Dry eye is a prevalent condition that can significantly impact your quality of life. It occurs when your eyes cannot produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly. This leads to a range of uncomfortable symptoms, such as irritation, burning, stinging, and blurry vision. Before you visit Broadway Eye Clinic in Salt Lake City, UT, for care, learn about the different types of dry eye below:

Main Types of Dry Eye

There are two main types of dry eye: aqueous deficient dry eye and evaporative dry eye.

•           Aqueous deficient dry eye: This type arises when your lacrimal glands, which are located near the upper outer corner of your eye, don't produce enough tears. It can be caused by aging, certain medications, or underlying medical conditions like Sjögren's syndrome.

•           Evaporative dry eye: Evaporative dry eye occurs when your tears evaporate too quickly due to problems with the oil glands in your eyelids. These glands produce an oily layer that helps trap tears on the surface of your eye. Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a common cause of evaporative dry eye.

Mixed Dry Eye and the Importance of a Diagnosis

Some individuals may experience a combination of both aqueous deficient and evaporative dry eye, which is known as mixed dry eye. A comprehensive eye exam from our optometrists is essential to determine the specific type of dry eye you have and recommend the most effective treatment plan.

Treatments

There are various treatments available for dry eyes. Artificial tears, prescription medications, and in-office procedures like intense pulsed light therapy can all be used to manage dry eye symptoms and improve tear quality. We also have an eye spa that offers specific treatments designed to target dry eye and provide relief.

Contact Broadway Eye Clinic for an Appointment Today

If you experience persistent dry eye symptoms, our team at Broadway Eye Clinic in Salt Lake City, UT, can help. With personalized care, we can relieve your discomfort and improve your overall health. To learn more about our treatments or to schedule an appointment, call us at (801) 322-0467 today. When you need an optometrist near me, we are happy to assist you!