Tear Insufficiency

What is Dry Eye?

Dry eye is a common condition that occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead to discomfort, irritation, and vision problems. Various factors contribute to dry eye, including environmental conditions, hormonal changes, certain medications, and underlying conditions like meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and blepharitis.

The Role of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) and Blepharitis

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) affects the tiny glands in your eyelids that produce the oily layer of your tears. When these glands become blocked or do not function properly, tears evaporate too quickly, leading to dryness and irritation.
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids that causes redness, itching, and a gritty sensation in the eyes. Both MGD and blepharitis interfere with the tear film’s ability to properly lubricate the eyes, worsening dry eye symptoms.

What is Tear Insufficiency?

Tear insufficiency is a chronic condition that can cause either a decrease of tear production or an increase of tear evaporation. For many people, tear insufficiency symptoms can be caused by not blinking appropriately. This can cause the lubricating oil (called meibum) in your eyelid glands to harden which affects your eye’s ability to produce the oil and spread it across the eye consistently.

Tear insufficiency affects about 30 million Americans and 35% of all eye patients suffer from some level of tear insufficiency. About 75% of people over the age of 65 have the disease as well.

Dry Eye can have a major impact on your quality of life. You may find your eyes get tired faster or you have difficulty reading. Not to mention the discomfort of a burning sensation or blurry vision. Let’s take a look at dry eye treatments – from simple self-care to innovative prescriptions and therapies – to help you see clearly and comfortably.

Impact on Daily Life

Dry eye and tear insufficiency can significantly affect quality of life, leading to:

Eye fatigue – Difficulty reading or using screens for extended periods
Burning or stinging – Uncomfortable sensations, especially in dry environments
Blurry vision – Vision fluctuations throughout the day
Excessive tearing – Reflex tearing when the eyes overcompensate for dryness

How We Diagnose Tear Insufficiency

A comprehensive tear evaluation helps us determine the best treatment for your specific condition. Our process includes:

Initial Screening

We begin with a patient questionnaire, such as the SPEED (Standardized Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness) questionnaire, to track your symptoms over time.

Advanced Diagnostic Testing

We use state-of-the-art technology to assess tear health, including:

Ocular photography and computer-graded tear analysis to evaluate tear volume and stability
Blink testing to detect incomplete or infrequent blinking patterns
Ocular staining to highlight dry spots on the eye’s surface
Infrared meibography to assess the health of the meibomian glands before and after treatment

Important Preparation: To ensure accuracy, please avoid wearing contact lenses or using eye drops for at least two hours before your appointment.

Comprehensive Eye Health History

We also assess potential contributing factors, such as:

Blepharitis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Acne rosacea
Allergic conjunctivitis
Medications (e.g., antihistamines, anxiety medications)
Hormonal changes (perimenopause)
Lagophthalmos (incomplete eyelid closure)
Epithelial basement membrane dystrophy

Personalized Treatment Plans

At Wyoming Eye Spa, we specialize in customized treatment plans tailored to your specific type of dry eye or tear insufficiency. From self-care solutions to advanced medical treatments, we are committed to helping you see clearly and comfortably.

If you're experiencing dry eye symptoms, schedule a consultation today to find relief.