What is Dry Eye Disease?
There are roughly 30 million people in the United States and over 300 million worldwide who have been diagnosed with dry eye. Dry eye is a chronic condition in which there are insufficient tears to lubricate and nourish the eye that may result due to either lack of tear production or poor tear quality. Tears are necessary for maintaining the health of the front surface of the eye and for providing clear, comfortable vision. Some symptoms that may be experienced by patients suffering from dry eye disease may include fluctuating vision, burning, redness, contact lens discomfort, grittiness, itching, light sensitivity, and general ocular discomfort.

Pre-Disposing Factors

  • Age
  • Female gender
  • Medications (e.g. antihistamines, blood pressure medications, decongestants and antidepressants)
  • Computer usage
  • Hormonal changes
  • Smoking
  • Air travel
  • Systemic diseases (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, Sjogren’s syndrome, or thyroid disease)
  • Environmental conditions
  • Prior surgeries (e.g. LASIK)
  • Contact lens wear

How is Dry Eye Diagnosed?
Dry eye can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye health evaluation. The doctor will perform testing with a special emphasis on the evaluation of the quantity and quality of tears produced. Your eye doctor may use special dyes that highlight any changes to the ocular surface that may be caused by insufficient tears and to evaluate the success of treatment. An external examination of the eye, including evaluation of the eyelids, cornea and blink dynamics will also be performed. Using the information obtained, the doctor will determine if you have dry eyes and advise you on treatment options.

How is Dry Eye Treated?
Treatment of dry eyes is a lifelong commitment for most patients. It is not a condition that is completely curable but can be treated successfully in the majority of cases to allow patients to maintain clear and comfortable vision. The treatment of dry eyes can vary significantly based on the severity and type of dry eye. The following is a list of possible treatment options that may be prescribed by your eye doctor.

Please contact us today at
813-908-0100 to schedule a dry eye evaluation to find out what treatment options are best for you!