How is Dry Eye Diagnosed?

Dry eye syndrome, commonly referred to as "dry eye," is a common condition that occurs when your tears are not able to provide adequate lubrication for your eyes. This may happen if your eyes don't produce enough tears or if the tears have poor quality. The good news is that dry eye syndrome is manageable.

What Causes Dry Eye?

The causes of dry eye vary. It can occur as a part of the natural aging process, especially during menopause; as a side effect of many medications, such as antihistamines, antidepressants, certain blood pressure medicines, and more.

Other causes could include long-term contact lens wear, or staring at a computer screen for extended periods, which reduces blinking.

What are the Symptoms of Dry Eye?

Symptoms of dry eye can range from subtle to severe. They may include a stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation in your eyes; stringy mucus in or around your eyes; sensitivity to light; redness; a sensation of having something in your eyes; difficulty wearing contact lenses; difficulty with nighttime driving; watery eyes; and blurred vision or eye fatigue.
 

How is Dry Eye Diagnosed?

An optometrist plays a crucial role in diagnosing dry eye. Your doctor will start by reviewing your health history to determine any factors that could be contributing to your symptoms. This includes a detailed look at any medications you're taking, your general health, and your work and home environments to see if any of these factors are causing your symptoms.

Next, your optometrist will perform a thorough eye examination. This will include tests to measure the volume and quality of your tears. Your optometrist may measure your tear production using the Schirmer test, which involves placing thin strips of paper under your lower eyelids. After five minutes, your optometrist removes the paper and measures how much of it has become wet.

Other tests may include a tear break-up time test to see how quickly your tears evaporate, or a dye test to reveal any dry patches on the surface of your eyes. All these tests are essential for your optometrist to correctly diagnose dry eye syndrome and recommend the most effective treatment.

Treatment Options for Dry Eye

Once you've been diagnosed with dry eye, what's next? There are several treatment options available that can help manage the symptoms and make your eyes feel more comfortable.
 

First, your optometrist may recommend over-the-counter artificial tear solutions. These can supplement your natural tear production and help keep your eyes moist and lubricated. However, some individuals may require prescription drops, or even tear-stimulating drugs if their condition is more severe. Other treatments may involve special contact lenses, or in-office therapies.

Lifestyle Changes and Home Remedies

In addition to medical treatments, there are several lifestyle changes and home remedies that can help you cope with dry eye. For instance, avoiding windy, dry, or smoky environments can help reduce symptoms.
 

Using a humidifier in your home or office can also help by adding moisture to the air. And drinking plenty of water can help keep your body and your eyes hydrated.
 

Home remedies might include warm compresses on your eyes to help stimulate tear production. And eating a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods like salmon, trout, walnuts, and flaxseed, can help improve tear quality.

Taking Action Against Dry Eye

Living with dry eye can be challenging, but there is hope. By understanding what causes dry eye and knowing its symptoms, you can take the first step towards finding relief. An optometrist plays a crucial role in diagnosing dry eye and can guide you towards the most effective treatment options.

Don't let dry eye hold you back. Take action today, and start your journey towards better eye health. If you are experiencing symptoms of dry eye, schedule an eye exam with our optometrist today!