Newport, ME Location
Waterville, ME Location

Dry Eye Diagnosis and Treatment

 A common condition, dry eye affects many people, oftentimes without their knowledge. However, for the sake of optimal eye health, it is important to get dry eye treatment if needed. At Newport Eye Care, our doctors can diagnose dry eye and offer solutions for effective dry eye treatment tailored to your unique needs. 

 

Understanding Dry Eye 

When a person does not produce enough lubrication for their eyes dry eye occurs. This occurrence is often due to the body’s inability to produce high-quality tears and will typically occur in both eyes, not just one. Many people compare dry eye to a gritty feeling or a sensation that something is stuck in their eye. Without proper dry eye care, the person has a higher risk of infections and may experience damage to the eye’s surface, leading to potential problems in the future.  

Dry eye syndrome can be the result of many factors, but regardless of the cause, there are a variety of dry eye treatment options available that can lead to less discomfort and an improved quality of life.  

 

Do You Need Dry Eye Treatment? 

Due to lack of awareness about dry eye syndrome and available dry eye treatments, many people who struggle with this condition do not realize they have a problem. If you experience the following symptoms, you may benefit from dry eye treatment:  

  • Blurry vision  
  • Burning or red eyes 
  • Scratchy sensation in the eyes 
  • Feeling like sand or something grainy is stuck in your eyes  
  • Experiencing discomfort when wearing contact lenses   
  • Recurring irritation that causes teary or watery eyes 
  • Stringy mucus surrounding your eyes 

 

If you think you may be experiencing dry eye, our eye doctors in Waterville and Newport are here to help you find solutions.  

 

Diagnosing Dry Eye 

The first step to diagnosing dry eye is to undergo a comprehensive eye exam, at which time your doctor will look for signs of this condition. Tests may include assessing your tear quality, volume, evaporation rate, and chemical composition. After gaining a better picture of your condition and assessing the severity, your doctor will determine the next steps to begin treatment for dry eye and provide relief from your symptoms.  

 

Treatment Options for Dry Eye 

At Newport Eye Care, we modify dry eye treatment for every patient’s specific needs with the goal of minimizing dryness and discomfort while promoting optimal eye health. With so many variables at play, everyone’s dry eye treatment experience will be different. Dry eye treatment can range from ongoing to infrequent, depending on a person’s level of discomfort and needs.  

 

Over-the-counter dry eye care products or eye drops may be sufficient for some people struggling with mild cases of dry eye. Others may need to try more intensive dry eye care solutions such as tear duct plugs or medications. In more serious cases when other dry eye remedies are not effective, therapy or surgery may be recommended. If an individual has considerable damage to the surface of their eye, they may also require more specific attention for that problem. At Newport Eye Care, we will help you find the best path forward for your unique needs. 

Interested in learning more about dry eye diagnosis and treatment? Contact our office to schedule an exam today.