alleviate discomfort
Dry Eye
Diagnosis and Treatment for Dry Eye
If you feel a stinging or burning sensation in your eyes, you could be suffering from dry eye. Identifying the root cause of your dry eye is crucial to getting the treatment you need to relieve discomfort. At SIGHT, our skilled dry eye doctors in West Hartford and Farmington have the expertise and technology to properly diagnose and treat dry eye.
What is dry eye?
Dry eye disease is a common condition that occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Tears provide moisture to help keep the eyes lubricated. When this essential layer of protection is disrupted, it can cause significant discomfort and reduce visual clarity.
What causes dry eye?
The most common reason people develop dry eye is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). MGD is an inflammatory disorder of the meibomian glands in your eyelids, which secrete oils that coat your tears to prevent them from evaporating too quickly. When these glands become blocked or clogged, it causes dry eye syndrome.
Other causes of dry eye include:
- Aging: As we age, our eyes naturally produce fewer tears.
- Certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid disorders
- Certain medications, such as antihistamines and antidepressants
- Exposure to dry air, wind, and smoke
- Hormonal changes associated with pregnancy and menopause
- Long-term contact lens wear
What are the symptoms of dry eye?
The most obvious symptom of dry eye syndrome is a burning sensation in the eyes. Other symptoms include:
- Stinging or itching eyes
- A scratchy or sandy feeling in your eyes
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Eye pain or redness
- Stringy mucus or discharge from your eyes
- Fluctuating vision
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to make an appointment with our dry eye specialists.
How is dry eye diagnosed?
During a comprehensive eye exam at SIGHT in West Hartford or Farmington, our eye doctor will perform a series of tests to diagnose dry eye syndrome. Tests may include evaluating your tear quality, volume, evaporation rate, and chemical composition. After the exam, your doctor will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan suited to your needs.
How do you treat dry eye syndrome?
Treatment for dry eye depends on the underlying cause. This could involve lifestyle changes such as avoiding air conditioning or allergens that trigger symptoms, as well as using lubricating drops throughout the day.
Prescription medications may also be used depending on the severity and diagnosis. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to reduce inflammation in the tear glands or increase tear production to relieve symptoms.
In addition to these treatments, we offer several advanced options for dry eye relief:
OptiLight IPL therapy
OptiLight by Lumenis is a cutting-edge, non-invasive, and FDA-approved treatment that uses intense pulsed light (IPL) technology to address dry eye caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). This gentle procedure applies light pulses to the skin around the eyes, which helps reduce inflammation, improve meibomian gland function, and stabilize the tear film. OptiLight treatment is quick, painless, and typically requires a series of sessions for optimal results.
Radiofrequency treatment
This non-invasive procedure uses radiofrequency energy to stimulate the meibomian glands. The controlled heat helps to liquefy and express the oil in the glands, improving their function and enhancing the quality of the tear film. This treatment is particularly effective for patients with MGD.
TearCare® system
This innovative, wearable eyelid technology applies controlled heat to the eyelids. The device adheres comfortably to the eyelids and delivers precise thermal energy, helping to melt and clear blockages in the meibomian glands. After the heating phase, your eye doctor can manually express the glands, promoting better oil flow and improved tear quality.
LipiFlow® thermal pulsation system
This FDA-approved treatment combines heat and pressure to remove blockages from the meibomian glands. The LipiFlow device fits over the eyelids and applies controlled heat to the inner eyelid surface while simultaneously massaging the outer eyelids. This dual-action approach helps to clear obstructions, improve gland function, and reduce dry eye symptoms.
Visit our dry eye specialists for expert care
With proper care from an experienced professional, dry eye syndrome can be managed effectively so that you can enjoy comfortable vision. If you suffer from dry eye, our experts can determine the underlying cause and help you find lasting relief.
Schedule an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam at our office in West Hartford or Farmington today.
