How Is Dry Eye Syndrome Diagnosed and Treated?

If you have dry eye syndrome, the condition can cause stinging sensations, watery eyes, and even blurry vision. At Dr. Dorothy Park & Associates in Columbia, SC, we provide various treatments to relieve your symptoms and help you see clearly. Before scheduling your appointment, learn how dry eye is diagnosed and treated below:

Diagnosing Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye happens when your tears don’t produce enough high-quality tears or if they evaporate quickly. To diagnose the condition, our optometrist will conduct a comprehensive eye exam. This may include a review of your medical history and a discussion of your symptoms. We will also perform several tests to assess the quantity and quality of your tears.

Tests for Tear Production

One common test is the Schirmer test, which measures tear production. Small strips of paper are placed under your lower eyelids, and after a few minutes, our eye doctor evaluates how much of the strip is wetted by your tears. Another test involves using dyes like fluorescein or lissamine green to highlight the tear film and any damage to the eye's surface.

Assessment of Tear Evaporation

To determine how quickly your tears evaporate, we may perform a tear breakup time (TBUT) test. This involves placing a dye in your eye and observing how long it takes for dry spots to form on the cornea. A shorter TBUT indicates a quicker tear evaporation rate, which is a common issue in dry eye syndrome.

Treatment Options for Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye treatment helps improve tear production to relieve dryness and discomfort. Some methods our optometrist may recommend include:

Artificial Tears and Lubricating Eye Drops

Over-the-counter artificial tears and lubricating eye drops are often suggested first. These treatments can provide relief by adding moisture to the eyes. Our eye doctor may recommend preservative-free options for more frequent use.

Prescription Medications

For more severe cases, prescription medications may be necessary. These medications can include anti-inflammatory drugs like cyclosporine (Restasis) or lifitegrast (Xiidra), which help increase tear production and reduce inflammation.

Punctal Plugs

Punctal plugs are tiny devices inserted into the tear ducts to block tear drainage, helping to keep the eyes moist. This procedure is typically done in the office and can provide significant relief for many patients.

Advanced Treatments

For chronic or severe Dry Eye Syndrome, more advanced treatments like intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy or LipiFlow thermal pulsation may be recommended. These procedures help treat underlying issues such as meibomian gland dysfunction, which is a common cause of dry eyes.

Contact Us for an Appointment Today!

Contact Dr. Dorothy Park & Associates in Columbus, OH, at (803) 254-6306 for expert diagnosis and personalized treatment of dry eye syndrome. Our team is dedicated to helping you achieve lasting relief and optimal eye health. When you need an optometrist near me, we look forward to assisting you!