidepressants)
  • Blepharitis, Demodex mites, or rosacea
  • Autoimmune conditions (e.g. Sjögren’s)
  • Post-surgical changes (LASIK, cataract, eyelid surgery)

How Does Dry Eye Feel

Dry eye is typically associated with irritation, redness, foreign-body sensation and crusting, however not all dry eye patients are symptomatic-these patients have an impairment of their corneal sensory innervation which can lead to serious corneal damage. Dry eye can cause watering and fluctuating vision, making it difficult to focus. Symptoms may vary at different times of the day and be exacerbated by certain activities such as reading, driving, watching TV and looking atm screens. Contact lens wearers might suffer from discomfort and shortened wearing-time.

What Happens If Dry Eye Is Not Treated

Disruption of the tear film can lead to damage and inflammation of the eye's surface, including its nerves, which can cause the absence of dry eye symptoms. Whether or not there are symptoms, it is important to treat dry eye disease before inflammation and damage occurs to the eye. Untreated dry eye can lead to the loss of meibomian glands, corneal scarring, infection and even perforation. Treating dry eye in the early stages is always the best option, as well as before bcataract surgery to optimize vision and comfort afterwards.

Your Personalized Dry Eye Treatment Plan

Every patient receives a tailored treatment plan based on a thorough in-office assessment, including:

  • Meibography (to visualize blocked or atrophied oil glands)
  • Tear film analysis
  • Blink pattern, lid anatomy, and eyelid hygiene assessment
  • Demodex screening
  • Medical and lifestyle history

We take the time to explain your condition and build a plan that works for you.

Advanced Dry Eye Treatments in Surrey

A Comprehensive, Non-Surgical Approach — No Referral Needed

Boardwalk Optometry was one of the first clinics in Surrey to offer advanced, non-invasive treatments like radiofrequency (RF), intense pulsed light (IPL), and BlephEx® microblepharoexfoliation. These therapies target the root causes of dry eye — particularly meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and blepharitis.

Each treatment — RF and IPL — is effective individually, but combining RF and IPL delivers the best results by working synergistically to:

  • Gently unclog and restore the oil-secreting meibomian glands
  • Reduce eyelid inflammation, especially in patients with rosacea
  • Kill Demodex mites, a common contributor to dry eye and blepharitis
  • Improve tear film stability and overall eye comfort

To enhance results further, these therapies are often paired with meibomian gland expression, a gentle manual technique that clears gland blockages, promoting healthier tear quality and long-term gland function.

A typical treatment course involves four sessions spaced four weeks apart, followed by maintenance treatments every 6 to 12 months. Many patients experience lasting relief, improved tear quality, and reduced reliance on drops or medications.

If you suffer from dry, irritated eyes, don’t wait. Our Dry Eye Clinic in Surrey provides advanced, effective care without needing a referral. Book your consultation today and start your journey toward lasting relief and healthier eyes.

Forma & Forma-I Radiofrequency (RF) Treatments in Surrey, BC

Radiofrequency (RF)

Gently heats the eyelids to melt and release blockages in the meibomian glands, helping restore a healthy oil layer to your tear film. This improves tear stability, reduces evaporative dry eye symptoms, and supports long-term gland health. RF also stimulates collagen, which can improve lid firmness and meibomian gland structure over time.

Woman receiving Forma I radiofrequency – dry eye treatment – Meibomian

What Are Forma and Forma-I?

Forma and Forma-I are advanced radiofrequency (RF) treatments by InMode that safely deliver controlled thermal energy deep into the skin’s dermis. This heat stimulates new collagen and elastin production while tightening existing collagen fibers.

Forma-I for Dry Eyes : The specialized Forma-I handpiece is Health Canada–approved for treating dry eye disease caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). By reducing eyelid inflammation and improving meibomian gland function, Forma-I helps restore natural tear film balance and long-lasting comfort.

Forma for Skin : Traditional Forma treatments target the face and neck to improve skin elasticity, smooth fine lines, and support a youthful appearance.


Dry Eye RF Treatment Schedule

  • Initial treatment: 4 sessions, spaced 2–4 weeks apart
  • Maintenance: Every 6 months (or sooner, depending on severity)
  • Personalized care: Advanced cases may need additional sessions for best results

Skin Benefits of Forma RF

In addition to dry eye relief, Forma treatments provide significant anti-aging and skin health benefits:

  • Stimulates collagen and elastin (proteins that decline after age 25–30)
  • Clinical studies show 16–25% collagen increase after treatment
  • Helps reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity
  • Non-invasive, no downtime

Forma Facial RF Treatment Schedule

  • Initial series: 8 sessions, spaced 1–2 weeks apart
  • Maintenance: Every 6 months
  • Frequency may vary based on skin condition, age, and goals

Forma RF Contraindications & Safety Information

At Boardwalk Optometry in Surrey, your safety is our top priority. While Forma radiofrequency skin tightening is safe, gentle, and non-invasive, some medical conditions or situations mean treatment may not be suitable. Please review the information below before your consultation.

