Understanding Our Dry Eye Screening Process at Komoka Optometry

Understanding Our Dry Eye Screening Process at Komoka Optometry

Understanding Our Dry Eye Screening Process at Komoka Optometry

Dry eyes can be more than just a minor irritation; they can significantly impact your quality of life, making everyday tasks like reading, working on a computer, or even watching TV uncomfortable. At Komoka Optometry, we are committed to providing comprehensive care to ensure your eyes stay healthy and comfortable. One way we achieve this is through our advanced dry eye screening process. 

What is Dry Eye Disease?

Dry Eye Disease occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Symptoms can range from dryness, irritation, and redness to more severe discomfort and blurred vision. Sometimes individuals experience no symptoms at all or their symptoms become exacerbated in certain seasons. It’s a common condition that can affect anyone, but it is especially prevalent among older adults, contact lens wearers, and individuals who spend a lot of time on digital devices. At Komoka Optometry, we screen each patient for dry eye disease as part of our comprehensive eye exam using several diagnostic tools.

SPEED (STANDARD PATIENT EVALUATION OF EYE DRYNESS)

At the start of each appointment, we use the SPEED (Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness) Questionnaire to track the progression of dry eye symptoms over time. You will receive a score from 0-28 that will give us an idea about how mild to severe your dry eye disease is. This is a fantastic tool to track changes in your symptoms throughout the years. Find out what your SPEED score is now by following this link: Take the SPEED Questionnaire

MYAH

Komoka Optometry is proud to have several state-of-the-art technological devices to best assess the health of our patients’ eyes. The MYAH is one of these devices and is used to analyze your tear film through four different tests: tracking your blinking rate, measuring your tear meniscus height, evaluating your tear break up time (how quickly your tears evaporate after each blink), and imaging your meibomian glands. Through the data this machine provides, our skilled optometrists evaluate the results to provide an accurate diagnosis and prescribe a treatment plan.

INFLAMMADRY® TESTING

InflammaDry® is the first and only rapid, in-office test that detects MMP-9, an inflammatory marker that is consistently elevated in the tears of patients with dry eye disease. Our ocular hygienists will gently collect a sample of your tears which are tested for this inflammatory marker. This test accurately identifies the presence of inflammation, allowing our optometrists to further tailor your treatment plan to address this component of your dry eye disease.

PERSONALIZED TREATMENT PLANS

Based on the results of these tests, our optometrists will develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This plan typically includes a combination of in-office treatments and home therapies. Our dry eye consultants will thoroughly review your plan with you, ensuring you understand all aspects and have the opportunity to ask any questions.

It’s a common misconception that eye drops are the only way to alleviate dry eye symptoms. At Komoka Optometry, we offer a variety of at-home therapies, including warm compress masks, antimicrobial eyelid wipes, and high-quality omega-3 vitamins. Our in-office treatments target the underlying causes of dry eye disease, such as inflammation and blocked meibomian glands, to provide comprehensive and effective relief.

WE CARE ABOUT YOUR EYE HEALTH

We are dedicated to the health and comfort of your eyes. Our team will support you throughout your eye care journey, offering follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and ensure you receive the best possible treatment. We’ll be with you every step of the way, adjusting your care plan as needed to achieve optimal results.

Why Choose Komoka Optometry for Dry Eye Care?

At Komoka Optometry, we are dedicated to providing the highest level of care for our patients. Our advanced technology and skilled team allows us to offer a comprehensive and precise diagnosis of dry eye disease, ensuring that you receive the most effective treatment possible. If you are experiencing symptoms of dry eye, don’t wait to seek help. Schedule an appointment with us today and take the first step towards healthier, more comfortable eyes.