Dry Eye Treatment

During your first visit, we assess your symptoms and medical history, followed by a comprehensive eye exam. Our ophthalmologists examine your eyelids, tear film, and eye surface to identify any abnormalities that may be causing your discomfort.

We measure how many tears your eyes produce using the Schirmer test. This simple test involves placing small strips of paper under your lower eyelids to measure tear production over several minutes.

Our eye doctors evaluate the quality of your tears by examining how quickly they evaporate. We also check the oil, water, and mucus layers that make up healthy tears using specialized equipment.

This advanced test measures the salt concentration in your tears. Higher salt levels indicate dry eye disease and help us understand how severe your condition is.

We can test for specific proteins that show inflammation in your eyes. The InflammaDry test detects matrix metalloproteinase-9, which helps confirm dry eye disease and guide treatment decisions.

We examine the oil glands in your eyelids using specialized imaging. Blocked or damaged meibomian glands are a leading cause of evaporative dry eye disease and require specific treatments.

We use special dyes to highlight any damage to your cornea caused by dry eyes. This helps us understand how severely dry eye disease has affected your eye surface and plan appropriate treatment.

Creating a more eye-friendly environment helps reduce dry eye symptoms throughout the day. Small changes in your surroundings can make a big difference in your comfort level.

• Use a humidifier to add moisture to dry indoor air
• Position air vents away from your face
• Wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors to block wind
• Take breaks from air conditioning and heating
• Avoid smoke and other irritants
• Keep your bedroom humidity between 40-60 percent

Extended computer and phone use worsens dry eye symptoms by reducing your blink rate. Following the 20-20-20 rule helps keep your eyes comfortable during screen time: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Getting adequate sleep helps your eyes recover and produce healthy tears. Poor sleep can worsen dry eye symptoms, so aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night in a humidified room.

Making your work environment more eye-friendly can reduce dry eye symptoms during long work days. Position your computer screen slightly below eye level and ensure adequate lighting to reduce eye strain.

Most patients notice some improvement within 2-4 weeks of starting treatment. However, finding the right combination of treatments may take several months. Consistency with your treatment plan is key to achieving the best results and long-term relief.

While there is no permanent cure for dry eye disease, effective treatment can provide long-lasting relief and prevent complications. Many patients achieve excellent symptom control with ongoing management from our eye doctors and maintain comfortable eyes for years.

Yes, dry eye disease becomes more common with age due to natural changes in tear production and quality. However, people of all ages can develop dry eyes, especially with increased screen time, environmental factors, and certain medications.

Most insurance plans cover medically necessary dry eye treatments including office visits, diagnostic tests, and prescription medications. Our staff helps verify your coverage and explains your benefits before starting treatment to avoid surprises.

Traditional contact lenses can worsen dry eye symptoms by absorbing tears and reducing oxygen flow to your eyes. Our ophthalmologists can recommend specialty contact lenses designed for dry eye patients or suggest treatment before resuming lens wear.

The frequency depends on your symptoms and the type of drops you're using. Preservative-free artificial tears can be used as often as needed throughout the day, while preserved drops should be limited to four times daily to avoid irritation.

Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, tuna, flaxseed, and walnuts can help reduce inflammation and improve tear quality. Staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water also supports healthy tear production throughout the day.

Yes, dry eyes can cause blurry vision that comes and goes, especially when reading or using computers. Severe dry eye disease can also lead to corneal damage that may permanently affect vision if left untreated.

There can be a genetic component to dry eye disease, especially when related to autoimmune conditions like Sjogren's syndrome. If family members have dry eyes, you may be at higher risk and should discuss this with your eye doctor.

Yes, hormonal changes during menopause, pregnancy, or while taking birth control can affect tear production and quality. Women are more likely to develop dry eye disease, particularly after menopause when estrogen levels decrease.

To prevent dry eyes from worsening, avoid smoking, take regular breaks from screen use, use a humidifier, and follow your treatment plan consistently. Protecting your eyes from wind and sun with wraparound glasses also helps prevent progression.

If your symptoms suddenly worsen or you experience severe eye pain, vision changes, or signs of infection, contact our office immediately. Sudden changes may indicate complications that require prompt medical attention to prevent permanent damage.

Yes, dry eyes can cause headaches due to eye strain and discomfort. When your eyes work harder to maintain clear vision despite poor tear quality, it can lead to tension headaches and fatigue throughout the day.

Most dry eye treatments have minimal side effects. Prescription drops may cause temporary stinging or blurred vision. Punctal plugs rarely cause problems, and most patients tolerate treatments well with significant symptom improvement.

While less common, children can develop dry eyes, especially with increased screen time, allergies, or certain medical conditions. If your child complains of eye discomfort, burning, or frequent blinking, schedule an evaluation with our eye doctors.

Signs that your treatment is working include reduced burning and irritation, less frequent need for artificial tears, improved comfort during screen use, and better overall eye comfort throughout the day. We monitor your progress during follow-up visits.