Occular Surface & Dry Eye
Occular Surface & Dry Eye
Overview
The ocular surface includes the eyelids, conjunctiva, and cornea. It is a protective barrier that is affected by environmental factors, general health, and your lifestyle, and it may become inflamed due to allergies, infection, or other causes. Dry eye happens when the eyes do not produce enough healthy tears, or when tear quality is suboptimal. This can make the surface of the eye uncomfortable and may sometimes cause temporary changes in vision.
The ocular surface includes the eyelids, conjunctiva, and cornea. It is a protective barrier that is affected by environmental factors, general health, and your lifestyle, and it may become inflamed due to allergies, infection, or other causes. Dry eye happens when the eyes do not produce enough healthy tears, or when tear quality is suboptimal. This can make the surface of the eye uncomfortable and may sometimes cause temporary changes in vision.
Common Symptoms
Common Symptoms
Dryness
Dryness
A gritty or sandy feeling
A gritty or sandy feeling
Burning or stinging
Burning or stinging
Red or irritated eyes
Red or irritated eyes
Watery eyes
Watery eyes
Itching or scratchiness
Itching or scratchiness
A feeling that something is in your eye
A feeling that something is in your eye
Blurred or fluctuating vision
Blurred or fluctuating vision
Sensitivity to light
Sensitivity to light
Tired or heavy eyes
Tired or heavy eyes
Frequent blinking
Frequent blinking
Eye discomfort after screen use
Eye discomfort after screen use
Symptoms that worsen in wind, dry air or air conditioning
Symptoms that worsen in wind, dry air or air conditioning
Causes of Dry Eye
Causes of Dry Eye
Dry eye disease may be related to:
Dry eye disease may be related to:
Aging
Aging
Screen use
Screen use
Environmental factors
Environmental factors
Eyelid inflammation
Eyelid inflammation
Autoimmune disease
Autoimmune disease
Contact lens wear
Contact lens wear
Medications
Medications
Hormonal changes
Hormonal changes
Treatment Philosophy
Treatment Philosophy
Because dry eye disease varies widely from patient to patient, treatment should be highly individualized. Treatment options may include:
Because dry eye disease varies widely from patient to patient, treatment should be highly individualized. Treatment options may include:
Artificial tears
Artificial tears
Long-term maintenance strategies
Long-term maintenance strategies
Environmental modifications
Environmental modifications
Eyelid hygiene therapies
Eyelid hygiene therapies
Prescription medications
Prescription medications
Nutritional recommendations
Nutritional recommendations
Our Diagnostic Approach
Our Diagnostic Approach
We evaluate tear film quality, eyelid health, ocular surface inflammation, and contributing lifestyle factors to better understand the source of symptoms.
We evaluate tear film quality, eyelid health, ocular surface inflammation, and contributing lifestyle factors to better understand the source of symptoms.
Long-Term Management
Dry eye disease often requires ongoing care rather than a single solution. Our goal is to improve comfort, stabilize vision, and support long-term ocular surface health.