When the lacrimal glands are unable to produce enough aqueous components of the tear film, our tears become thin and evaporate quickly leading to dry eye symptoms.

The healthiest of tears have a thin layer of oils that keep the tears from evaporating too quickly. This oil is called meibum and is released from the meibomian glands every time we fully blink. If the meibomian glands can’t function properly, your tears become imbalanced and you begin to feel symptoms.

Understanding the importance of the intake process can significantly optimize your time and enhance the quality of care you receive. Let’s take a look at a few of the primary areas during the intake process.

The pre-appointment paperwork you’re asked to complete serves as the foundation of your dry eye evaluation. While it might feel like a formality, these documents contain vital information that provides an understanding of your medical background, symptoms, and any potential risk factors. Take the time to provide accurate and comprehensive details, as this helps streamline your visit and enables us to provide an elevated level of detail specific to your care.

Your current list of medications are very important & can significantly impact your dry eye condition. Be sure to provide a thorough list of all medications you’re taking. Include over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and eye drops. Some medications might exacerbate dry eye symptoms, so this information is invaluable.

Questionnaires provide insight about your symptoms, their frequency, and their impact on your daily life. A dry eye questionnaires are not just for administrative purposes – they share a more in-depth understanding of the frequency & severity of your dry eye condition. Honest and precise answers can lead to more accurate diagnoses and be an important measure of your treatment plan’s effectiveness. You will have an opportunity to complete a dry eye questionnaire during your pre-appointment process.

Your medical history can be like a roadmap that gives you eye doctor a glimpse into your health journey that extends broader than just your eyes. Even seemingly unrelated conditions can have an impact on your dry eye health. For instance, autoimmune disorders, hormonal imbalances, and allergies might contribute to or exacerbate dry eye symptoms. Sharing your medical history enables your eye doctor to identify potential underlying causes and tailor a treatment approach that considers your overall health.

Understanding the importance of your role in the intake process for your dry eye visit can significantly enhance your experience and elevate the care you receive. Pre-appointment paperwork, your medication list, questionnaires, and your medical history all play important roles in ensuring that your eye doctor has a comprehensive view of your eye health journey.

Your involvement is key to achieving optimal eye health and optimal outcomes.