Dry Eye Exams
In-depth diagnostic exams to identify the root cause of your dry eye and build a personalized treatment plan.
A dry eye exam is a specialized evaluation focused on diagnosing dry eye disease — a chronic condition in which your eyes don't produce enough tears or produce poor-quality tears. It is distinct from a routine eye exam and involves specific dry eye diagnostic testing.
We assess your tear production, tear film stability, and the health of your meibomian glands (oil-producing glands in your eyelids) using tests such as tear osmolarity, meibography, and slit-lamp evaluation. This gives us a complete picture of your dry eye type and severity.
Identifying the specific cause of your dry eye — whether it's aqueous deficiency, evaporative dry eye, or meibomian gland dysfunction — allows us to prescribe targeted treatments that provide real, lasting relief rather than just temporary symptom management.
Answers to help
you make an informed decision.
Who might consider this treatment?
Anyone experiencing persistent eye dryness, burning, stinging, watery eyes, or fluctuating vision is a candidate for a dry eye exam. It's especially recommended for contact lens wearers, those who spend long hours on screens, women going through hormonal changes, and patients taking certain medications.
What is the typical experience?
The exam involves a series of comfortable, non-invasive tests designed to analyze your tear film and eyelid health. You may have dye drops placed in your eyes briefly, and our team will use a specialized slit-lamp to examine your meibomian glands and tear layer.
How long does it usually take?
A dedicated dry eye exam typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. It's a separate appointment from a standard eye exam and is focused entirely on diagnosing the root cause of your symptoms.
Is there anything to keep in mind?
Avoid wearing contact lenses for a few hours before your appointment if possible, as they can temporarily alter your tear film and affect test accuracy. Come ready to describe when your symptoms are worst and what you've already tried for relief.
What should I know about recovery after?
There's no recovery time needed after a dry eye exam. You'll leave with a clear diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan — most patients feel empowered knowing exactly what's causing their discomfort and what steps to take next.