Dry Eye Treatments in East Stroudsburg, PA

• Aqueous-deficient Dry Eye – This type occurs when the lacrimal glands fail to produce enough of the watery component of tears, leading to inadequate tear volume. It’s often associated with conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome or as a side effect of certain medications.
• Evaporative Dry Eye – This type results from excessive tear evaporation due to factors such as meibomian gland dysfunction. Meibomian glands secrete the oily layer of tears that helps prevent evaporation, and their dysfunction can lead to increased evaporation and dryness.
• Mixed Dry Eye – Some individuals may experience a combination of aqueous-deficient and evaporative dry eye, making diagnosis and treatment more complex.

• Non-Sjögren’s Dry Eye – This type occurs in individuals who do not have Sjögren’s syndrome but still experience dry eye symptoms due to other causes.
• Contact Lens-Induced Dry Eye – Wearing contact lenses can sometimes exacerbate dry eye symptoms, leading to discomfort and irritation for lens wearers.
• Environmentally Induced Dry Eye – Environmental factors like dry or windy conditions, air conditioning, or prolonged screen time can contribute to dry eye symptoms.

Diagnosis of Dry Eye

Diagnosing dry eye typically involves a comprehensive eye examination by an eye care professional. The evaluation includes reviewing the patient’s medical history and symptoms and thoroughly examining the eyes and tear film. Specialized tests may assess tear quality, quantity, and stability. These tests can include the Schirmer test to measure tear production, tear breakup time (TBUT) to assess tear film stability and evaluate the ocular surface for signs of dryness or inflammation. In some cases, additional tests like meibomian gland assessment or imaging of the tear glands may be performed to pinpoint the underlying cause. A precise diagnosis is essential for developing a tailored treatment plan to effectively manage and alleviate dry eye symptoms.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

If you experience persistent or bothersome dry eye symptoms such as dryness, redness, irritation, or blurred vision, it’s advisable to contact a medical professional, such as an ophthalmologist or optometrist. Additionally, seeking professional evaluation and management is essential if you have an underlying medical condition, like Sjögren’s syndrome or autoimmune disorders, which may contribute to dry eye. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help alleviate discomfort, prevent complications, and improve your overall eye health and quality of life.