Dry Eye Diagnosis & Treatment Cape Coral

There is no cure for dry eye syndrome, but proper diagnosis and treatment at Elmquist Eye Group in Cape Coral, Florida, can lead to the relief of your symptoms.

Since 1992, Elmquist Eye Group has provided quality eye care services in Fort Myers and Cape Coral.  Ophthalmologist, Dr. Yasaira Rodriguez, and optometrists Dr. Kate Wagner and Dr. Nina Burt, utilize the safest, most advanced techniques to protect, restore and enhance your vision.

Together we provide a full spectrum of eye care services, including comprehensive eye examinations and vision tests, diagnose and treat eye diseases, such as cataracts and glaucoma, identify health problems that can be detected in the eyes (i.e., diabetes and high blood pressure), and prescribe and dispense glasses and contact lenses.

Diagnosing Dry Eye Syndrome

Only a doctor can determine if you have dry eye syndrome. During a comprehensive eye exam at Elmquist Eye Group, we will discuss your symptoms and determine if dry eyes may be causing them. In some cases, we will do a special test to determine whether or not your eyes are making enough tears.

Treating Dry Eye Syndrome

Certain medications, such as antihistamines, blood pressure medications, diuretics, antidepressants and pain medications are often associated with symptoms of dry eyes. Consult your physician about changing medications to alternative ones that are not associated with dry eye.

Artificial tears and lubricating eye drops and gels (available over-the-counter) help provide moisture and lubrication to the surface of the eye and may alleviate mild dry eye symptoms. There are also certain prescription medications approved by the U.S. FDA that may help.

If you experience dry eyes mainly while reading or watching TV, it may help to take frequent breaks to allow your eyes to rest and become moist and comfortable again. Closing them every five to 10 minutes and blinking more often may also improve your comfort.

Dry eyes can also be caused by dry or windy environments, excessive sun exposure, air conditioning, or cigarette smoke. Sunglasses that wrap around the face and have wind-blocking side shields may reduce your symptoms in windy or dry conditions. Quitting smoking and limiting your exposure to secondhand smoke may also help.

In more severe cases, we may recommend autologous serum tears, formulated from your own blood serum. Another treatment method involves closing the ducts that drain tears out of the eye to help conserve your own tears or make artificial tears last longer.

Take advantage of dry eye treatment and diagnosis from the skilled eye care professionals at Elmquist Eye Group in Cape Coral. Get in touch with us at (239) 936-2020 for an evaluation.