Dry Eye Disease (DED) occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough quality tears to keep the surface of your eyes comfortably lubricated. It’s a chronic and often progressive condition that can lead to significant discomfort and even vision problems if left untreated.
At Shore Family Eye Care, we understand that dry eye isn’t just an annoyance—it’s a real condition that impacts your ability to read, work, drive, and enjoy life comfortably. That’s why we offer comprehensive diagnosis and treatment tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
Common Symptoms of Dry Eye
Not sure if you have dry eyes? Here are some of the most frequently reported symptoms:
- Gritty, burning, or stinging sensation in the eyes
- Redness and irritation
- Excessive tearing (yes—your eyes can water from dryness!)
- Sensitivity to wind or dry indoor air
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Eye fatigue, especially after screen use or reading
- A feeling like something is "in" the eye
These symptoms can vary in severity from day to day, and they may worsen with prolonged screen time, dry weather, or certain medications.
What Causes Dry Eye?
Dry eye has many potential causes. Some of the most common include:
- Age: Tear production naturally decreases as we get older
- Hormonal changes: Especially in women during menopause
- Medications: Antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure meds can reduce tear production
- Environmental factors: Wind, heating, air conditioning, and screen use
- Contact lens wear: Long-term use can disrupt the tear film
- Underlying health conditions: Autoimmune diseases like Sjögren’s syndrome
At Shore Family Eye Care, we take a holistic approach to understanding the root cause of your symptoms before recommending a treatment plan
How We Diagnose Dry Eye
We use a range of tools and techniques to assess your tear quality, quantity, and eye surface health. These may include:
- Tear film break-up time (TBUT)
- Schirmer's test (tear production measurement)
- Ocular surface staining
- Meibomian gland evaluation
Through these non-invasive tests, we can determine what type of dry eye you have—aqueous-deficient, evaporative, or a mix of both—and recommend the most effective therapies.
Our Treatment Options
Dry eye treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Depending on your test results and symptoms, your care plan may include:
- Artificial tears or lubricating eye drops
- Prescription anti-inflammatory drops
- Punctal plugs to retain natural tears
- Nutritional support (Omega-3s and hydration)
- Lid hygiene routines and warm compresses
- Meibomian gland expression to relieve blocked oil glands
- Environmental or behavioral changes (e.g., screen breaks, humidifiers)
We’ll also coach you on preventive habits that make a lasting difference in your daily comfort.
Why Choose Shore Family Eye Care?
We don’t just treat symptoms—we treat patients. Our team takes the time to listen, evaluate, and tailor care that actually works for your eyes. With a strong focus on complex eye conditions and low vision, we bring an elevated level of care to every dry eye evaluation.
Book Your Dry Eye Evaluation Today
If your eyes feel tired, irritated, or dry more often than not, it’s time to find lasting relief. At Shore Family Eye Care, we’re here to help you enjoy clear, comfortable vision again.
Schedule your appointment in Manasquan today.