Diagnosis of Dry Eye
Dry eye is a condition that can cause significant discomfort and impact your daily life. Early diagnosis is essential for effective management. Learn more about the common symptoms of dry eye and the advanced tools we use to assess and treat this condition.
Symptoms of Dry Eye
Dry eye symptoms can vary from person to person, but the most common signs include:
Stinging or burning sensation: A constant scratchy feeling in your eyes.
Stringy mucus: Noticeable in or around your eyes.
Increased irritation: Especially from environmental factors like smoke or wind.
Eye fatigue: A tired feeling, particularly after prolonged use of screens.
Sensitivity to light: Increased discomfort in bright environments.
Redness: Persistent redness in the eyes.
Sensation of a foreign object: A feeling of something stuck in your eyes.
Difficulty wearing contact lenses: Discomfort when using lenses for extended periods.
Excessive tearing: Periods of excessive tearing, followed by dryness.
Blurred vision: Often worsening at the end of the day or after long periods of focus.
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to consult with an optometrist to determine the underlying cause and begin appropriate treatment.
How We Diagnose Dry Eye
At Dry Eye Clinic, we offer comprehensive diagnostic evaluations to identify the severity and cause of your dry eye. Our consultation process includes:
Slit Lamp Evaluation
An assessment of your tear film and meibomian glands to evaluate tear quality and gland function.
Tear Break-Up Time
Measuring how quickly your tears evaporate after each blink.
Corneal Staining
Identifying areas of dryness or damage on the surface of your eye.
Schirmer Test
Measuring the quantity of tears your eyes produce.
Questionnaire
At each visit, you'll complete a questionnaire to track the effectiveness of your treatment and monitor symptom changes.
State-of-the-Art Diagnostic Tools
We utilize advanced technology to gain a deeper understanding of your dry eye condition. Our diagnostic tools analyze the following:
Tear Film Stability: Determines the consistency of your tear layer.
Tear Break-Up Time: Measures how long your tear film remains intact.
Meibography: Provides detailed imaging of your meibomian glands.
Demodex Analysis: Detects blepharitis caused by Demodex mites.
Eye Redness Levels: Evaluates the degree of redness and inflammation.
Blinking Patterns: Assesses how effectively your blinking keeps your eyes moist.
Tear Meniscus: Measures tear production levels.
OSIE (Ocular Surface Inflammatory Evaluation): Identifies inflammation on the eye’s surface.
OSDI (Ocular Surface Disease Index): Provides an overall score of your symptoms and disease severity.