What is tearing disorder and how can it be addressed?
- Posted on: Apr 15 2022
If you are tearing up more than usual, it might be a sign of tearing disorder. This condition can cause significant discomfort and can even lead to vision loss if not addressed. An ophthalmologist in Northbrook, IL can help diagnose and treat tearing disorder. Dr. Daniel Tresley is here to educate patients on tearing disorders, learning the symptoms and treatment options for this condition.
The various types of tearing disorders
There are a few different types of tearing disorders, and the most common is dry eye syndrome. This happens when the eyes don’t produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. Other causes of tearing disorder include:
- allergies
- inflammation
- infection
- chemical exposure
- contact lenses
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is a good idea to work with Dr. Daniel Tresley to discuss obtaining a proper diagnosis and speaking to a professional about your treatment options.
How tearing disorder is diagnosed
The diagnosis of tearing disorder typically involves a comprehensive eye exam. This will include an evaluation of the tear film and how it’s functioning. There are a few tests that might be used to help diagnose tearing disorders, such as:
- Schirmer test – measures how much moisture the eyes produce
- Tear breakup time test – how long it takes for the tears to break up
- Lissamine green staining test – used to check for inflammation or infection
Once Dr. Daniel Tresley has a good understanding of your symptoms, he can work with you on devising a treatment plan that will help address any discomfort and improve your vision.
The treatment options for tearing disorder
There are a few different ways that tearing disorder can be treated. The most common treatment is eye drops, which help to increase tear production and keep the tears from evaporating too quickly. Other treatments include:
- warm compresses
- ointments or pills that help with inflammation or infection
- surgeries in certain circumstances
It’s important to work with your ophthalmologist to find the best treatment for you. Dr. Daniel Tresley will help you determine which treatment is best and how often you need to be treated in order to get the most benefit. If you are tearing up more than usual, it might be a sign of tearing disorder and should be evaluated. Call (847) 291-6900 to speak to our friendly front office team to schedule an evaluation with our board-certified ophthalmologist.
Posted in: Tearing Disorders
