Dry Eyes

Marano Eye Care

Ophthalmology & Cataract & Corneal Surgeons located in Denville, NJ, Livingston, NJ & Newark, NJ

More than four million Americans live with chronic dry eye—a common yet uncomfortable condition that can make everyday activities like driving, using a computer, or exercising difficult and uncomfortable.

At Marano Eye Care, our experienced team, led by Matthew Marano Jr., MD, and Edward Decker, MD, provides comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for dry eye in both adults and teens.

Schedule your appointment today at our Denville, Livingston, or Newark, New Jersey offices. Call to speak with our staff.

Dry Eyes Q & A

What are dry eyes?

Dry eye is a common ocular health problem that occurs when your tear ducts don’t produce enough lubrication or your tears evaporate too quickly. Over time, this causes your eyes to sting and burn and makes it difficult to see. When the front surface of the eye, the cornea, is dry, it becomes rough. If you think of the eye like a camera, this is like trying to look through a roughed up lens.

Almost everyone experiences dry eyes on occasion, but if your symptoms persist for weeks or even months, it may point to a more serious underlying condition.

What are the symptoms of dry eyes?

Common symptoms of dry eyes include:

Itchy, dry, or irritated eyes
Sensitivity to light
Red or pink eyes
Difficulty wearing contact lenses
Blurred vision
Eye fatigue
The feeling that something’s stuck in your eye

As dry eyes get worse, you might also find it difficult to drive at night.

What causes dry eyes?

Dry eyes occur for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common causes include the natural aging process, certain medical conditions, and eye allergies. You’re also more likely to experience dry eyes if you take prescription medication, have eyelid problems, or you have a vitamin A deficiency.

Is there any way to prevent dry eyes?

There’s no way to prevent dry eyes entirely, but you can significantly lower your risk. The team at Marano Eye Care recommends:

Increasing moisture levels with a humidifier
Taking frequent breaks when staring at a computer or TV screen
Quitting smoking
Using eye drops or artificial tears
Keeping air out of your eyes

If you regularly experience dry eyes, you might also benefit from wearing wraparound sunglasses or other types of protective eyewear whenever you go outside.

How are dry eyes diagnosed?

To diagnose dry eyes, the team at Marano Eye Care reviews your medical history, asks about your symptoms and lifestyle, and conducts a comprehensive eye exam. If these measures don’t provide enough information, they might also order additional tests to measure the quality or volume of your tears.

How are dry eyes treated?

Treatment for dry eyes depends on the underlying cause, the severity of your symptoms, and their effect on your quality of life. The team at Marano Eye Care offers several types of dry eye treatment, including prescription eye drops, extended, short-term, and silicone punctal plugs, and LipiFlow®.

LipiFlow is an advanced treatment device that combines heat with physical massage to eliminate tear duct blockages. The procedure is quick, pain-free, and provides near-instant results.

To receive treatment for dry eyes, request a consultation at Marano Eye Care. Call the nearest location to speak with a member of the administrative staff or book online today.