Dry eye diagnosis typically involves a thorough evaluation by an eye care professional, including a review of the patient’s medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle. Common diagnostic tests include the Schirmer test, which measures tear production, and the ocular staining score, which evaluates damage to the corneal surface. Additionally, measuring tear break-up time can assess how quickly tears evaporate, and infl ammatory markers like matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) may be tested to identify signs of infl ammation. A comprehensive assessment helps determine the severity and underlying cause of dry eye, guiding appropriate treatment.
Some of our dry eye patients are those who have objective signs of dry eye disease, such as reduced tear production or corneal damage, but do not experience noticeable symptoms like irritation or dryness. These patients may not report discomfort despite the presence of ocular surface changes, which can make diagnosis challenging. Typically, they are identifi ed during routine eye exams or through diagnostic tests like the Schirmer test or tear break-up time. Even in the absence of symptoms, managing asymptomatic dry eye is important, as untreated dryness can lead to long-term damage to the ocular surface and potentially cause future discomfort or vision problems. Early intervention can help prevent progression and preserve eye health. The Doctor may put you on a prescription eye drop to treat the signs and symptoms of dry eye by targeting infl ammation. There are other at-home treatments such as supplements and heated masks that he typically recommends.
TREATMENTS FOR DRY EYE:
iLux: iLux is a handheld device that uses heat and gentle massaging pressure to melt blockages in your meibomian glands and encourage oils to fl ow more freely to your tear fi lm. The device warms the eyelids, melting the thickened oils in the meibomian glands. This treatment is usually comfortable and quick.
IPL: Intense Pulsed Light therapy is a treatment for dry eye that addresses the underlying cause, meibomian gland dysfunction, by using light pulses to heat the skin around the meibomian glands, liquefying oils, and reducing infl ammation. IPL can also eliminate bacteria and mites that can live on the eyelids and eyelashes, which can lead to blepharitis and dry eye.
TempSure: TempSure Envi is a non-invasive treatment using radiofrequency energy to gently heat and unblock meibomian glands, improving tear quality and reducing dry eye symptoms. By improving the function of the meibomian glands, TempSure Envi helps to produce better quality tears, leading to better lubrication and reduced dry eye symptoms. It’s a comfortable and safe treatment with no downtime. An added bonus is it can minimize fi ne lines.
Punctal Plugs: Punctal plugs are used to plug the openings of the tear ducts with tiny silicone plugs. These plugs close the tiny opening (punctum) that you have in the inner corner of your upper and lower eyelids. The closure conserves both your own tears and artifi cial tears you may have added.
