Dry Eye - St. Paul Eye Clinic

Experience Relief

Irritation, excessive tearing, and dry eyes are among the most common complaints heard by eye specialists. St. Paul Eye Clinic can diagnose dry eye through a comprehensive eye examination, where we measure, test, and evaluate the quantity and quality of tears produced by the eye. Voted Minnesota’s Best Eye Doctor in the StarTribune's Minnesota's Best Awards, we use state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to look for damaged cells and dry spots on the surface of your cornea.

What To Expect During Your Procedure

Your doctor at St. Paul Eye Clinic can usually diagnose dry eye by examining your eyes or running tests for dry eye.

Treatment of dry eyes usually begins with artificial tear drops. In certain cases your doctor may prescribe eye drops or conserve your tears by closing your tear drainage channels with punctal plugs or by using thermal cautery.

St. Paul Eye Clinic offers a variety of over the counter relief at our clinics, including Dry eye vitamins, lid care items including lid scrubs, lid cleaners, and masks to help soothe the symptoms of dry eye.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the symptoms of dry eye?

Those affected by dry eye experience uncomfortable sensations. Symptoms include eyes that burn or feel gritty, itchy, or sticky. You might also experience blurred vision with prolonged reading or computer work.

Having dry eye also makes you more sensitive to environmental changes, such as wind, poor air quality, low humidity, and air conditioning. In addition, allergies and certain drugs, like antihistamines and oral contraceptives, contribute to dry eye.

What are the contributing factors to dry eye?

Age: The risk of dry eye increases with age
Medications: A variety of medications, including blood pressure medications, antihistamines, and psychiatric medications, can reduce the ability to produce tears.
Eye Conditions: Certain medical conditions can cause dry eye or even a production of excess tears.
Environmental Conditions: Factors such as the weather, usually windy or low-humidity climates, promote dry eye.

How to diagnose dry eye

St. Paul Eye Clinic can diagnose dry eye through a comprehensive eye examination, where we measure, test, and evaluate the quantity and quality of tears produced by the eye. We use state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to look for damaged cells and dry spots on the surface of your cornea.

We will also examine the position and function of your eyelids to make sure there are no problems with tear distribution. Many patients with dry eye can find welcome relief with artificial tears.

How to treat dry eye

St. Paul Eye Clinic will prescribe tear substitutes based on your individual needs. We also offer Restasis®, which is a safe, effective, FDA-approved medication that can increase tear production in chronic dry eye patients. In many cases, patients who have been unable to respond to other treatments have finally found welcome relief with Restasis.

Punctal plugs, which can be temporary or permanent, are another treatment option for patients with dry eye. After your comprehensive eye exam, we can determine if you’re a candidate for them. Punctal plugs are very small—about the size of a sesame seed—and are non-surgically inserted in just seconds right here at our office. Many patients report immediate relief from dry eye symptoms and can resume their normal activities.