Dry Eye Test at Island Family Eyecare

If your eyes don't produce enough tears or dry out too quickly, you could face risks like eye infections, blurry vision, and even conjunctivitis if the issues persist. A dry eye test can help identify the cause and guide appropriate treatment.

About 20 million people in the U.S. are affected by varying severities of dry eye disease (DED). (Etiology, prevalence, and treatment of dry eye disease)

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Types of Dry Eye Disease

Our eyes have a tear film made of three layers that protect the surface of the eyes. Without a smooth and stable tear film, clear vision can be challenging. Symptoms like burning, itching, watering, or blurry vision may indicate dry eye. Many factors can cause this problem, and an eye doctor can suggest tests to learn the reasons for your symptoms.

Even though it's called dry eye, there are different types of this condition based on how your eyes don't produce enough tears.

• Aqueous-deficient dry eye: This occurs when the lacrimal gland, located in the upper outer corner of the eye, does not produce enough tears.
• Evaporative dry eye: This condition happens when the meibomian glands in the eyelids do not create enough oil for the tear film. This leads to a quick evaporation of tears.
• Mixed dry eye: This is a combination of both insufficient tear production and instability in the tear film, resulting in dry eye symptoms.

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Dry Eye Tests

An optometrist can recommend different tests, as dry eye is a multifactorial disease, which can include

• Slit lamp examination: This assessment evaluates the quantity of tears produced by your eyes. The provider illuminates each of your eyes and uses a microscope to inspect your eyes and eyelids.
• Schirmer's test: This method also assesses tear production. The provider positions a small strip of paper along the edge of your eyelid and allows it to remain there for several minutes. As your eye generates tears, the provider measures the extent of the tears by observing how much of the paper is wet.
• Tear breakup time (TBUT) test: This evaluation determines how rapidly your tears evaporate. The provider applies a dye to your eye and employs a microscope to observe how long your tear film stays intact (or remains stable). They record the duration between your last blink and when the initial dry spot appears on your cornea. A duration of less than 10 seconds may indicate dry eye disease.

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Dry Eye Treatment Options

The dry eye test provides the data to recommend a suitable treatment.

• If the symptoms are not severe, simple lifestyle changes such as reducing screen time, wearing wraparound glasses or sunglasses when outdoors, placing a warm compress over your eyes, and taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements can help.
• For severe dry eye conditions, doctors can recommend autologous serum drops - made from your own serum (part of your blood).
• Therapeutic contact lenses (soft bandage or rigid scleral lenses) can help protect your eyes and lubricate the surface of your eyes.

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Find Relief from Dry Eye at Island Family Eyecare

At Island Family Eyecare, we provide comprehensive optometric care, including:

• Comprehensive Eye Examinations
• Glasses and Contact Lenses
• Vision Therapy
• Ocular Disease Management (including glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetes-related eye conditions)
• Urgent Eye Care
• Refractive Surgery and Cataract Surgery Comanagement

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Why Choose Island Family Eyecare for a Dry Eye Test?

With over 30 years of experience in optometry, Dr. Kirscher and Dr. Brase provide customized care with thorough evaluations and effective treatment strategies for diagnosing and managing eye conditions.

When you visit us for a dry eye assessment, here's what you can expect:

• Review of specific dry eye symptoms, lifestyle, and past treatments.
• Comprehensive evaluation to identify underlying issues.
• Dry eye testing to assess tear production, quality, evaporation, and oil gland function.
• A customized treatment plan may include artificial tears, prescription drops, lifestyle changes, and nutritional advice.
• Follow-up care to monitor progress and adjust treatment as necessary.

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Payment Options

We offer a 10% discount for patients who pay for their visit in full on the day of service. Our staff can discuss payment options and assist with navigating out-of-network insurance claims if applicable.

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Schedule your Dry Eye Evaluation at Island Family Eyecare

We've moved just up the street after nearly 30 years in Winslow Green! Come experience our expanded, brand-new office designed for your comfort and care:

Island Family Eyecare
290 Madison Avenue North
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Phone: (206) 842-2015