Dry eye disease can be more than an irritation – it can affect your daily activities and overall quality of life. At Old South Optometry, we offer dedicated dry eye screenings, separate from routine exams, to help thoroughly evaluate your condition.
By identifying the root cause of your dry eyes using innovative diagnostic tools, we can combine education with personalized treatments to bring you the relief you deserve. Our team aims to bring comfort and relief back to your daily life.
Schedule your appointment today to take the first step toward fresher, more comfortable eyes.
Dry eye disease can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including:
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, book a dedicated dry eye screening with us today.
Dry eye symptoms occur when your eyes aren’t producing enough high-quality tears. One common cause can be meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Your meibomian glands produce oil that helps keep your tears from evaporating too quickly. If they’re blocked, the quality of your tears can decrease, leading to dry eyes.
Dry eye symptoms can also originate from anterior blepharitis. Anterior blepharitis is a chronic inflammation of the anterior eyelid margin and eyelashes. It is commonly associated with Staphylococcus Aureus and Demodex infestation. Risk factors includes seborrhic dermatitis, rosacea and eczema. If left untreated, complications such as eyelid hypertrophy, including meibomian gland blockage, are possible. The main treatment includes lid hygiene.
Another major culprit is digital eye strain. Prolonged screen time causes your eyes to blink less often, which leads to dryness and discomfort. Hormonal changes and environmental factors like dry air, dust, and pollutants, as well as certain health conditions, can further aggravate your symptoms.
We use diagnostic tools to identify the root causes of your dry eye symptoms.
We’ll use various technologies during your exam to get more information about your tear production, gland health, and eye surface condition. With this detailed information, we can create a personalized treatment plan to bring you lasting relief.
Meibography is noninvasive and uses special imaging to examine the health of your meibomian glands, which produce the oils in your tears. By assessing their condition, we can identify issues like blockages or dysfunction that could be causing your symptoms.
Dyes or staining are used to check for damage on the surface of your eye. A small drop of special dye is placed in your eye, and then we use a blue light to see how the dye highlights any areas of dryness or irritation. This helps us pinpoint problem areas and guide the best treatment for your dry eyes.
The TBUT test measures how long your tear film stays stable on the surface of your eye before it starts to break up. In an automated TBUT, a machine does the timing for precision, while in a subjective TBUT, we manually observe how long the tears last.
Both tests help determine if dry eyes are affecting your tear quality.
Schirmer’s test measures tear production. A small strip of paper is placed in your lower eyelid, and we monitor how much moisture collects on the strip over a few minutes. This test helps us understand whether your eyes are producing enough tears to keep them comfortable and healthy.
MYAH is a comprehensive diagnostic tool that creates a detailed map of your eye. It helps us assess your eye shape, tear quality, and overall health to determine the best treatment plan for dry eye or other vision concerns. MYAH technology gives us detailed information to personalize your care.
At Old South Optometry, we take a personalized approach to dry eye treatment. We offer a variety of treatments, including eyelid hygiene, scleral lenses, punctal plugs, and more, to tailor a plan that fits your unique symptoms and lifestyle.
Our goal is to help you find lasting relief and comfort.
Eye masks can keep your eyes hydrated, helping unclog the meibomian glands and improving tear production. They’re a relaxing way to relieve dry eye symptoms, especially for people with gland dysfunction or those who experience discomfort from prolonged screen time.
Artificial tears help alleviate dry eye by mimicking your natural tears, providing essential moisture and lubrication to the eyes. Preservative-free drops are especially important for long-term use, as they reduce the risk of irritation and support greater comfort over time.
Medicated eye drops can help target the underlying causes of dry eye, such as inflammation. They can help reduce discomfort and manage conditions like meibomian gland dysfunction and inflammation, offering longer-term relief.
Punctal plugs are small devices inserted into the tear ducts to block tear drainage. They help keep moisture on the surface of the eyes for longer, offering relief for people with chronic dry eye who may not produce enough natural tears.
Scleral lenses are large, gas-permeable contact lenses that vault over the cornea, providing a cushion of fluid to protect the eye’s surface. They’re especially helpful for persistent dry eye, as they create a stable tear reservoir and offer long-lasting relief from dryness and discomfort.
Omega-3 supplements are a natural remedy for improving tear quality. They support the production of healthy oils in the meibomian glands and can reduce inflammation, making them beneficial for individuals with dry eyes or meibomian gland dysfunction.
LidWipes are specially designed wipes that help cleanse and remove debris from the eyelids and lashes. Regular use can reduce inflammation and improve the function of the meibomian glands, which are key in preventing and managing dry eye.
Don’t let dry eyes hold you back any longer. If you’re experiencing irritation, redness, or discomfort, it’s time to take action. From lifestyle adjustments to innovative therapies, we offer a range of solutions to bring you clearer, more comfortable vision.
Book your dry eye screening today, and let our team evaluate your condition with our technology.
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Old South Optometry
