If you’re experiencing dry, irritated, or watery eyes, you’re not alone. Dry Eye Disease (DED) is one of the most common conditions treated by eye care professionals, impacting nearly 30% of Canadians over the age of 50, and many younger adults as well[1]. Despite its prevalence, DED often goes undiagnosed, especially when patients don’t realize their symptoms are related to a medical condition.
Being proactive and informed during your eye exam can make all the difference. This guide will help you understand what questions to ask your eye doctor about dry eye, so you can take control of your eye health and receive the best care possible.
Dry Eye Disease occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or produce poor quality tears, which in turn leads to discomfort and potential vision problems. DED can be experienced as either one or the other of two primary types – aqueous deficient dry eye (ADDE) and evaporative dry eye (EDE) – or as a combination of both. The two types have different causes and require different kinds of management and treatment.
Common signs and symptoms of dry eye include a stinging, burning, or scratching sensation in the eyes, light sensitivity, redness, watering eyes, and blurred vision. These symptoms can significantly impact daily life, from reading to driving to making it difficult to wear contact lenses. Left untreated, dry eye can worsen over time and lead to complications like corneal damage, inflammation, and decreased quality of life[2].
Before visiting your optometrist about dry eye, being prepared can help your doctor make an accurate diagnosis. Here’s how to get the most out of your appointment:
Bringing this information can help your eye doctor determine whether you need further testing or referral to a dry eye specialist.
Being proactive about your dry eye care starts with asking the right questions. These are the top 6 questions to ask your eye doctor about dry eye, whether you’re new to the condition or seeking better symptom management.
1. Are these dry eye symptoms, what is causing them, and how will you diagnose?
Dry eye can have multiple causes, from aging and hormonal changes to screen time, environmental factors, or underlying health issues. Your eye doctor may use specialized tools to assess tear quality, production, and ocular surface health to determine the root cause.
2. How severe is my condition, and what management options are available?
Dry eye is a spectrum. Your doctor should explain whether your condition is mild, moderate, or severe, and recommend a personalized treatment plan based on the kind of dry eye you experience[3].
Options may include:
Eyelid hygiene routines
In-office treatments like IRPL®
3. Can my lifestyle or habits be making my dry eyes worse?
Your lifestyle matters when it comes to dry eye. One of the most common dry eye risk factors is prolonged screen use, which reduces blink rate, contributing to evaporative dry eye[4]. Other factors include low-humidity environments, smoking, and poor sleep[5].
Your eye doctor can help by recommending ways to protect your eyes throughout the day. Some suggestions may include:
4. How often should I follow up to monitor my dry eye?
Dry eye is often a chronic condition that requires monitoring and adjustments. Your doctor might recommend follow-up every few months, especially if starting new treatments or if your condition is moderate to severe. Ideally, your doctor should provide a structured plan to manage and track your condition.
5. Could my dry eye be related to another condition?
Dry Eye is often associated with other health conditions, including:
Being aware of these potential causes can help ensure you notice the symptoms of any related conditions that may be a contributing factor to your dry eye, and it can guide additional testing or referrals.
6. Can I wear contact lenses or get LASIK if I have dry eyes?
Dry eye symptoms from wearing contact lenses are common. Your doctor can advise on lens type, wear schedule, and contact lens-compatible drops. If you’re considering LASIK or cataract surgery, know that dry eye after these procedures is a common post-op complication. Ask about pre-surgical dry eye screening and management.
If you’ve been living with dry, uncomfortable eyes, it’s time to speak up. Knowing what to ask during your eye exam and having a game plan empowers you to take control of your symptoms and enables your eye doctor to set you on the right track towards long-term relief.
Think you might have dry eyes?
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