During a comprehensive eye exam, your eye doctor will evaluate your tear film. A proper tear film is very important for vision, comfort, and ocular health. Evaluating the tear film is usually done by instilling an orange fluorescein dye in the tear film. When visualized with a blue light, the tear film lights up.
As we age, we may produce less tears and this can result in a thin tear film. Eyelid inflammation, or blepharitis, can affect the tear composition and lead to an unstable tear film. Quick tear film evaporation can lead to desiccation of the cornea and conjunctiva which can lead to symptoms of burning, grittiness and blur. Proper eyelid position is also important to ensure proper tear flow. The tear ducts, or puncta, are located at the inner corners of the upper and lower eyelid margins. Proper alignment of the tear ducts is important for proper tear flow away from the eye. Environmental factors such as air conditioning and heating vents, or windy conditions can increase dryness symptoms. Increased computer and cell phone use also can make dry eye symptoms worse. Luckily, many effective treatments are now available to treat dry eye syndrome.
If your eyes feel dry, ask your eye doctor what treatments are best for you. You can contact D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937 for more information or to schedule an eye examination or you may also request an appointment at facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.
Staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear and optical services.
