Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that affects millions of people. It occurs when your eyes don't produce enough tears or when the tears you produce are of poor quality, leading to discomfort, irritation, and even vision issues. At Miller Optometry, we prioritize your eye health and want to ensure that if you’re experiencing dry eye symptoms, you get the right diagnosis and care. But how exactly is dry eye diagnosed?
The first step in diagnosing dry eye starts with identifying the symptoms. Common signs of dry eye include:
A stinging or burning sensation in the eyes
A gritty feeling, as if something is in your eye
Redness or irritation
Sensitivity to light
Blurred vision, especially after extended periods of reading or screen time
Watery eyes
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to seek professional care. Our optometrists can help you determine if dry eye is the cause and recommend the best treatment options.
At Miller Optometry, we use several advanced diagnostic tools and techniques to accurately assess and diagnose dry eye syndrome. Some of the most common tests include:
Tear Breakup Time (TBUT): The Tear Breakup Time test is used to measure how long it takes for your tears to evaporate after blinking. A special dye called fluorescein is placed in the eye, and using a slit lamp, your eye doctor will observe how quickly your tear film breaks up. A shorter TBUT can indicate poor tear quality, which is a hallmark of dry eye.
Schirmer Test: The Schirmer test is designed to measure the amount of tears your eyes produce. A small strip of paper is placed under your lower eyelid to collect tears over a few minutes. If the paper shows insufficient wetting, it can indicate that your eyes aren't producing enough tears, a key sign of dry eye.
Meibomian Gland Evaluation: The meibomian glands, located along the edges of your eyelids, produce the oily layer of your tear film. Dysfunction of these glands can contribute to evaporative dry eye. Your optometrist may gently press on your eyelids to assess whether your glands are functioning properly and producing enough oil.
Tear Osmolarity Test: Tear osmolarity measures the salt concentration in your tears. Elevated tear osmolarity levels can suggest dry eye disease, as they indicate an imbalance in tear composition. This test is quick and provides valuable insight into the severity of your dry eye condition.
InflammaDry Test: Dry eye often leads to inflammation of the eye surface. The InflammaDry test detects elevated levels of a specific protein, MMP-9, that is associated with inflammation. This quick test can confirm whether inflammation is contributing to your dry eye symptoms.
Alongside these diagnostic tests, your optometrist will also review your medical history and lifestyle factors that could contribute to dry eye. Conditions such as autoimmune diseases, medications, or prolonged screen time can play a significant role in the development of dry eye. Understanding these contributing factors helps us provide a more tailored treatment plan.
Once a diagnosis is made, we’ll work closely with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses your specific type of dry eye. This might include artificial tears, lifestyle adjustments, or advanced treatments.
At Miller Optometry, we’re committed to helping you achieve lasting relief from dry eye symptoms. If you’re experiencing discomfort or think you might have dry eye, schedule an appointment today. We’ll ensure you receive the expert care and personalized attention you need to keep your eyes feeling comfortable and healthy.
If you are experiencing dry eye symptoms, contact Miller Optometry to schedule your comprehensive dry eye evaluation for proper diagnosis and personalized treatment. Visit our office in Yucaipa, California, or call (909) 341-1800 to book an appointment today.