Dry Eye Testing & Treatment at Harrel Eyecare
Itchy, scratchy eyes are not something to be ignored. At Harrel Eyecare, we recommend comprehensive dry eye testing and treatment to protect your vision and maintain your overall health. Dr. Harrel and his partners treat many patients with dry eyes effectively using the latest technology and solutions. When you visit our team, you will get a comprehensive exam that helps you find answers to the cause of your dry eyes, but also offers treatment you can rely on.
Dry Eye Testing by Our Eye Doctor in Tulsa
When you visit our eye doctor in Tulsa, our first step is to conduct a comprehensive eye exam. This procedure will include gathering information about your eye and vision history and overall health. We will then talk about the symptoms you have. We offer several other, more complete tests to determine your dry eye cause.
Tear Volume Measurement – One of the first steps we will take is to conduct a test, called the Schirmer test, to learn more about the volume of tears your eyes produce. We use blotting strips of paper placed under the lower portion of your eyelids. We will then measure the amount of fluid absorbed after five minutes.
Quality of Tears – Next, we want to learn more about the surface condition of the eyes. This test uses eyedrops. It provides your eye doctor with a staining of the eyes on the corneas. After staining the eyes, we watch and wait for your tears to evaporate.
Dry Eye Treatment
A number of options are available for dry eye treatment. Each of our patients will receive more information about the treatment we believe is right for you when you come in for your appointment. Some of the options we may offer include:
- Medications to treat and reduce any inflammation of the eyelid
- Medications to control inflammation of the cornea
- Medications that help stimulate the production of tears such as pilocarpine or cevimeline
- Eyedrops uniquely made using your blood
We may also recommend surgical or near invasive procedures to some patients. This may include the use of special contact lenses, procedures to close the tear ducts to reduce teardrop loss, and unblocking oil glands. Punctal plugs are another option. Also called a tear duct plug, this medical device sits in the tear duct to block it and prevents drainage from the eye.
We also offer MiBoFlo Thermoflo. This is one of the most advanced treatments for dry eyes. It is a therapeutic device that uses a heat pump that is FDA approved. This device works to gently massage the eyelids and the glands, called the Meibomian glands. Previously, many eye doctors would encourage patients to use a warm compress to achieve somewhat similar results. This treatment uses a warm back and forth pressure to improve the function of the glands. This ultimately helps to increase lipid oil production, which improves dry eye symptoms significantly. If you have Meibomian gland dysfunction, a condition we can diagnose in many patients with dry eyes, this treatment can work well for you.
Contact Our Eye Doctor in Tulsa for an Appointment Today
Whether you need dry eye testing or dry eye treatment, our eye doctor in Tulsa offers the supportive services and most advanced treatment options available. Call Harrel Eyecare to schedule an appointment. Even if you are unsure if you have dry eyes, our team can work with you to diagnose, treat, and sometimes prevent this condition. Call (918) 745-9662 today.