Dry eye is a chronic condition, therefore there is will never entirely go away. Fortunately, there are specific diagnostic tests to determine the type and severity of dry eye. Treatments specific to the origin of your dry eye is aimed at decreasing your symptoms.

How will I be evaluated for Dry Eye Syndrome?

To determine the underlying causes and severity of your dry eye condition, our dry eye doctor will first ask questions about your home and work environments, your overall health, and the specific symptoms you are experiencing. The doctor will then examine your eyelids for signs of skin disease, assess the quality and quantity of your tears and examine the front surface of your eye for dry areas.

At the Dry Eye Clinic, the doctor can test both the quantity and the quality of your tears, the two most common factors in cause of dry eye symptoms. The doctor may run tests that are helpful in determining the quality of your tears by administering special dyes in eye drops to determine the surface condition of your eyes. The doctor looks for staining patterns on the cornea and measures how long it takes before your tears evaporate.

Based on the findings in the comprehensive evaluation, the doctor will identify and recommend specific treatments aimed at decreasing the symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome.

What is the treatment for dry eye symptoms?

Treatment for Dry Eye Syndrome includes a combination of options that will be customized for your specific dry eye symptoms. Possible treatment options include some or all of the following:

• Prescription medications that increase tear production
• Over the counter medications that lubricate the eye
• Small plugs that that reside in the corner of the eyelid and slow the drainage of tears
• Lifestyle change recommendations
• Environmental change recommendations
• Treatment recommendations for underlying, systemic disorders that may be contributing to or causing your dry eye

Request an appointment at the Dry Eye Clinic in Charlottesville, VA for a evaluation of your dry eye and a treatment plan consisting of prescription and over the counter medicines and lifestyle changes that will help control your dry eye symptoms. Our dry eye doctor is available to help find the balance in treatment options to manage this chronic, but treatable, condition.