Diagnostic Workup For Dry Eyes

Most everyone gets dry eyes from time to time, however, some people do not get any relief from this uncomfortable condition. There are many causes of dry eyes, however, before your eye doctor can recommend the right treatment for you, they need to determine the cause. Here are some diagnostic interventions your eye doctor will perform to help uncover the source of your dry eyes.

Pre-Exam Questions

Before your eye doctor performs your examination, they will ask you some questions in an attempt to diagnose the cause of your dry eyes. They may ask you which medications you take because certain drugs such as antihistamines, diuretics, and blood pressure medications can contribute to dry eyes.

Your doctor may also inquire about your history of autoimmune diseases because certain autoimmune disorders can affect your tear glands so that they do not produce enough tears to keep your eyes moist. In addition, your eye doctor may also ask you how much time you spend in front of your computer and on your phone. Screen time can irritate and dry out your eyes, especially if the air in your home lacks enough humidity.

Eye Examination

During your examination, your eye doctor will place little strips of paper inside both of your lower eyelids. You will not feel any pain or irritation from the test strips because the doctor will instill anesthetic drops in your eyes prior to placing the test strips inside your eyelids. The doctor will assess the wetness of the test strips after they have been in your eyes for at least a few minutes.

An abnormal tear test may indicate the presence of an autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or Sjögren's syndrome, eye infections, aging, or even corneal ulcers. In addition to the tear test, your eye doctor will check your visual acuity and check your tear ducts to determine if they are blocked. While blocked tear ducts are more common in children, they can be the cause of dry eyes in adults. 

If you have dry eyes or problems with your vision, make an appointment with your eye doctor. While you are waiting for your appointment, consider using an over-the-counter lubricating eye drop to keep you comfortable. When the cause of your dry eyes is quickly diagnosed and treated, you may be less likely to develop scratches on your cornea, eye irritation, blurred vision, and even eye infections. 

Contact a clinic like Northwest Ophthalmology to learn more.