1. Who Should Avoid Forma Treatment

Treatment may not be suitable if you:

  • Are pregnant or nursing
  • Have metal implants in the treatment area, pacemakers, or defibrillators
  • Have active skin infections, open wounds, or severe acne in the treatment area
  • Recently had cosmetic fillers (within 6 months) or Botox (within 7 days) in the treatment area
  • Have cancer or a history of skin cancer or suspicious lesions in the treatment area
  • Are under 18 years old without parental consent

2. Medical Conditions Requiring Extra Caution

Please let us know if you have:

  • Cold sores, shingles, or herpes simplex in the treatment area (you may need prophylactic antiviral medication)
  • Heat-triggered conditions such as rosacea flares
  • Poorly controlled diabetes or significant vascular issues
  • A compromised immune system or severe illness
  • Fragile or sensitive skin, vitiligo, or keloid scarring
  • A history of gold therapy, use of Isotretinoin (Accutane) within the last 6 months
  • Recent deep cosmetic treatments (laser resurfacing, dermabrasion, or chemical peels within 3 months)

3. Before Your Treatment

For best results, please:

  • Avoid alcohol for 2 days before treatment
  • Tell us if you are on blood thinners, aspirin, or ibuprofen
  • Inform us if you have had any recent cosmetic procedures

4. What to Expect After Forma

  • Mild pinkness, swelling, or warmth in the skin (usually fades within hours)
  • A sensation similar to a warm facial massage during treatment
  • Rarely, temporary tingling or minor sensitivity

5. Aftercare Tips

  • Use gentle skincare products and avoid harsh exfoliants for 3–5 days
  • Apply SPF 30+ daily, even on cloudy days
  • Stay well hydrated to support skin health
  • Avoid saunas, hot tubs, or intense workouts for 24–48 hours
  • Avoid waxing or hair removal in the treated area for 1 week

Please notify the clinic right away if you experience any adverse effects, such as blistering.

Lumecca & Lumecca-I IPL Treatments in Surrey, BC

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

Delivers pulses of light to reduce inflammation around the eyelids, especially in patients with rosacea, while killing Demodex mites — two major contributors to dry eye. IPL helps normalize meibomian gland function, improves tear quality, and reduces redness. Over time, it enhances comfort and visual clarity in dry eye sufferers.

At your consultation, our medical aesthetician will review your health history and create a personalized plan to ensure your treatment is both safe and effective.

Woman with ocular rosacea receiving Lumecca IPL – dry eye treatment for Meibomian – gland disease

Bonus: Cosmetic Benefits of RF and IPL

Many patients notice cosmetic improvements, including:

  • Brighter, smoother, firmer under-eye skin
  • Reduced puffiness and crepey lids
  • Fewer fine lines
  • More even skin tone

What Are Lumecca and Lumecca-I?

Lumecca and Lumecca-I are advanced Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments by InMode that improve both skin health and dry eye symptoms.

These devices deliver precise pulses of light that:

  • Reduce eyelid and skin inflammation
  • Target the underlying causes of dry eye disease, including:
    • Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)
    • Rosacea-related inflammation
    • Demodex mites

The Lumecca-I handpiece is specially designed for the delicate eye area and is Health Canada–approved for treating dry eye caused by MGD.


Lumecca Dry Eye IPL Treatment Schedule

  • Initial series: 4 sessions, spaced 2–4 weeks apart
  • Maintenance: Every 6–12 months
  • Customized plans: Advanced cases may require additional sessions for lasting relief

Skin Benefits of Lumecca IPL

Lumecca IPL is one of the most powerful IPL technologies for skin rejuvenation. Clinical benefits include:

  • Improves skin tone and texture
  • Reduces redness from rosacea
  • Clears unwanted blood vessels and broken capillaries
  • Targets sun damage, pigmentation, and age spots
  • Restores a more even, radiant complexion

Lumecca Facial IPL Treatment Schedule

  • Initial treatment series: 4 sessions, spaced about 4 weeks apart
  • Maintenance: Every 6–12 months
  • Treatment frequency may vary depending on skin type, age, and concerns

Lumecca IPL Contraindications & Safety

At Boardwalk Optometry in Surrey, your safety comes first. While Lumecca IPL is safe for most patients, certain medical conditions and situations require caution. Please review before your consultation.

