Dry eye disease is a common condition that occurs when your tears aren’t able to provide adequate lubrication for your eyes. Tears can be inadequate and unstable for many reasons. For example, dry eyes may occur if you don’t produce enough tears or if you produce poor-quality tears.
Diagnosis
- A comprehensive eye exam.
- A test to measure the volume of your tears.
- A test to determine the quality of your tears.
- A tear osmolarity test.
- Tear samples to look for markers More Information
Treating the underlying cause of dry eyes
In some cases, treating an underlying health issue can help clear up the signs and symptoms of dry eyes. For instance, if a medication is causing your dry eyes, your doctor may recommend a different medication that doesn’t cause that side effect.
If you have an eyelid condition, such as your lids turned outwards (ectropion), your doctor may refer you to an eye surgeon who specializes in plastic surgery of the eyelids (oculoplastic surgeon).
Medications
Prescription medications used to treat dry eyes include:
- Drugs to reduce eyelid inflammation.
- Eyedrops to control cornea inflammation.
- Eye inserts that work like artificial tears.
- Tear-stimulating drugs.
- Eyedrops made from your own blood. Other procedures
Other procedures that may be used to treat dry eyes include:
- Closing your tear ducts to reduce tear loss.
- Using special contact lenses.
- Unblocking oil glands.
- Using light therapy and eyelid massage.
We realize this is a lot to digest and the simplest and most effective means of evaluating and providing remedy for dry eyes is to contact Island Eye Care and schedule and exam with Dr. Barr. We remain up-to-date on the latest diagnosis and treatments. We can help. Click here to contact us today!
Source: Mayo Clinic