How Is Dry Eye Syndrome Diagnosed And Treated?

Dry eye can cause itching or swelling and make everyday tasks like reading or driving difficult. At Sunny Isles Eye Center in North Miami Beach, FL, we provide eye exams to learn more about your condition and treatment to relieve your discomfort. Continue reading to learn how dry eye is diagnosed and treated!

Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate quickly. This can lead to discomfort, irritation, and even vision problems. Symptoms of dry eye syndrome include redness, itching, burning sensations, blurry vision, and sensitivity to light. If left untreated, the condition can lead to infections and even corneal scarring.

Diagnosing Dry Eye

Diagnosing dry eye syndrome typically begins with a comprehensive eye exam conducted by our optometrist. During this exam, we will discuss your symptoms with you and review your medical history. We’ll also perform various tests to evaluate the quantity and quality of your tears. These tests may include measuring the volume of your tears, assessing tear film stability, and examining the health of the ocular surface.

Treatments 

Once dry eye is diagnosed, our eye doctor will recommend an appropriate treatment plan for your specific needs. Dry eye treatments may include over-the-counter artificial tear drops, prescription eye drops, and lifestyle modifications to improve tear production and retention. In more severe cases, advanced therapies such as PROKERA® may be recommended. PROKERA® is a therapeutic device that uses amniotic membrane tissue to reduce inflammation, promote healing, and provide long-lasting relief for dry eye symptoms.

Managing Symptoms

In addition to medical treatments, there are several self-care strategies that can help you manage your symptoms. We may recommend using a humidifier to add moisture to the air, taking frequent breaks during screen time, and avoiding environments with high levels of wind or smoke. It is essential to follow our optometrist’s recommendations and attend regular follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan if needed.

Contact Us for an Appointment Today!

If you are experiencing symptoms of dry eye syndrome, let our team at Sunny Isles Eye Center in North Miami Beach, FL, help. To learn more about our treatments or to schedule your appointment, call us at (305) 917-1037 today. When you need an optometrist near me, we are happy to assist!