How Is Dry Eye Diagnosed and Treated?

Do you feel a stinging sensation in your eyes and have blurred vision? You may be dealing with a condition known as dry eye syndrome. This eye condition occurs when your eyes cannot produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. Fortunately, your optometrist near you at Eyecare Professionals in Mandan, Hazen, and Washburn, ND, can diagnose and treat dry eye syndrome to help you see clearly and comfortably again. Continue reading to learn how we can diagnose and treat this frustrating condition.

Diagnosing Dry Eye

Schedule an appointment with your eye doctor if you are experiencing dry eye symptoms. They will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and overall health to rule out other conditions that may be causing your eye dryness. Your eye doctor will then conduct an eye exam and evaluate your eyelids and tear production. They may check the quality and volume of your tears or take a tear sample to measure how quickly it evaporates. Once your eye doctor completes the exam and tests, they can determine if you have dry eye syndrome or another eye condition.

Treatment for Dry Eye

After confirming you have dry eye syndrome, your optometrist can proceed with treatment to alleviate symptoms. This treatment can vary based on the severity of your dry eye syndrome. You can typically relieve mild dry eye with lifestyle adjustments, such as quitting smoking, eating healthier, and avoiding dry environments. Adjusting your digital screen usage can also help alleviate some cases of dry eye. Artificial tears prescribed by your optometrist are another treatment for dry eyes.

Unfortunately, lifestyle changes and artificial tears may not be enough for more severe cases of dry eye syndrome. Your optometrist may recommend punctal plugs or surgery if your dry eyes significantly impact your daily life. Punctal plugs are tiny inserts in the tear ducts that slow tear drainage, while surgery can permanently close your tear ducts.

Get Dry Eye Treatment From Your Optometrist Near You at Eyecare Professionals Today

Dry eye syndrome can significantly impact your quality of life if left untreated, so contact Eyecare Professionals in Mandan, Hazen, and Washburn, ND, to see clearly and comfortably again with effective dry eye treatment. Call us and schedule an eye exam today at our Mandan location at (701) 663-2020, our Hazen location at (701) 748-6533, or our Washburn location at (701) 462-8636.