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Dry Eye Care for Lasting Relief in New Jersey

Dry eye is a common but often overlooked eye condition that affects millions, yet few seek the care they need for effective relief. If you experience persistent dryness, irritation, or discomfort in your eyes, you might be suffering from dry eye syndrome. At Associated Eye Physicians & Surgeons of New Jersey, we can help you find lasting comfort and relief.

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Understanding Dry Eye and Its Types

Dry eye occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to insufficient moisture on the eye’s surface. Tears are crucial for maintaining healthy eyes and clear vision, as they provide lubrication, nourishment, and protection.

There are two main types of dry eye:

  1. Aqueous Deficiency Dry Eye: This type occurs when the tear glands fail to produce enough of the watery component of tears, resulting in dry and irritated eyes.
  2. Evaporative Dry Eye: This type is more common and occurs when the oily layer of tears is insufficient, causing tears to evaporate too quickly. This can happen due to blocked meibomian glands or environmental factors.

How Do You Know If You Have Dry Eye?

Dry eye symptoms can vary in severity, but some of the most common signs include:

  • Dryness or grittiness
  • Redness and irritation
  • Excessive tearing
  • Blurred vision
  • Light sensitivity
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Burning sensation

Common Causes of Dry Eye

Several factors can contribute to dry eye, and understanding the root cause is essential for effective treatment. Common causes include:

arrow-circle-right-3 arrow-circle-right-3-light Age

As we age, tear production tends to decrease, making dry eye more prevalent in older adults.

arrow-circle-right-3 arrow-circle-right-3-light Environmental factors

Wind, smoke, dry climates, and air conditioning can contribute to dry eye by causing tears to evaporate quickly.

arrow-circle-right-3 arrow-circle-right-3-light Screen time

Prolonged use of digital devices reduces blink rate, which can lead to evaporative dry eye.

arrow-circle-right-3 arrow-circle-right-3-light Medications

Certain medications, such as antihistamines, blood pressure drugs, and antidepressants, can reduce tear production.

arrow-circle-right-3 arrow-circle-right-3-light Medical conditions

Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid disorders can increase the risk of dry eye.

arrow-circle-right-3 arrow-circle-right-3-light Contact lenses

Wearing contact lenses for extended periods can also contribute to dry eye symptoms.

Diagnosing Dry Eye for Effective Treatment

Our approach to dry eye starts with a comprehensive evaluation to determine the underlying cause. Our specialists use a combination of advanced diagnostic tools and techniques to pinpoint the type and severity of dry eye, including:

  • TearLab Osmolarity Testing: This test measures the concentration of tears to determine the severity of dry eye.
  • Meibomian Gland Evaluation: We assess the health of the meibomian glands to determine if blocked glands are contributing to evaporative dry eye.
  • Comprehensive Eye Examination: A thorough eye exam allows us to evaluate the surface of your eyes and the quality of your tears.

By accurately diagnosing the root cause of your dry eye, we can create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Dry Eye Treatments at Associated Eye Physicians & Surgeons of New Jersey

We provide a range of dry eye treatments designed to address the symptoms and the underlying cause of dry eye. Our team of experts, including Dr. Taj G. Khan, Dr. Jacob Gredzik, Dr. Amanda Gredzik, Dr. Michael Gredzik, and Dr. Hira Javeed, offer the following treatments:

  1. Amniotic Membrane Placement: This treatment involves placing a specialized amniotic membrane on the eye to promote healing and reduce inflammation. It is particularly effective for severe cases of dry eye.
  2. Punctal Plugs: These tiny plugs are inserted into the tear ducts to prevent tears from draining too quickly, allowing for better moisture retention and improved eye comfort.

Our comprehensive approach ensures each patient receives the right combination of treatments for long-lasting relief and improved quality of life.

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For urgent eye issues or emergencies, Associated Eye Physicians & Surgeons strongly recommends calling a location nearest to you. Emergency eye care may constitute any of the following: 1. vision loss; 2. different size pupils; 3. double vision; 4. bleeding from the eye; 5. Swelling; 6. eye pain that doesn't lessen on its own; and/ or 7. eye pain accompanied by a headache. If you experience any of the following issues above, we recommend that you seek immediate medical attention.

For after-hour eye emergencies, please visit your local ER or Urgent Care Center, or dial 911.

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