Dry, irritated eyes can make it harder to focus on work, enjoy your favourite hobbies, or even relax at the end of the day. Many people brush off symptoms, hoping they’ll pass on their own but fast, effective relief sometimes isn’t in sight.
A dry eye exam is a detailed assessment performed by your optometrist to check for signs of dry eye, gauge its severity, and build a treatment plan that suits your unique needs and daily life. These exams take it a bit further than regular ones and can help you not only see better but also feel better, too.
What Is Dry Eye?
Dry eye happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears you do have are of poor quality and evaporate too quickly. Without a healthy tear film, the eye’s surface becomes irritated, leading to uncomfortable symptoms.
Many people with dry eye notice burning, a gritty or scratchy feeling, redness, blurred vision, or even stringy mucus around the eyes. It might seem surprising, but excessively watery eyes can also signal dry eye.
Left untreated, dry eye can make daily life less comfortable and affect your ability to enjoy activities like reading, driving, or spending time in front of a screen. A thorough dry eye exam can help identify the cause and guide you towards lasting relief.
Who Should Consider a Dry Eye Exam?
If you spend long hours working on a computer or looking at digital screens, you may blink less often, which affects how tears spread and stay on your eyes. As we get older, tear production naturally slows down, which is why many adults over 50 notice dry eye symptoms for the first time. Certain health conditions, such as diabetes or autoimmune diseases, could also raise your risk.
Wearing contact lenses every day is another factor that can disrupt the natural balance of your tears, sometimes causing more dryness.
Your surroundings can also play a role. Dry or windy weather, indoor heating, or air conditioning can dry out your eyes faster than usual. Even lifestyle habits like smoking, poor diet, lack of sleep, or high stress levels can contribute to uncomfortable dryness.
If you’ve noticed persistent eye irritation or discomfort and can relate to any of these factors, it might be time to talk to your optometrist about a dry eye exam.
How to Prepare for a Dry Eye Exam
Being prepared helps your optometrist make the most accurate diagnosis possible. Before your appointment, think about when your symptoms tend to appear, how long they last, and whether anything seems to make them better or worse. Jotting down these details can be very helpful.
It’s also a good idea to bring a list of any medications you take, including allergy pills or other treatments, since some medications can contribute to dryness. Be ready to talk about your daily eye care habits, such as how often you wear contact lenses or whether you use eye drops already.
Sharing this information helps your optometrist understand your unique situation and choose treatments that fit your lifestyle.
What to Expect During Your Visit
A dry eye exam usually feels a lot like a regular eye exam, but with a few extra steps. Here’s a quick overview of what to expect:
- Tear film evaluation: Your optometrist will assess the quality and stability of your tear film using specialized tools to identify any deficiencies.
- Tear production tests: Tests like Schirmer’s measure how much moisture your eyes produce using small strips of paper.
- Eye surface staining: Non-invasive dyes highlight damage or dryness on the ocular surface, aiding in diagnosis.
How Dry Eye Is Treated
Once your optometrist has a complete understanding of your eye health, they can recommend ways to manage your dry eye. Many people find comfort with artificial tears, which help boost moisture and ease irritation throughout the day. In some cases, warm compresses like a Bruder mask can help unclog tiny oil glands in your eyelids, improving the quality of your tears.
Adding omega-3 supplements to your diet might also help, as these healthy fats can support tear production and reduce inflammation, especially if you’re not getting enough through food. Your optometrist will explain which options better suit you and may suggest in-office treatments if necessary.
Managing dry eye often means combining simple daily habits with treatments recommended by your optometrist. With the right care plan, it’s possible to protect your eye health and enjoy clearer, more comfortable vision every day.
Take the Next Step Toward Comfortable Eyes
Dry eye doesn’t have to get in the way of clear, comfortable vision. With the right care, you can ease irritation and protect your eyes for years to come. At Dr. Chris Schell, our welcoming team is ready to help you find relief and feel confident about your eye health.
If burning, gritty eyes are part of your day, it’s time to make a change. Book your dry eye exam with Dr. Chris Schell today and take the first step toward comfortable, healthy vision you can count on.
