More About Dry Eyes: Treatment Options

Diagnosis of Dry Eyes

If a person suspects that he or she had dry eyes, it is best to make an appointment with their ophthalmologist to have a comprehensive eye exam. The exam may include the following:

• o Patient history - the will determine any symptoms the patient is now experiencing and the presence of any general health problems, medications taken or environmental factors that may contribute to the dry eye problem.



• o External eye examination - includes lid structure and blink dynamics.



• o Evaluation of eyelids and cornea - This is done through the use of bright light as well as magnification.



• o Measurement of quality and quantity of tears for any abnormalities. The ophthalmologist may instill special dyes into the eyes to better observe tear flow. It will also highlight any changes to the eye's outer surface caused by the lack of tears.




Dry eyes treatment

If you simply have a mild case of dry eyes, your doctor may prescribe an over-the-counter artificial tear solution.

Dry eyes can be a chronic problem. Even so, your ophthalmologist can prescribe treatment to keep your eyes more comfortable, healthy and will prevent your vision from being affected. The main approaches used to manage and treat dry eyes include adding tears, increasing tear production, conserving tears, and treating the inflammation of the eyelids or surface of the eye that contributes to dry eyes.

There are all degrees of having dry eyes. My ophthalmologist said that I had extremely dry eyes. He recommended that I use a preservative free eye drop putting two drop in each eye 4 to 6 times a day. I also have to use an ointment at night. I have to say that I have not been taking this seriously enough until I read this article. It's time to get the eye drops and the ointment out again!








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