What is Dry Eye?
Dry eye, also referred to as dry eye disease (DED) or dry eye syndrome, arises when the eyes fail to produce sufficient tears or when the quality of those tears is inadequate. This might sound trivial, but tears are the unsung heroes of eye health. They keep the eyes lubricated, comfortable, and protected. Without them, the eyes face not only discomfort but also potential damage and susceptibility to infections.
Spotlight on Care: This Month’s Featured Eye Doctor
Meet Dr. Susel Oropesa, M.D.
Dr. Susel Oropesa, a Yale and Columbia trained board-certified surgeon, has extensive expertise in cataract surgery, glaucoma, retina, and general ophthalmology. Fluent in English and Spanish, she is highly regarded for the care she shows to each patient.
How Tears Work: The Essential Trio
Tears aren’t just water rolling down your cheeks when you’re emotional. They’re complex and fascinating, composed of three distinct layers:
Each of these layers has its own role, but they work together seamlessly—until something disrupts the balance.
Tear Production and Distribution: The Blink Connection
Tear production isn’t a passive process. It’s a well-coordinated effort involving the lacrimal glands and your body’s natural blinking reflex. Each blink acts like a tiny squeegee, spreading tears evenly across the eye’s surface. It’s an intricate system designed to keep the eye hydrated and protected from the environment.
While dry eye is a common form of OSD, it isn’t the only one. Allergies, autoimmune conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome, eyelid inflammation (blepharitis), and environmental factors all play a role in disrupting tear film balance and contributing to ocular surface disease.
Dry Eye Symptoms: How They Feel, Look, and Affect You
While dry eye is a common form of OSD, it isn’t the only one. Allergies, autoimmune conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome, eyelid inflammation (blepharitis), and environmental factors all play a role in disrupting tear film balance and contributing to ocular surface disease.
Most Common Dry Eye Symptoms
Vision-Related Symptoms
Dry eye doesn’t just cause discomfort—it messes with how you see the world.
Physical Signs of Dry Eye
The Overlap of Symptoms: Why They Vary So Much
You might notice that some symptoms seem contradictory or overlap. For example, how can your eyes feel dry but still water excessively?
This happens because dry eye disrupts the delicate tear film, triggering your body to overproduce tears that are lacking the necessary balance of water, oil, and mucus. Unfortunately, these reflex tears evaporate too quickly or fail to spread evenly, leaving your eyes in worse shape.
By understanding these symptoms and their causes, you can work with our eye doctors to find solutions that restore balance and comfort to your eyes.
Dry Eye Causes: What Disrupts Tear Balance?
Dry eye doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s often the result of various internal and external factors disrupting the production, quality, or retention of tears. Let’s take a closer look at the common culprits behind this condition.
The Common Thread: Disrupted Tear Balance
From internal changes like aging and medication use to external factors like harsh environments or prolonged screen time, the causes of dry eye are diverse but interconnected. Recognizing these triggers can help manage symptoms effectively and guide treatment tailored to individual needs.
Dry Eye Diagnosis: A Thorough Evaluation In Hamden
Treating dry eye isn’t just about masking the symptoms—it’s about addressing the root cause. A personalized approach, tailored to your specific diagnosis, often combines lifestyle changes, targeted therapies, and ongoing care.
Dry Eye Treatment: Finding the Right Solution
Treating dry eye isn’t just about masking the symptoms—it’s about addressing the root cause. A personalized approach, tailored to your specific diagnosis, often combines lifestyle changes, targeted therapies, and ongoing care.
A Tailored Approach for Each Patient
Ultimately, only a thorough dry eye evaluation can determine the best treatment plan for your specific needs. With the right combination of therapies, dry eye doesn’t have to dictate your daily life—it can be managed effectively, allowing you to get back to seeing and feeling your best.
Relief for Dry Eye Starts Here in Hamden
If you’re experiencing symptoms of dry eye, such as irritation, redness, or blurry vision, expert care is just a call away. At ReFocus Eye Health in Hamden, Dr. Margaret E. Moore and Dr. Sarah Burens specialize in diagnosing and managing dry eye disease, offering advanced treatments to restore comfort and improve your eye health.
Our team understands that every case is unique, which is why we provide personalized solutions—from prescription therapies to in-office treatments—to help you find long-term relief. Serving patients in Hamden, North Haven, New Haven, and Wallingford, we are committed to helping you see and feel your best.
Take the first step toward healthier, more comfortable eyes today.
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