The Dry Eye Institute

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye is a common condition in which the eyes burn and sting due to tear film instability. Dry eye affects approximately 6-8% of all people over the age of 50 and can be worsened by prolonged visual activity such as computer use or reading. Recent research has suggested that there are at least four major sub-types of dry eye, with the major difference being whether there is a "watery layer" deficiency or an "oil layer" problem. This understanding has focused the diagnostic approach so that more individualized and effective treatments can be prescribed.

The Dry Eye Institute at the Eye Care Center specializes in advanced diagnosis and management of dry eye. We use novel, custom instrumentation to evaluate the tear film and associated anterior eye changes. The result of this in-depth testing is a prescribed course of treatment for your dry eye that is tailored to your specific need. Subsequent management of your condition can be provided by us at the Dry Eye Institute of the Eye Care Center, or in collaboration with your referring practitioner.

This device can measure tear
stability non-invasively.
Tear stability is compromised
to varying degrees in
dry eye conditions.
Click on photos below for larger view

Diagnostic dyes such as sodium
fluorescein are used to identify corneal
compromise due to dry eye. In this case, the
abrasion is at a moderate level (Grade 3).

Rose bengal, a purple dye, is used to identify areas of missing mucin, an important component of a healthy ocular surface.