Dry eye syndrome can lead to itching, excessive watering, and blurry vision, making everyday tasks like reading or driving challenging. At Steinway Eye Care in Astoria, NY, we provide comprehensive eye exams to help you understand your condition and explore treatment options to relieve your symptoms. Before visiting us, continue reading to learn more about how dry eye is treated!
What is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears to stay lubricated or the tears evaporate too quickly. As a result, you may experience persistent dryness, eye pain, blurry vision, light sensitivity, and stinging sensations. It’s important to seek treatment from our eye doctor as soon as you notice these symptoms, as delaying care can lead to infections or corneal scarring.
Diagnosing Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination that includes a review of your medical history and symptoms. Our optometrist often conducts tests such as the Schirmer test, which measures tear production, and the tear break-up time (TBUT) test, which assesses the stability of the tear film. Additional evaluations may involve examining the surface of the eye for damage or inflammation. These assessments help determine the severity and underlying causes of dry eye.
Dry Eye Treatment
There are several treatments available for dry eye, including:
• Self-Care: Self-care plays a crucial role in managing dry eye syndrome. Simple measures, such as using artificial tears, reducing screen time, and incorporating the 20-20-20 rule, can significantly enhance eye comfort and moisture levels. Additionally, avoiding irritants like smoke and wind, along with wearing protective eyewear, helps to shield the eyes and prevent further irritation.
• Medications: Prescription medications can be highly effective for individuals suffering from dry eye. These medications are available in various forms, including nasal sprays, eye drops, and gels.
• New Contact Lenses: Contact lenses can provide relief for dry eye symptoms by creating a barrier that helps retain moisture on the surface of the eye. Along with that, specialized lenses, such as moisture-retaining or scleral lenses, are designed to enhance comfort and reduce dryness throughout the day.
Contact Us for an Appointment Today
If you are experiencing any symptoms of dry eye, our team at Steinway Eye Care in Astoria, NY, is happy to help. To learn more about our treatments and to schedule your appointment, contact our office at (718) 626-2020. When you need an optometrist near you, we are ready to assist!
