NECO Center for Eye Care addresses ocular surface disease and dry eye through a comprehensive approach, including identifying the underlying causes and providing personalized treatment plans. Our doctors are committed to staying at the forefront of new treatment strategies for patients with ocular surface disease or dry eye. Staying current on ocular surface disease is essential as our doctors also provide dry eye lecturing and teaching to NECO students throughout their education. 

Ocular surface disease is one of the most common reasons patients schedule an eye examination. Symptoms associated with ocular surface disease include a foreign body sensation, tearing, burning, blurred vision, and itching. The cause of ocular surface disease can be multifactorial, requiring an individualized treatment approach for each patient. A part of your evaluation includes a better understanding of your systemic and ocular health, as specific conditions can also contribute to ocular surface disease.

The tear layer of your eye is critical to eye health and provides a constant lubricating film to help keep the eye’s surface smooth and clear. Each component of our tear layer is essential for healthy vision and eyes. When ocular surface disease is left untreated, a poor or inadequate tear layer can damage the cornea. Doctors at NECO Center for Eye Care evaluate each layer of a patient’s tear film to ensure proper structure and function and employ various treatments for ocular surface disease. 

Treatments may include artificial tears, prescription eye drops, punctal plugs to conserve tears, and recommendations for lifestyle changes to manage symptoms. We also offer advanced in-office treatments like iLUX® thermal Meibomian Gland expression and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) for ocular surface inflammation.

How is dry eye diagnosed?
Your optometrist will use a combination of examination techniques, diagnostic imaging, a detailed history of your condition, and a review of your medications and lifestyle to determine factors that can contribute to dry eyes.

You may be more at risk of dry eye if you:

• Work in a setting that requires heavy use of digital screens
• Wear contact lenses
• Experience  seasonal or chronic allergies
• Were assigned female at birth
• Are older than 50 years of age
• Are taking certain medications that may impact tear production
• Have known issues with the structure of your eyelid
• Have certain autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Have had or plan to have eye surgery such as refractive (LASIK) or cataract surgery

Dry eye is a common and chronic condition that has become increasingly prevalent with the rise of digital device use. Our dedicated team of optometrists offers a variety of treatments for dry eye relief. Whether you experience occasional dryness or deal with it daily, our doctors will screen for this condition as part of your routine eye care and may recommend that you schedule a more in-depth evaluation at our clinic.

What causes a dry eye condition?
Dry eye is a chronic condition that occurs when the tear layer that protects the front surface of the eye is compromised. This condition often results from decreased tear production, increased tear evaporation, or an imbalance in tear composition, which can result from age, genetics, screen use, or a number of other factors.