Dry eye is a common condition that can cause discomfort and lead to blurry vision if not treated in time. At Yu Optometry in Richmond, BC, we offer eye exams to diagnose dry eye and provide treatment to alleviate your symptoms. Before you schedule your appointment, read about some frequently asked questions regarding dry eye below:

What is the Root Cause of Dry Eyes?

Dry eye can frequently occur due to aging. According to the American Optometric Association, most people over age 65 experience symptoms of dry eyes. However, hormonal changes in women after menopause and during pregnancy, contact lenses, poor blinking habits, and diabetes can also contribute to the condition.

What are the Symptoms of Dry Eye?

Common dry eye symptoms include a stinging sensation, irritation, excess tear production, sensitivity to light, and discomfort while wearing contact lenses. If you notice any of these symptoms, we recommend visiting us for an eye exam and treatment.

How Does an Optometrist Diagnose Dry Eye?

Our optometrist can perform various tests to check if your eyes are producing enough tears. We may perform a slit lamp test, which consists of putting drops in your eyes to make tears more visible and observe the tear production with a microscope. Another common test is the Schirmer’s test. During this test, we will numb your eye before putting a small piece of paper on the edge of your eyelid. Then, we’ll ask you to close your eyes for five minutes and examine the moisture on the paper. 

What Treatment are Available for Dry Eye?

If an eye exam determines that you have dry eye syndrome, we will develop a personalized treatment plan that will help reduce your symptoms. If the condition is severe, our optometrist will provide a prescription for medication. We may also recommend certain lifestyle changes. For example, we might suggest to use a humidifier at home to prevent the air from becoming to dry. Along with that, adequate sleep, limiting screen time, and wearing wraparound sunglasses anytime you go outside.

the optometrist will give you a prescription for medicines. They might also suggest lifestyle changes. For instance, the doctor might recommend using a humidifier in your home in Richmond, BC, or the Greater Vancouver area. That prevents the air from getting too dry. Other helpful lifestyle changes include getting enough sleep, limiting screen time, and wearing wraparound sunglasses when you are outside. Depending on your condition, we can also discuss tear duct plugs and surgery.

Contact us for an Appointment Today

If you are experiencing any symptoms of dry eye, our team at Yu Optometry, which serves Richmond, BC, and the Greater Vancouver area, can help. To learn more about our treatments or to schedule your appointment, contact us at (604) 279-0188 today. We look forward to improving your eye health!