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Dry Eye Diagnosis and Treatment

Our Dry Eye Clinic provides targeted care for dry eye symptoms. about our dry eye treatments designed to improve comfort and vision.

A close-up of a woman's eye with eyelashes, with a drop of eye drops falling into the eye

Relief for Dry Eye Symptoms

At Pickerington Eyecare, we specialize in diagnosing and treating dry eye disease for patients across Pickerington, Canal Winchester, and Reynoldsburg. If you’re dealing with irritated, burning, or watery eyes, especially after long hours on screens or during seasonal allergies, our team can help.

We use diagnostic tools to identify the cause of your symptoms, including digital eye strain, meibomian gland dysfunction, or hormonal changes. Treatment plans are based on your condition and may include artificial tears, omega-3 supplements, anti-inflammatory drops, or in-office therapies like IPL.

Dry eye is common among patients whose symptoms are affected by daily habits or environment. Ignoring dry eye can lead to chronic discomfort or long-term damage, so early treatment is important. If your eyes feel gritty, tired, or blurry by the end of the day, schedule a dry eye consultation with our team. We provide care focused on improving vision and comfort for our patients.

Diagnostics and Treatments We Offer

Our dry eye clinic uses diagnostic tests and treatments to relieve dry eye symptoms

The interior of an optometrist's office featuring a white desk with an eye exam machine, a black swivel chair, a white reception desk, and a framed picture on the wall.
Medical equipment on a desk in an office setting.
An empty optometrist examination room with a desk, a computer, a potted plant, and a chair.
An indoor space with a desk, chairs, and various items, including a lamp, monitor, and potted plant, is depicted in this image.

TearLab® Osmolarity Test

The TearLab® Osmolarity System measures tear osmolarity to help diagnose dry eye. This test quickly measures tear osmolarity, or salt concentration, using a small sample of tear fluid collected from the eyelid. The results distinguish a healthy eye from dry eye disease and help monitor treatment effectiveness.
 
Each treatment typically takes only a few minutes and is completely non-invasive. After the procedure, you may experience mild irritation, which usually resolves within a day or two.

Punctal Plugs

Punctal plugs are small collagen devices placed in the tear ducts to slow or block tear drainage. This increases the tear film, keeping the eyes more comfortable. Punctal plugs dissolve in 3 to 6 months, making them useful for seasonal dryness. Some patients may need them placed two to three times per year.

Prokera

Prokera is a treatment option for severe and chronic dry eye. When placed over the eye, this membrane helps repair surface damage caused by prolonged dry eye. Providers collect the membrane during scheduled cesarean procedures without harming the mother or infant.
 
The Prokera membrane is a thin layer held by a small ring that sits on the eye and stays in place for at least two days. Most patients notice improvement within a week of removal.
A BlephEx device is on a charger and beside a BlephEx box on a table with blinds in the background

Professional Eyelid Cleaning with Zest and Blephex

Blephex: A handheld device gently cleans along the edge of your eyelid to remove debris and bacteria while exfoliating the skin. It is gentle and comfortable on the delicate skin.

Zest: This involves applying a gel to the eyelid margins and lashes with a sterile foam swab to deep clean the area. Zest is particularly effective for treating Demodex blepharitis.

These treatments typically take only a few minutes and are non-invasive. After treatment, you may notice mild irritation, which usually resolves within a day or two.

TearCare® for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

TearCare® is a 15-minute in-office procedure that treats meibomian gland disorders. Sterile, single-use devices gently fit along the eyelids and apply low heat.
 
TearCare® begins as your doctor places a small applicator on the outer edges of the upper and lower eyelids. Unlike other treatments, TearCare® allows you to keep your eyes open during the procedure. The applicators deliver consistent heat, which, when combined with blinking, helps unclog the glands. Your doctor will express the meibomian glands to remove blockages and improve oil production, resulting in a healthier tear film.
A desk with an ophthalmoscope, a box for TearCare, and a circular device

Advanced Dry Eye Treatment: Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

Not finding relief from current treatments? If artificial tears and warm compresses aren’t solving the problem, it may be time to address dry eye at its source.

We proudly offer intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, an advanced, clinically proven treatment designed to reduce inflammation and restore healthy meibomian gland function. IPL improves the quality of your natural tears and helps provide longer-lasting relief from symptoms like burning, redness, and irritation.

If your dry eye isn’t improving, IPL could be the next step in your treatment plan.