What is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the right quality of tears to keep the surface of the eye moist. This condition can lead to symptoms like dryness, irritation, burning, redness, and even blurred vision.

It’s essential to address dry eyes early, as it can impact your comfort, work performance, and daily activities. We use advanced diagnostic tools to identify the underlying causes of dry eye symptoms and create a customized treatment plan to restore moisture and comfort to your eyes.

Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome

• A feeling of dryness or scratchiness in the eyes

• Burning or stinging sensations

• Red, inflamed eyes

• Blurred vision that improves with blinking

• Sensitivity to light

• Eye fatigue or discomfort when using digital devices

• Stringy mucus in or around the eyes

• Difficulty wearing contact lenses comfortably

Causes of Dry Eyes

• Decreased Tear Production: As we age, tear production decreases. Hormonal changes (e.g., menopause) can also impact tear production.

• Poor Quality Tears: Even when enough tears are produced, they may not be of the right quality to properly lubricate the eyes. This can occur due to issues with the meibomian glands, which produce the oily layer of tears.

• Environmental Factors: Exposure to wind, smoke, air conditioning, or heat can increase tear evaporation.

• Contact Lens Use: Long-term use of contact lenses can lead to dryness and discomfort.

• Digital Eye Strain: Prolonged screen time (computers, smartphones) can cause computer vision syndrome, which contributes to dry eyes.

• Health Conditions: Certain medical conditions like arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid disease can increase the risk of developing dry eyes.

• Medications: Some medications, such as antihistamines, blood pressure medications, and antidepressants, can contribute to dry eye symptoms.

How We Diagnose Dry Eyes

We use advanced diagnostic tools to thoroughly assess your eye health and identify the specific causes of your dry eyes. Our comprehensive dry eye evaluation includes:

• Tear Breakup Time (TBUT) Test
  This test measures how long your tear film stays intact after a blink. A short tear breakup time indicates poor tear quality, a common cause of dry eyes.

• Meibography
  This imaging technique examines the meibomian glands, which produce the oily layer of your tears. Dysfunction of these glands is a leading cause of dry eye symptoms.

• Schirmer's Test
  This test measures the quantity of tears your eyes produce. It helps diagnose whether dry eyes are caused by insufficient tear production.

• Ocular Surface Staining
  We use special dyes to assess the health of your cornea and conjunctiva and detect any damage caused by insufficient lubrication.

• Patient History & Symptom Questionnaire
  We’ll ask you about your lifestyle, symptoms, and any medications you're taking to help determine the underlying causes of your dry eye symptoms.

• Dry Eye Treatment Options

• Once we identify the cause of your dry eyes, we tailor a treatment plan that may include one or more of the following:

• Artificial Tears & Lubricants

• For mild cases of dry eyes, over-the-counter artificial tears or lubricating eye drops can help relieve symptoms and keep the eyes moisturized.

• Prescription Medications

• Prescription eye drops like Restasis or Xiidra can help increase tear production and reduce inflammation in the eyes.

• Punctal Plugs

• These tiny, biocompatible plugs are inserted into the tear ducts to reduce tear drainage and help retain moisture on the eye's surface.

• OptiLight by Lumenis

• OptiLight is a non-invasive, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy that targets the root causes of dry eyes, providing relief for patients suffering from chronic dryness, irritation, and discomfort.

WHY CHOOSE US?

We specialize in the latest treatments for dry eye syndrome. Our compassionate team is committed to finding the root cause of your dry eyes and providing personalized treatment options that work. Here’s why you should choose us for your dry eye care:

• Advanced Diagnostic Tools: We use cutting-edge technology to accurately diagnose the underlying causes of your dry eye symptoms.

• Customized Treatment Plans: Every patient is unique. We offer individualized treatment plans that target your specific needs.

• Expert Care: Our experienced team provides you with the highest level of care and support throughout your dry eye treatment journey.

• Comprehensive Services: From initial evaluation to ongoing management, we offer a full range of dry eye treatments to ensure lasting relief.