Dry eye refers to a condition where the eyes do not receive adequate lubrication due to insufficient tear production, poor tear quality, or rapid tear evaporation. It can lead to discomfort, a gritty or scratchy sensation, burning or stinging, redness, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision. If left untreated, severe dry eye can potentially damage the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye.
To diagnose dry eye, various tests and procedures can be used. A comprehensive eye exam, which includes a thorough history of your overall health and eye health, can help determine the underlying cause of dry eyes. Additionally, the following tests may be performed:
- Tear volume measurement: The Schirmer tear test involves placing blotting strips of paper under the lower eyelids to measure the amount of strip soaked by tears after five minutes. Another option is the phenol red thread test, which uses a thread filled with a pH-sensitive dye to measure tear volume.
- Tear quality assessment: Special dyes in eye drops can be used to assess the surface condition of the eyes. The eye care specialist examines staining patterns on the corneas and measures how long it takes for tears to evaporate.
- Tear osmolarity test: This test measures the composition of particles and water in the tears to determine if there is a reduced water content associated with dry eye disease.
- Tear samples: Tear samples can be examined for markers of dry eye disease, such as elevated matrix metalloproteinase-9 or decreased lactoferrin.
The treatment for dry eye depends on the severity and underlying cause of the condition. For individuals with occasional or mild symptoms, regular use of nonprescription artificial tears (eye drops) may be sufficient. These eye drops can provide temporary relief by lubricating the eyes and relieving dryness. Over-the-counter moisturizing gels and ointments are also available for more significant dry eye symptoms.
If the symptoms persist or are more severe, various treatment options are available:
- Punctal plugs: These tiny silicone plugs can be inserted into the openings of the tear ducts to help conserve tears by reducing drainage from the eyes.
- Treating underlying causes: If an underlying health issue or medication is causing dry eyes, addressing and managing that condition or changing the medication may help alleviate symptoms.
- Prescription medications: Depending on the specific situation, eye care specialists may prescribe medications to reduce eyelid inflammation or control cornea inflammation. These medications can include antibiotics, immune-suppressing eye drops containing cyclosporine, or corticosteroids.
- Eye inserts: In cases of moderate to severe dry eye symptoms unresponsive to artificial tears, a hydroxypropyl cellulose insert (Lacrisert) can be placed between the lower eyelid and eyeball. The insert dissolves slowly, releasing a substance that helps lubricate the eyes.
In addition to these treatments, lifestyle changes can also help manage dry eye symptoms. These include avoiding smoke, wind, and air conditioning; using a humidifier to keep the air moist; limiting screen time and taking breaks from screens; wearing wraparound sunglasses outdoors; staying hydrated by drinking enough water; and getting sufficient sleep.
It's important to consult with an eye care specialist for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan for dry eye, as individual cases may vary. Ongoing research is also being conducted to better understand the causes of dry eye and develop improved treatment options.
Eye Specialist In Ghatkopar, Mumbai
Soft-spoken, compassionate, and an intellectual man, Dr. Ashar trained at the prestigious ‘All India Institute of Medical Sciences’, New Delhi; one of Asia’s best! After his post-graduation, he completed his fellowship in Cornea and Anterior Segment from the world-renowned L. V. Prasad Eye Institute. Later on, he was appointed as the prominent cornea consultant at the ‘New Tertiary Care Center’ at the same institute.
Our remarkable sensitivity to patient's needs and providing the warmth of compassionate healing makes us stand apart. Technology is mandatory for high standards of care and Mumbai Eye Care understands that. We use only the latest technology and best-in-class equipment throughout the hospital.
His areas of expertise are Lamellar Keratoplasty, Pediatric Keratoplasties, and Laser LASIK Surgery. He has gifted sight to many who could not see due to corneal pathologies by performing Corneal Transplantation.
His knowledge and proficiency have positioned MEC amongst the ‘Best Eye Care Centres’ providing quality eye care with new technology, the latest surgical techniques, and the most advanced machines catering to a variety of eye diseases under one roof.
He has vast experience in using multifocal lenses such as trifocal and bifocal lenses and also performed cataract surgeries on children at Mumbai eye care hospital in Ghatkopar.
Dr. Jatin specializes in cornea transplant surgeries and he has performed a very high number of cornea surgeries such as full-thickness cornea surgery or penetrating keratoplasty, layer-by-layer cornea transplants such as Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) and the latest type of cornea surgery that is sutureless cornea transplant or Descemet’s membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) and launched state of the art eye clinic for cornea surgeries in Ghatkopar.
He also trains other doctors from India and abroad in performing cornea transplant surgeries and also has a very high success rate of cornea transplant surgery.
Dr. Jatis is a medical director of an eye bank at Thane and an eye clinic at Ghatkopar and he is among the top cornea eye surgeon doctors in India.
Dr. Jatin performed many laser vision correction surgeries for spectacle/ glass number removal such as LASIK, LASEK, PRK, PTK, and SMILE, and also launched a state-of-the-art eye hospital for LASIK in Ghatkopar. His patients say that he is among the best eye doctor for LASIK.
For patients who cannot undergo LASIK, he also is an expert at performing ICL, and IPCL surgery.
In October 2013- Dr. Jatin Ashar Started Perfect Vision LASIK Centre, a state-of-the-art LASIK Clinic in Ghatkopar East, Mumbai.
Merged Mumbai Eye Care Cornea and LASIK Centre and Perfect Vision LASIK Centre and shifted to a state-of-the-art facility with expansion in clinical services and created Mumbai Eye Care-Multispeciality Eye Hospital in Ghatkopar East at Vikrant Circle in January 2016.
Launched an OPD Clinic at Chandivali, Powai, a state-of-the-art Eye Clinic in Powai in August 2017.
In Sep 2019- Started the second OPD Clinic at Ghatkopar West, a state-of-the-art Eye Clinic in Ghatkopar West.
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