If your eyes are constantly dry and irritated, you might have dry eye syndrome. Many people suffer from this condition without even realizing it, attributing their symptoms to allergies or stress. Without a proper diagnosis, dry eye may get worse over time, leading to complications like infections or permanent damage to the surface of your eyes. But how exactly is dry eye diagnosed? In this blog post, we will share some common methods used to diagnose dry eye as well as options for treatment.
Diagnosing dry eye
One of the most common ways to diagnose dry eye syndrome is during a comprehensive eye exam. Your eye doctor will ask you about your symptoms and medical history before performing a series of tests. These tests may include evaluating the quality and quantity of your tears, how quickly you make them, and how long it takes for them to evaporate.
Keratography
At Family EyeCare Associates, we use advanced technology like the OCULUS Keratograph® 5M corneal topographer to diagnose dry eye. This device takes high-resolution images of your eyes and creates a 3D map of the cornea, which allows us to determine the root cause of your dry eye and create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. We can also monitor the effectiveness of your dry eye treatment by comparing before and after images.
Dry eye treatment
Once a diagnosis has been made, our team at Family EyeCare Associates will work closely with you to develop a customized treatment plan. This may include prescription eye drops, lifestyle changes, or intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy to improve tear production and quality. Our goal is to help you maintain healthy eyes while minimizing dryness and discomfort and preventing vision loss.
If you think you might have dry eye syndrome, schedule an appointment with our dry eye specialists in Tacoma, Washington for a thorough evaluation. By using state-of-the-art technology like the OCULUS Keratograph® 5M, we can accurately diagnose and effectively treat dry eye syndrome so you can see clearly and comfortably again. Reach out to us today to book your appointment!