Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This leads to irritation, fluctuating vision, and a persistent feeling of dryness or discomfort. It is one of the most common eye concerns, especially among people who spend long hours on screens, wear contact lenses, or have autoimmune conditions.
At The Medical Group of New Jersey, our ophthalmologists identify the root cause of your dry eye symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan to restore comfort and protect long-term eye health.
Symptom Onset & Initial Evaluation
Dry eye symptoms can come and go, but many patients notice:
- Burning, stinging, or scratchy sensation
- Feeling like there is “something in the eye”
- Redness or tearing
- Blurred or fluctuating vision (often worse at the end of the day)
- Discomfort with contact lenses
- Sensitivity to wind or smoke
Evaluation
During your initial evaluation at The Medical Group of New Jersey, your ophthalmologist will:
- Review the pattern of your symptoms and triggers
- Ask about computer use, contact lens wear, and systemic medical conditions
- Examine the eyelids, meibomian glands, and tear quality
- Evaluate the eye surface using slit-lamp microscopy
- Perform tear breakup time testing to assess tear stability
This thorough evaluation helps determine whether dry eye is caused by decreased tear production, increased evaporation, or an underlying inflammatory condition.
Diagnosis & Risk Assessment
Dry eye syndrome is typically diagnosed using a series of gentle, noninvasive tests that measure both the quantity and quality of your tears. These may include:
- Tear Film Evaluation: Shows how well your tears coat the eye and how quickly they evaporate.
- Schirmer Test: Measures the amount of tears your eyes produce to check for low tear production (aqueous-deficient dry eye).
- Meibomian Gland Assessment: Evaluates the oil glands along the eyelids to see whether they are blocked or not producing enough oil, one of the most common causes of evaporative dry eye.
- Ocular Surface Staining (fluorescein or lissamine green): Uses a safe dye to highlight dry spots, inflammation, or early damage on the surface of the eye.
Evaluation of Risk Factors
In addition to diagnostic testing, your ophthalmologist will review other factors that may be contributing to dry eye symptoms. This includes assessing for:
- Autoimmune conditions, such as Sjögren syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis
- Thyroid disorders, which can affect eyelid position and tear quality
- Medication side effects, including antihistamines, diuretics, antidepressants, and acne treatments
- Hormonal changes, especially during menopause
- Eyelid problems, such as incomplete blinking or inward/outward turning of the lid
- Environmental exposures, including air conditioning, heaters, dry climates, or excessive screen use
- Contact lens wear, which can increase tear evaporation and irritation
Understanding these underlying contributors allows your ophthalmologist to create a targeted, effective treatment plan that addresses both symptoms and root causes.
Treatment & Management
Treatment for dry eye syndrome focuses on restoring a healthy tear film, reducing inflammation, and improving daily comfort. At The Medical Group of New Jersey, care plans are personalized based on your specific needs. Treatment options include:
Lifestyle & Home Therapies
- Regular use of preservative-free artificial tears
- Warm compresses to improve oil gland function
- Blink exercises, especially during screen time
- Humidifier use at home or work
- Taking breaks during prolonged computer use
Prescription & In-Office Treatments
If symptoms are moderate to severe, your ophthalmologist may recommend:
- Anti-inflammatory eye drops (cyclosporine or lifitegrast)
- Short courses of steroid eye drops for flares
- Punctal plugs to help conserve natural tears
- Meibomian gland expression or thermal pulsation therapy
- Omega-3 supplementation, if appropriate
- Management of blepharitis, which often contributes to dry eye
Managing Systemic Causes
For patients with autoimmune-related dry eye, treatment may also involve:
- Coordinating care with rheumatology
- Treating associated conditions such as Sjögren syndrome or thyroid disease
Your ophthalmologist will explain each option and help you choose the most effective plan.
Monitoring & Follow-Up
Regular follow-up visits help ensure your treatment is working effectively. At each appointment, your ophthalmologist will:
- Reassess symptoms and tear film quality
- Adjust medications or therapies as needed
- Monitor for signs of inflammation or corneal damage
- Review lifestyle strategies and environmental triggers
- Evaluate contact lens fit, if applicable
Most patients experience significant improvement with consistent, personalized care.