Dry Eyes Q & A

What is dry eyes?

Dry eyes is a common eye condition that occurs when your tears aren’t able to adequately lubricate your eyes. You may develop dry eyes if you don’t produce enough tears or your tears evaporate too quickly. 

Decrease in tear production

Many glands located in and around your eyes produce tears. Tear production decreases as you get older. Certain medical conditions and medications may also interfere with tear production.

Increase in tear evaporation

Your tears contain a combination of water, oil, and mucus, which work together to lubricate and nourish your eyes. 

An imbalance in one or more of the components that make up your tears may increase the rate of tear evaporation, also known as evaporative dry eyes. 

Blocked meibomian glands in the eyelid may affect the oil content in your tears. This is a common cause of evaporative dry eyes. 

What are symptoms of dry eyes?

Symptoms of dry eyes vary, but usually affect both eyes. Common symptoms include:

• Stinging or burning sensation

• Gritty feeling in the eyes

• Sensitivity to light

• Blurry vision

• Watery eyes

• Eye fatigue

• Difficulty seeing at night

• Eye redness

• Stringy mucus around the eyes

• Eye pain

Your dry eyes may also make it difficult for you to wear your contact lenses.

Dr. Levy recommends you schedule an appointment for dry eyes if you have these symptoms.

How are dry eyes diagnosed?

Dr. Levy conducts a comprehensive eye exam to diagnose dry eyes. 

During your exam, she reviews your symptoms, medical history, and the types of medications you take. She also asks specific questions about lifestyle and environmental factors that may contribute to your dry eyes.

Dr. Levy then examines your eye, including your eyelids and cornea, and evaluates your blinking mechanism. 

Rhody Eye Care is a state-of-the-art optometry practice and Dr. Levy uses innovative tools to evaluate the quantity and quality of your tears to determine the underlying cause of your dry eyes. 

How are dry eyes treated?

Dr. Levy creates custom treatment plans for dry eyes based on the severity of your symptoms and underlying cause. Treatment options for dry eyes may include:

• Over-the-counter eye drops

• Warm compresses

• Eyelid massage

• Eyelid cleaners

• Medications to reduce eye inflammation

• Eye drops that increase tear production

• Inserts in tear ducts to conserve tears

To treat evaporative dry eyes, Dr. Levy offers LipiFlow®. During the in-office treatment, she directs energy near your blocked meibomian glands. The energy unblocks the gland to improve tear quality.

Call Rhody Eye Care or book an appointment online to schedule your dry eyes consultation today.