Clinically Endorsed Dry Eye Diagnosis and Treatment

At Fitzgerald Optometry, we understand how uncomfortable and disruptive dry eye disease can be to your daily life. That's why we offer dry eye tests designed to diagnose and treat this common condition, ensuring you find relief and improve your eye health.

Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye disease can manifest through various symptoms, including:

• Persistent dryness
• Irritation and redness
• A feeling of something foreign in the eye
• Watery eyes as a response to irritation
• Blurred vision, especially towards the end of the day

What Causes Dry Eye?

Dry eye disease can be caused by several factors, including:

• Ageing, as tear production decreases with age
• Environmental conditions, like dry or windy climates
• Prolonged screen use, reducing blinking frequency
• Medications that affect tear production
• Underlying health conditions

What is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)?

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) is a common cause of dry eyes.

MGD occurs when the tiny glands in your eyelids are blocked and do not allow the easy flow of the vital oils required in your tears. Without these oils, the tears evaporate and dry our quickly.

MGD can be diagnosed and treated effectively, providing you with a long term treatment of dry eyes.

Diagnosis of Dry Eye Disease

Our comprehensive dry eye tests include a detailed assessment of your tear production, tear quality, and eye surface condition. Using advanced diagnostic tools, we can accurately identify the presence and severity of dry eye disease, allowing for a targeted treatment plan.

Treatment for Dry Eyes

Treatment for dry eye aims to restore moisture, improve tear quality, and address any underlying causes. At Fitzgerald Optometry, we offer a range of treatments, including artificial tears, prescription eye drops, and Blephasteam treatment. Blephasteam provides a gentle, controlled heat therapy that helps unblock the meibomian glands, improving the quality of your tears and relieving symptoms of dry eyes.

Preventing Dry Eyes

This involves:

• Taking regular breaks during screen use to rest your eyes
• Ensuring adequate hydration by drinking plenty of water
• Using a humidifier in dry environments to add moisture to the air
• Wearing sunglasses outdoors to protect against wind and UV rays