1. Who Should Avoid Lumecca IPL

  • Fitzpatrick skin types V–VI or melasma
  • Recent tanning (last 3–4 weeks)
  • Isotretinoin (Accutane) use in past 6 months
  • Tattoos or permanent makeup in the area
  • Cosmetic fillers (6 months) or Botox (7 days)
  • Cancer it history of skin cancer / suspicious lesions
  • Pregnancy or nursing
  • Under 18 without parental consent

2. Medical Conditions Requiring Extra Caution

  • Cold sores, shingles, herpes simplex (may need antiviral)in the treatment area
  • Heat-triggered conditions (rosacea flares)
  • Poorly controlled diabetes / vascular issues
  • Compromised immune system / severe illness
  • Fragile/dry skin, vitiligo, keloid scarring
  • Light-sensitive conditions (lupus, porphyria, epilepsy)
  • History of gold therapy
  • Recent deep cosmetic procedures

3. Preparation Before Treatment

  • Avoid sun / tanning beds 4 weeks prior and after
  • Avoid self-tanning 2 weeks before
  • Inform about blood thinners, aspirin, ibuprofen
  • Avoid alcohol 2 days before
  • Disclose Accutane in past year
  • Have ice packs ready

4. Day of Treatment

  • Clean face, no makeup/creams/contact lenses
  • Hair tied back
  • Eye shields applied

5. What to Expect After Treatment

  • Temporary redness or pinkness (hours)
  • Brown spots/freckles darken temporarily → fade 7–10 days
  • Use cold compresses as needed

6. Possible Side Effects

  • Mild redness and swelling
  • Temporary pigment changes
  • Burning or stinging
  • Minor bruising/discoloration
  • Rare blistering or crusting
  • Mild pain or facial hair loss

7. Post-Treatment Care Tips

  • Gentle cleansers and moisturizers daily
  • Avoid hot showers, hot tubs, chlorine pools for 48h
  • Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, alcohol, heavy exercise for 2 days
  • Skip harsh skincare (retinols, acids) for 1 week
  • SPF 30+ every 2 hours outdoors for 4–6 weeks
  • Do not pick peeling skin
  • Avoid waxing/electrolysis 14 days

If you have questions or concerns, please contact our clinic before and after your treatment for guidance and support.

BlephEx®

A gentle, in-office exfoliation of the eyelid margins that removes biofilm, debris, and bacterial buildup — the ideal environment where Demodex mites and bacteria thrive. While it doesn’t eliminate Demodex directly, BlephEx® supports better eyelid hygiene, helping manage blepharitis and reduce symptoms like itching, burning, and crusting. It’s especially beneficial for contact lens wearers, improving comfort and wearing time by promoting a healthier eyelid and tear film.

Clean eyelid – Blepharitis – BlephEx – Contact lens intolerance

Meibomian Gland Expression

A targeted, manual procedure that clears blocked oil glands to restore a healthier, more stable tear film. Meibomian gland expression is often paired with RF or IPL for enhanced and longer-lasting results.

Who Performs My Treatments?

Your care is delivered by a collaborative team:

  • Optometrists with advanced training manage diagnosis, meibomian gland evacuation, and treatment oversight
  • Our medical aesthetician leads IPL and RF treatments
  • Dry eye technicians assist with treatments and patient comfort

Every team member plays a vital role to ensure your plan is safe, personalized, and effective.

Prescription & At-Home Therapies

We may also recommend:

  • Preservative-free artificial tears
  • Lid cleansers or hypochlorous sprays
  • Warm compresses or moisture goggles
  • Omega-3 supplements
  • Anti-inflammatory eye drops (e.g., cyclosporine, lifitegrast)

What to Expect During Your First Visit

Your dry eye assessment takes approximately 45 minutes and includes:

1. Detailed history and symptom review


2. Imaging (meibography and tear film testing)


3. Doctor consultation and custom treatment plan


4. Guidance on home care and follow-up schedule - No referral is required.

Legal Notice

The information below applies to all the information contained on the boardwalkoptometry.com Website.

The users of this Website agree to comply with the terms set out below.


TERMS OF USE

Boardwalk Optometry owns and operates a Website at boardwalkoptometry.com (hereinafter referred to as the “site” or “Website”). Unless specified otherwise on the site, it is accessible to all users (hereinafter, the "user"). Refrain from using this Website unless you agree to comply with the conditions.

RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH INFORMATION

Information on this Website is intended for informational purposes only and has no contractual value. Boardwalk Optometry reserves the right to modify the content of this site. At any time, without prior notice. Boardwalk Optometry assumes no liability for errors or omissions in the content of this Website or for information reliability or completeness of said information.

Information published on this Website is based on marketing, statistical or commercial services or other sources the Boardwalk Optometry considers reliable and are the sole responsibility of their authors and not of Boardwalk Optometry. We do not assume any liability for the accuracy or completeness of said information and in no circumstance should this information be regarded as such. Opinions and information as presented on this site reflect our position as of the date of publication and are subject to change without notice.

UPDATING OF THE WEBSITE UNDER THE RESPONSIBILITY OF Boardwalk Optometry

Boardwalk Optometry, its employees and directors will not be liable for damages incurred as a result of the information published on this site, for the views and advice published, expressed or implied regardless of its nature.

Boardwalk Optometry expressly refuses any and all responsibility for the manner in which the user of the site may use the information contained, in any decisions that may be made and in the actions that may or may not be taken based on said information.

COPYRIGHT PROTECTION

Presentations made and contained on this site are the intellectual property of Boardwalk Optometry. Reproduction in whole or in part of this site on any other medium in prohibited without the express permission of Boardwalk Optometry.

User may solely use the information contained on this site for personal use. Reproduction in whole or in part of said information on paper may only be performed for personal use. Said information is not to be copied, distributed or transmitted to third parties nor may it be inserted in a document or other medium.

HYPERTEXT LINKS

The links to external Websites and their content shall not be prejudged and Boardwalk Optometry will in no way be held responsible for any direct or indirect prejudice that may result from gaining access to and usage of said sites.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Boardwalk Optometry draws the attention of the user to the fact that all communication transmitted through this Website remains in the public domain and not the private domain. Boardwalk Optometry cannot accept responsibility for the security of the transmission of information.

The confidentiality and integrity of the information circulating over the internet cannot be ensured. Boardwalk Optometry cannot accept responsibility in the case that data contained on this site is intercepted.

Boardwalk Optometry site uses cookies. These cookies are small text files saved on the hard disk of a user's computer. These files are completely harmless and cannot contain viruses. These cookies are used to analyze visits to the site. Boardwalk Optometry calls upon Google Analytics to help track how users use the site. The number of visitors, path taken to access the site and length of each visit are measured. The cookies cannot, in any way, identify the user. All data is completely anonymous and compiled solely for the purpose of improving the site and tailoring the content to the needs of its visitors.

The person responsible for the protection of personal information is the owner of : Boardwalk Optometry

VIRUSES AND TECHNICAL GLITCHES

Boardwalk Optometry makes no representations that the content of this site is free of infections, viruses, worms, Trojan horses and/or other codes with contaminating or destructive properties. It is the user's responsibility to take protective measures.

Boardwalk Optometry DECLINES ALL RESPONSIBILITY IN THE EVENT OF ANY INTERRUPTION OR NON-AVAILABILITY OF THE SERVICE

Under no circumstances shall Boardwalk Optometry be held responsible for transmission errors of any sort, such as loss of or damage to data, or changes of any type whatsoever, including direct or indirect damage resulting from the use of the services provided on this site.

JURISDICTION

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the province of BC. Any dispute arising of this Agreement shall be brought before the court in the judicial district of Boardwalk Optometry's head office.
Address:
10160 152 Street Suite A3 South Surrey, BC V3R 9W3;
Tel: 604 589-7311.

PUBLISHING FIRM

Boardwalk Optometry
10160 152 Street Suite A3 South Surrey, BC V3R 9W3
Tel: 604 589-7311

Acceptance of the Privacy Policy

Thank you for visiting boardwalkoptometry.com (the “Website”), provided to you by Boardwalk Optometry (“We”). We respect the privacy of every individual who visits the Website and are sensitive to privacy issues on the Internet. We believe it is important that you know how we deal with information received about you.

This privacy policy (the “Privacy Policy”) explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect the personal information of our customers and Website users ("you"), describes the types of information we may collect from you or that you may provide to us, and our practices for collecting, using, maintaining, protecting, and disclosing that information. The Website is for general audiences and is not specifically targeted to or intended for use by children.

We will only use your personal information in accordance with this Privacy Policy unless otherwise required by applicable law. We take steps to ensure that the personal information that we collect about you is adequate, relevant, not excessive, and used for limited purposes. Privacy laws in Canada generally define "Personal Information" as any information about an identifiable individual, which includes information that can be used on its own or with other information to identify, contact, or locate a single person.

