Dealing with dry eye syndrome does not have to be stressful and frustrating. The Dry Eye Foundation states that there are effective ways to reduce the discomfort from this condition. Proper diagnosis can lead to correct treatments. Here are the details you should consider.

Dry Eye Diagnosis

Your eye doctor will perform some tests to rule out other diseases that may be causing some of your symptoms. These tests can also confirm if you do have dry eye syndrome. Prepare to answer some probing questions. Also, tell your doctor about the medications you have been taking before the tests start. Here are the diagnostic tests that can determine the root cause of your dry eyes:
 

• Tear sampling will enable your eye doctor to look for specific markers of dry eye syndrome. These markers include a decrease in lactoferrin or a rise in matrix metalloproteinase-9.

• A comprehensive eye exam involves taking your complete medical and eye health histories.

• Tear quality testing uses specific dyes in eye drops.

• Volume testing measures how good your tear production is. This is also called the Schirmer tear test. It involves placing strips of blotting paper on your lower eyelids. Five minutes later, your eye doctor will measure how much of the blotting paper strip was soaked.

• A tear osmolarity test measures the water and particle content in your tears. If you have dry eye syndrome, you will have less water.

Dry Eye Medications

People with mild or occasional dry eye symptoms can get relief from over-the-counter artificial tears. If you have more serious and persistent symptoms, your eye doctor can provide other treatment options. Some dry eye treatments focus on managing or reversing a factor that is currently causing your dry eye symptoms. The other treatments can stop the quick evaporation of your tears or improve tear quality. Here are some dry eye medications that your eye doctor may suggest:
 

• Autologous blood serum drops can help improve severe dry eye symptoms. Your eye doctor may recommend these drops if your condition does not improve with other treatments.

• Eye drops for corneal inflammation.

• Medications for eyelid swelling.

• Nasal sprays to enhance tear production.

• Eye inserts that function like artificial tears.

• Medications that stimulate tear production.

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) with Lumenis Optilight®

IPL therapy targets the main cause of dry eye syndrome and meibomian gland dysfunction. This painless treatment can provide lasting relief. Lumenis Optilight uses heat from gentle, pulsating light. It helps liquefy hardened oils that block the meibomian glands in your eyelids. Reducing blockages and releasing these oils can improve your tear quality.

Other Dry Eye Treatments

Your eye doctor may use other procedures to treat your dry eye syndrome. Closing your tear ducts can prevent your tears from leaving the eye too soon. Unblocking your oil glands by using eye masks or warm compresses can provide more oil to your tears. There are also special contact lenses that can trap moisture and protect the eye’s surface. Your eye doctor can also use eyelid massage and light therapy to improve your symptoms.

For more on dry eye treatment options, visit Myoptics in Hoboken, New Jersey. Call us at 201-420-0644 to schedule an appointment.