Dry Eyes & Ocular Surface Health in New Jersey
Dry eyes can be more than a minor irritation—they can impact your daily life and overall eye health. At EyeCare Consultants of NJ, we specialize in diagnosing and treating dry eye syndrome and other ocular surface conditions with advanced technology and personalized care. Whether your symptoms are mild or severe, our goal is to restore comfort, protect your vision, and enhance your quality of life.
Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye disease is an eye condition that occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the water component in tears evaporates too quickly, resulting in discomfort and irritation. It’s pretty common and affects millions of people worldwide. Several factors contribute to dry eye disease, including aging, hormonal changes, certain medications, and environmental factors like air conditioning or dry climates.
Dry Eye Symptoms
Symptoms of dry eye disease vary for each person but can include:
- Dryness
- Buring
- Stinging
- Redness
- A feeling of grittiness or sand in the eyes
If left untreated, dry eye disease can lead to further complications, including corneal damage, secondary infections, and vision disturbances.
Are You Experiencing Dry Eye?
Take our Dry Eye Self-Test to find out if you are a candidate for dry eye treatments
Comprehensive Treatment for Dry Eye Disease
Effective management of dry eye disease requires a multifaceted approach tailored to each individual’s needs. Our treatment options include:
- Artificial Tears and Topical Lubricants: Over-the-counter or branded artificial tears help alleviate dryness and discomfort.
- Reducing Environmental Irritants: Minimizing exposure to irritants like smoke or dry air can help prevent symptom exacerbation.
- Prescription Medications: For more severe cases, prescription anti-inflammatory eye drops or nasal sprays may be recommended to address underlying inflammation and improve tear production.
- In-Office Procedures: Advanced therapies like TearCare target blocked meibomian glands, improving oil flow to the tears and restoring the eye’s natural moisture balance.
Maintaining good ocular surface health through regular eye exams, proper eyelid hygiene, staying hydrated, and consuming a diet rich in omega oils is essential for long-term relief and prevention.
Understanding Ocular Surface Health
Ocular surface health encompasses conditions that affect the eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea, and other parts of the eye. These include infections, inflammation, and degenerative diseases, which can lead to discomfort and vision problems if left untreated.
Factors influencing ocular surface conditions:
- Genetics: Some conditions have hereditary links.
- Immunity: Autoimmune disorders can impact the ocular surface.
- Injuries: Trauma to the eye can disrupt its delicate balance.
- Environmental Irritants: Pollution, smoke, and allergens often aggravate these conditions.
Expert Care at The Center for Ocular Surface Excellence (COSE-ECCNJ)
At EyeCare Consultants of NJ, we are proud to have developed one of the first centers on the East Coast dedicated to ocular surface health: The Center for Ocular Surface Excellence (COSE-ECCNJ).
Why Choose COSE-ECCNJ?
- A team-based approach to care
- Access to the latest therapies and technologies
- Expertise in treating even the most complex ocular surface conditions