You know the feeling—that gritty, scratchy sensation that makes you want to rub your eyes all day. Maybe your vision gets a little blurry after staring at a screen for too long, or maybe your eyes feel tired and irritated. These common experiences could be signs of an underlying issue that our team at Vision One Boise can help identify.
The only way to know for sure if you have dry eye is with a comprehensive eye exam. Unlike a basic vision screening, this medical evaluation looks at your entire visual system to determine the cause for your discomfort and determine the right way to find relief.
Common Signs & Symptoms of Dry Eye
Pay attention to how your eyes feel throughout the day, especially when you read, use a computer, or are in a windy environment. Common symptoms of dry eye disease include:
- A stinging, burning, or scratchy feeling
- Redness & irritation
- Sensitivity to light
- The feeling that something is in your eye
- Difficulty with nighttime driving
- Watery eyes—your body’s response to the irritation
- Blurred vision or eye fatigue
What Causes That Dry, Gritty Sensation?
Dry eye happens when your tears can’t provide the right amount of lubrication for your eyes. A thorough exam can help determine the root cause of your discomfort.
Not Enough Tears
Your eyes may not produce enough tears to stay properly moisturized. This can be related to age, certain medical conditions, or even environmental factors like the dry air in Boise.
Poor Tear Quality
Healthy tears are a specific mix of oil, water, and mucus. If this mixture is out of balance—for instance, if the glands that produce the oil are blocked—your tears can evaporate too quickly. This condition, known as meibomian gland dysfunction, is a leading reason for persistent dry eye symptoms.
When to Schedule an Eye Exam
If your symptoms are constant and interfere with daily activities like reading or working on a computer, it’s a good idea to schedule a visit with your optometrist. When left unaddressed, chronic dry eye can affect your vision and require more involved eye disease management.
Can You Test for Dry Eye at Home?
While you can track your symptoms at home, there isn’t a reliable self-test for dry eye. You might notice that your eyes feel worse after long periods of screen time or that you blink less often, but these are just clues. An accurate diagnosis requires a professional evaluation.
As your optometrist in Boise, we use modern tools to measure your tear production, check the evaporation rate, and assess your complete eye health. Digital eye exam technology provides a clear picture of what’s happening on the surface of your eye.
Professional Diagnosis & Treatment Options
Getting a professional diagnosis is the first step toward feeling better. The goal is to restore or maintain a normal amount of tears in your eyes, in order to increase comfort and protect your vision.
How a Doctor Diagnoses Dry Eye
A comprehensive eye exam for dry eye is more than a standard vision test. Your eye doctor will talk with you about your symptoms and health history. This exam may also include tests that assess your tear quality and quantity to pinpoint the underlying issue.
Your Path to Relief
Based on your diagnosis, we can develop a personalized dry eye therapy plan to help you find relief. This plan may include lubricating eye drops, lifestyle recommendations, or in-office procedures like OptiLight by Lumenis, designed to help your tear function and provide lasting comfort. You don’t have to let eye discomfort disrupt your life. Our team at Vision One Boise can help you understand your symptoms and find a solution. Request your comprehensive eye exam today to get started on your path to relief.
