Dry eyes can cause so much discomfort. When the symptoms worsen, you should consider seeing a specialist for a diagnosis and treatment. Knowing whether an optometrist can diagnose dry eyes is vital. Read on to learn more.

What Are Dry Eyes?

Dry eyes occur when the quantity and quality of the tears that your eyes produce are not enough for proper lubrication. Your tears can be unstable and inadequate due to different reasons. Poor quality tears can also affect the moisture retention of your eyes.

Tears play a significant role in maintaining the health of your eyes. They help keep your eyeball surface moist and clean. So, protect your eyes from getting any damage. 

Your tears have a mucus layer that binds the tears to your eyes. Without this layer, you can have dry spots forming on your cornea. The water layer in your tears contains minerals and vitamins essential for normal cell functioning. The nutrients keep the epithelium healthy and help it function normally. The oil layer of the tear film prevents your tears from evaporating quickly.  If you experience any symptoms associated with dry eyes, it is essential to seek medical care.

Symptoms of Dry Eyes

Dry eyes can manifest in the following ways:

• Blurry vision.
• Light sensitivity
• Watery eyes.
• Heavy eyelids.
• Itchiness, burning or stinging eyes.
• Eye redness.
• Trouble wearing contact lenses.
• Stringy mucus around and in your eyes.
• Feeling like there is something inside your eyes.
• Struggling to drive at night.
• Difficulty staring at a screen or reading for a long time.
• Difficulty producing tears when you want to cry.

Can an Optometrist Diagnose Dry Eyes?

Your optometrist can help diagnose if you have dry eyes. Most optometrists have specific training for dry eye disease diagnosis and treatment.

Dry Eye Diagnosis

Your optometrist can diagnose dry eyes by learning your symptoms and case history. They will ask if you have underlying conditions or are currently on any medications. Various autoimmune diseases can lead to dry eyes. Antidepressants and oral contraceptives also cause dry eyes. 
 

Your optometrist can also ask if you have been in a dry or hot climate in the recent past or if you spend most of your time using a computer. Lifestyle factors can contribute to dry eyes. Your optometrist will then do a comprehensive evaluation. Once they know the cause, they will recommend a suitable treatment plan.

Treatments

The treatment your optometrist will prescribe depends on the underlying cause and the severity of your dry eye problem. You can use over-the-counter eye drops if the case is mild. They can help supplement your tear production. Prescription eye drops increase the production of tears or decrease inflammation.

Sometimes, your specialist will have to use silicon plugs to conserve the tears you produce. They will use them to block some areas allowing the loss of your tears. They do not have to stay permanently in your eyes. Your optometrist can remove them if they are no longer necessary. The treatment you receive will depend on your situation and your needs.

For more about diagnosing dry eyes, visit Eyes on Preston Park at our office in Plano, Texas. Call (972) 787-2400 to book an appointment today.