Orange, CT
Dry Eye Diagnosis
& Treatment
Orange, CT
Dry Eye Diagnosis & Treatment
Find relief from dry, itchy, irritated eyes
If your eyes often feel irritated, gritty, or like they’re burning, you might be dealing with dry eye. This common condition can leave your eyes feeling uncomfortable and even affect your vision. At Family Eyecare of Orange, our eye doctors have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating dry eye to help you find relief.
What is dry eye?
Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when your tears aren’t of the right quality to keep your eyes hydrated. Without proper lubrication, your eyes can become inflamed, irritated, and even damaged over time. Fortunately, we can pinpoint the cause and provide the appropriate treatment.
Explore our range of dry eye products
Our online store offers a variety of products to help manage dry eye symptoms, including eye drops, foaming eyelid cleansers, moist heat eye compresses, and supplements. Explore our selection to find the right solutions for soothing your eyes and enhancing comfort.
Common dry eye symptoms
Dry eye can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:
- Persistent dryness
- A burning or stinging sensation
- A gritty feeling, like something’s in your eye
- Redness
- Blurred vision
- Light sensitivity
- Excessive tearing (a reflex response to dryness)
If these symptoms sound familiar, it’s a good idea to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Dry eye can lead to more serious issues if left untreated.
Causes of dry eyes in Orange
There are several factors that might be causing your dry eye:
Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)
Blocked or poorly functioning glands can prevent your eyes from producing quality tears.
Medications
Certain medications like antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure drugs can reduce tear production.
Medical conditions
Conditions like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disorders can contribute to dry eye.
Environmental factors
Wind, smoke, or dry air can lead to faster tear evaporation.
Screen time
Staring at screens for long periods can reduce your blink rate, making your eyes feel dry.
Contact lenses
Wearing contact lenses for too long can dry out your eyes.
Hormonal changes
Hormonal shifts during pregnancy or menopause or from taking birth control can impact tear production.
Age
Tear production naturally decreases as we get older.
How we diagnose dry eye
At Family Eyecare of Orange, we use advanced tools and tests to get a clear understanding of your eye health. During your exam, we’ll ask about your medical history, current medications, and lifestyle. We’ll also perform tests to measure the quantity and quality of your tears and take a closer look at the health of your cornea, eyelids, and tear ducts to identify any underlying issues.
One of the tests we may use is the tear break-up time (TBUT) test, where we measure how long it takes for your tears to evaporate after you blink. We use a special dye and light to watch your tears, and if they break up too quickly, it means your tear film isn’t staying on your eyes long enough.
We may also use the Schirmer test to measure the amount of tears your eyes produce. We will place small paper strips under your lower eyelids, and after a few minutes, we will measure how much moisture the strips have absorbed to see if your eyes are making enough tears.
Dry eye treatment in Orange, CT
Our dry eye treatments go beyond temporary relief and target the underlying causes. Once we know what’s causing your dry eye, we’ll recommend treatments based on your specific needs. For mild cases, artificial tears, warm compresses, and lifestyle changes—such as using a humidifier, drinking more water, and taking breaks from screen time—can provide relief. For more severe cases, we may suggest prescription eye drops or medications to reduce inflammation and help your eyes produce more tears.
Schedule a dry eye exam in Orange
At Family Eyecare of Orange, we understand that every case of dry eye is unique. We take a personalized approach to your care, addressing the root causes of your dry eye to provide effective, lasting relief. If you’re experiencing dry eye symptoms, schedule an appointment with us today.