Introduction To Dry Eye Disease
Hi, I’m Dr. Edward Jaccoma - a “Dry Eye Guy”. I’m also a board-certified Ophthalmologist or “Eye MD,” with over 30 years of experience in dry eye and related eye care. In the following segments I’m going to address issues common to diagnosing and fixing most dry and related eye surface diseases. These segments include videos and diagrams simplifying what are often complex medical problems and are not designed to replace the care from your eye doctor.
It’s estimated over 40 million Americans have this common disease and if you have any doubt if you may have dry eye, then this could be a simple test to see if you might have it.
Blink Test
For the next 20 seconds, starting on my cue, you should try to stare - without blinking - to see how you will feel, but first I want you to set a 20 second timer and then blink two times. So it will be 2 blinks and then start your timer and no blinking for the 20 seconds the clock will measure for you.
Ready, 2 blinks and Go! (20 seconds).
Ok, blink all you want but remember how your eyes feel now or at anytime over the last 20 seconds.
Any sense of stinging, burning or scratchiness?
Sensitivity to light?
Watering?
Blurry vision?
—- Are you now or commonly finding:
Strings of eye mucous?
A sense of eye fatigue?
Redness of the eye whites?
If you’re not sure - then even if you don’t have it now, there’s a good chance that somewhere in your lifetime you will - because this is a common, chronic and progressive disease. If you think - or know - that you or someone you’re close to has dry disease, then I’ve got more information to share in the following segments.