How Are Dry Eyes Diagnosed and Treated?

How Are Dry Eyes Diagnosed and Treated?

Dry eye syndrome is a common condition affecting millions of people worldwide. It occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly, causing discomfort and potential damage to the eye’s surface. At Mancilla Family Eyecare, we are committed to providing comprehensive care for patients with dry eyes.

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye is a condition where the eyes either don’t produce enough tears or the tears lack the proper composition to keep the eye surface moist and healthy. Tears are vital for maintaining clear vision and protecting the eyes from infections. People with dry eyes often experience a range of symptoms, including:

•          A gritty or scratchy feeling in the eyes

•          Redness or irritation

•          Sensitivity to light

•          Blurred vision

•          A burning sensation

•          A feeling like something is stuck in the eye

Although dry eye can occur at any age, it’s more common as people get older, especially in women. Certain environmental factors, prolonged screen time, and specific health conditions can also increase the likelihood of developing dry eye.

How Is Dry Eye Diagnosed?

At Mancilla Family Eyecare, we use several diagnostic tools and techniques to accurately diagnose dry eye syndrome:

•          Patient History and Symptoms: We begin by discussing your medical history and symptoms to determine any underlying factors contributing to dry eyes. We’ll ask about your daily activities, environmental exposure, and any medications you’re currently taking, as these can play a role in dry eye development.

•          Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT): This test helps assess the stability of your tear film. A dye is placed in your eyes, and we measure how long it takes for dry spots to appear on the surface of your eye. A shorter break-up time can indicate tear film instability.

•          Schirmer Test: The Schirmer test measures tear production by placing small strips of paper under your lower eyelids. After a few minutes, the amount of moisture on the paper is assessed to determine whether your tear production is adequate.

•          Ocular Surface Examination: We may use a specialized microscope (slit lamp) to examine the surface of your eye, looking for signs of inflammation, irritation, or damage to the cornea and conjunctiva.

•          Meibomian Gland Evaluation: Meibomian glands, located in your eyelids, produce oils that are crucial to maintaining a stable tear film. A blockage or dysfunction in these glands can lead to dry eye. We can evaluate the health of these glands as part of your dry eye diagnosis.

Treatment Options for Dry Eyes

Once diagnosed, there are various treatment options available depending on the severity and underlying cause of your dry eye. Mancilla Family Eyecare offers a personalized approach to dry eye management, which may include the following:

•          Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can provide temporary relief for mild cases of dry eye. These drops help supplement your natural tear production and can be used throughout the day.

•          Prescription Eye Drops: For more severe cases, we may recommend prescription eye drops, which help reduce inflammation and improve tear production over time.

•          Warm Compresses and Lid Hygiene: Applying warm compresses to your eyelids and following a regular eyelid hygiene routine can help treat meibomian gland dysfunction, a common cause of dry eye.

•          Punctal Plugs: If other treatments don’t provide adequate relief, punctal plugs may be inserted into the tear ducts to block tear drainage. This helps retain moisture on the eye's surface.

•          Meibomian Gland Expression: This procedure involves gently massaging or expressing the blocked glands in the eyelids to improve oil production and tear film stability.

Get Relief at Mancilla Family Eyecare

At Mancilla Family Eyecare, we understand how frustrating and uncomfortable dry eyes can be. Dr. Mancilla is committed to providing personalized care and advanced treatment options to help you achieve lasting relief and healthier eyes.

If you are experiencing the discomfort of dry eyes, schedule a consultation with Mancilla Family Eyecare. Contact our office in Imperial, California, by calling (760) 284-1442 to book an appointment today.