How Is Dry Eye Syndrome Diagnosed And Treated?

Dry Eye Diagnosis and Treatment Near You in Charlotte, NC

If your eyes frequently feel dry, irritated, or scratchy, you may have a condition called dry eye syndrome. Fortunately, visiting our optometrist for an evaluation can help determine the cause and provide solutions to relieve your symptoms. Keep reading to learn more about diagnosis and treatment for dry eye syndrome near you in Charlotte, NC.

Factors for Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye occurs when your eyes are unable to stay properly lubricated due to inadequate tear production or excessive tear evaporation. Potential contributing factors include:

•             Age-related changes like lower hormone levels

•             Environmental causes such as low humidity, wind, or air pollution

•             Chronic inflammation or infection

•             Long-term contact lens usage

•             Medications

•             Time spent staring at screens

•             Autoimmune disorders

Finding the source of your dry eye allows for more targeted treatment.

The Diagnostic Process

During a dry eye evaluation, our eye doctor will discuss your symptoms and medical history in depth. We will perform a comprehensive eye exam looking at your vision, the health of your eyes, and how well your tears are maintaining lubrication. There are a few specific tests our eye doctor will conduct during a dry eye exam. We will measure tear evaporation rate, tear volume, check the Meibomian glands for clogs, and stain the surface of the eyes to check for damage. All these tests help us determine the proper diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment Options for Dry Eye

Our optometrist will create a custom treatment plan to address the specific cause of your dry eye. Depending on the severity of your condition, treatment options may include over-the-counter artificial tears, prescription anti-inflammatory eye drops, hot compresses to unblock clogged meibomian glands, omega-3 supplements, medications to stimulate tear production, lid scrubs and massage for blocked glands, and punctal plugs to prevent tear drainage.

Contact Us Today for Dry Eye Treatment Near You in Charlotte, NC

Do not let dry, irritated eyes interfere with your vision and comfort. The optometrists at Eye Care Center - Ballantyne diagnose and treat dry eye syndrome for residents of Charlotte, NC, and surrounding areas. Schedule an evaluation today with our eye doctors near you to get on the road to relief!