By accessing or using the Website, you are accepting the practices described in this Privacy Policy, and you are consenting to our processing of your information as set out in this Privacy Policy. We may modify or update this Privacy Policy from time to time; if we change this Privacy Policy in a manner that materially impacts your privacy rights, we will provide a notice to you. Your continued use of the Website or our services after any modification to this Privacy Policy will constitute your acceptance of such modification. However, when required by law, we will confirm your consent to the revised Privacy Policy terms. This Privacy Policy is incorporated into and considered a part of the Website Terms and Conditions of Use, located here


What information we collect

We collect and use several types of information from and about you, including:


How we collect the information

Information You Provide to Us

The information we collect directly from you may include:

Information We Collect While You Interact With Us Through Cookies and Other Automatic Data Collection Technologies
Information We Collect About You From Third Parties

How we use your information

We use your information, including your Personal Information, to manage our business and to maintain and develop commercial relationships with you. We will collect, use, and disclose such information only to the extent that is necessary for those purposes.

We use information that we collect about you or that you provide to us, including any Personal Information:

Partnership with Microsoft Clarity and Microsoft Advertising

We may partner with Microsoft Clarity and Microsoft Advertising to capture how you use and interact with our website through behavioral metrics, heatmaps, and session replay to improve and market our products/services. Website usage data is captured using first and third-party cookies and other tracking technologies to determine the popularity of products/services and online activity. Additionally, we use this information for site optimization, fraud/security purposes, and advertising. For more information about how Microsoft collects and uses your data, visit the Microsoft Privacy Statement.


How we share your information

We will not rent or sell your information to third parties without your consent. We only share your data as specifically provided in this Privacy Policy.

Other Disclosures

In addition to any disclosure you may have consented to or permitted under the terms of this Privacy Policy, we may transfer your data, including Personal Information to third parties in the following limited circumstances:

  1. information you expressly consent to be shared;
  2. when relating to anonymized information (individuals cannot be identified by it);
  3. when you decide to make the information indexable by search engines, to share or to distribute the information to people or otherwise to make it available to the public;
  4. to satisfy any applicable law, regulation, legal process or enforceable governmental request within or outside your country of residence when we have a good faith belief that the law requires it;
  5. to enforce this Privacy Policy, the Terms, or an agreement, including investigation of potential violations thereof;
  6. to detect, prevent, or otherwise address fraud, security or technical issues, or protect the operations or you;
  7. to protect our rights, property or safety as well as yours, the public, or others;
  8. in connection with an acquisition, merger, change in control, debt financing, reorganization, sales of assets, bankruptcy or other change of our corporate structure or status; or
  9. as necessary in connection with the performance of requested services or solutions, or as otherwise appropriate in connection with a legitimate need.

How we store and secure your information

Information Security

We are committed to protecting the confidentiality, integrity, availability and privacy of your Personal Information. We have put appropriate physical, technological and procedural security measures in place designed to help prevent your Personal Information from being lost, used, modified or accessed in an unauthorized way, or improperly disclosed. Examples of such measures include restricted access to offices, training of personnel, using passwords and well-defined internal policies and practices. We also use encryption technology and Secure Socket Layers ("SSL") in all areas of the Website where your personal account information is required.

In addition, we limit access to your Personal Information to those employees, agents, contractors and other third parties who have a business need-to-know. They will be required to process your Personal Information only on our instructions and they are subject to an obligation of confidentiality. Our service providers are required to maintain adequate security protections in place designed to help safeguard your Personal Information and are not permitted to use it for any purpose other than fulfilling services to us.

If you have any questions about securing your personal data, please contact us in accordance with the “How to Contact Us” section below.

Information Retention

We will retain your Personal Information for as long as it is needed:

  1. to provide the products and services that you have requested;
  2. to communicate with you about a purchase or a request you have made to us;
  3. to manage your choices and rights you have exercised pursuant to this Privacy Policy;
  4. to comply with our legal and regulatory obligations and to demonstrate compliance,
  5. to resolve disputes and to enforce our rights and agreements.

We may retain non-personal information that has been sufficiently aggregated or anonymized for a longer period.

Once the retention period is over, we will dispose of your Personal Information as provided for in our internal data retention and disposal policy.

Where We Store Information

We use facilities operated by "Amazon Web Services" and located in Canada as our information storage and processing infrastructure. Our service providers can also, from time to time, store your Personal Information in accordance with purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy.


How to contact us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, you can contact us at 604 589-7311.