When eyes remain dry, irritated, or sensitive to light, the optometrist at the CARE Clinic checks whether tears adequately protect the eye surface. If other symptoms (dry mouth, fatigue, joint pain) coexist, a discussion with the family physician may be indicated.
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Sjögren's syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease. It can affect the glands that produce tears and saliva, explaining the frequent association with dry eyes and dry mouth.
However, persistent dryness alone does not confirm the diagnosis. Eyes can be dry for various reasons: lack of tears, unstable tears, dry eye , or other conditions. blepharitis, Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), medications, environment, contact lenses, or other ocular surface conditions.
The optometrist looks for what might be irritating the surface of the eye and signs that may warrant medical discussion.
THE CARE EXPERIENCE
The optometrist measures the tears, checks if they stay in place, and observes irritated areas and the eyelids.
Dry mouth, fatigue, or joint pain can help determine if a discussion with the family physician is useful.
Based on the observed signs, the optometrist at CARE Clinic may discuss options to protect the surface, keep tears longer, soothe inflammation, or refer to the family physician.
Symptômes
Burning, sandy sensation, redness, fluctuating vision, or frequent need for drops may accompany dryness. Dry mouth or persistent fatigue can assist in determining what to check.
01
Eyes can remain dry even with drops, especially in windy conditions, when using screens, or at the end of the day.
02
An irritated surface can burn, sting, or feel like a foreign body.
03
Dry mouth provides important context when dry eyes are persistent.
Vision can become blurry and then clear up after a few blinks or eye drops.
The surface may become red when tears provide less protection to the eye.
Light can become more difficult to tolerate if the surface of the eye is irritated.
A repeated need for lubricants may indicate insufficient tear protection.
These symptoms are not eye-related, but they may warrant a medical discussion if the context suggests it.
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Dry eyes and a dry mouth may suggest a dry syndrome, but the optometrist first checks if the tears protect the eye and if the surface is irritated.
Dr. Francesca Olinga, optometrist
Overview
The optometrist examines four dimensions: the tears, the surface, the eyelids, and the overall context. These markers identify signs without making a diagnosis.
What the optometrist checks
Four dimensions to examine
Tear quantity, surface color, stability of the tear film, eyelid condition, and associated symptoms — each can be observed and documented in the clinic.
01
Tears
The Schirmer test and symptom history help the optometrist check if the eye is lacking tears.
Signs
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Low Schirmer
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Frequent need for drops
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Dryness in both eyes
02
Surface
Staining may show if the cornea or conjunctiva are damaged by dryness.
Signs
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Surface discoloration
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Photophobia
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Sandy sensation
03
Context
Dry mouth, fatigue, pain, or another autoimmune condition can help determine if a medical discussion is necessary.
Signs
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Dry mouth
•
Joint pain
•
Known autoimmune disease
04
Eyelids
Eyelids or eyelid glands (Meibomian glands) may accelerate tear evaporation and amplify symptoms.
Signs
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Irritated eyelid margins
•
Unstable tears
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Faster evaporation
What the optometrist checks
01
Autoimmune inflammation can affect the tear glands and reduce the eye's natural protection.
02
When tears are insufficient or don't remain on the surface effectively, the cornea and conjunctiva can become irritated more easily.
03
Schirmer, staining, tear film stability, and eyelid condition help the optometrist decide whether to protect the surface, discuss inflammation, or coordinate with a physician.
Origine
The lacrimal glands produce an essential part of the tears. When they are not functioning optimally, the surface of the eye may dry out, become irritated, and be more sensitive to light or wind.
Dryness can also be associated with inflammatory eyelids or with less efficient glands. Meibomian glands That’s why the optometrist doesn’t just check the quantity of tears: the quality and stability of the tear film are equally important.
Perspective
Sjögren's syndrome is generally chronic. Symptoms may fluctuate, and the eye surface may require monitoring, especially if pain, redness, light sensitivity, or vision changes.
The evolution depends on tear quantity, surface inflammation, the eyelids, other medical conditions, and treatments already used.
Ongoing discomfort warrants an evaluation. Sharp pain, sudden vision loss, severe light sensitivity, pronounced redness, or a feeling of a wound on the cornea require more immediate attention.
Decreased vision, significant pain, strong light sensitivity, severe redness, discharge, or a feeling of injury to the eye necessitate prompt evaluation.
Diminishing vision or vision that doesn't clear up warrants prompt evaluation.
Urgent
Increasing pain warrants a prompt evaluation.
Urgent
Strong light sensitivity can indicate significant surface irritation or another cause.
Urgent
Marked redness, especially with pain or altered vision, warrants evaluation.
Urgent
Localized pain, discomfort when blinking, or a feeling of injury warrants an evaluation.
Urgent
Treatments depend on what the optometrist observes: tear quantity, stability, inflammation, eyelid condition, and surface irritation.
Each treatment addresses a specific sign: protecting a fragile surface, keeping tears longer when they evaporate, calming chronic inflammation, or coordinating care when the context exceeds the eyes.
Schedule an assessment
An optometrist and founder of the CARE Clinic, Dr. Francesca Olinga understands dry eye because she has experienced it. Experienced in the management of complex cases (neuropathic pain, demodex, chalazions), she uses innovation and attentive listening to guide you toward improved eye comfort.
Optometrist with over 30 years of experience and speaker for eye care professionals. Dr. Nguyen has experience in improving visual quality affected by dry eye. She supports her patients in reconciling their aesthetic goals (makeup, cosmetics) and optimal eye comfort.
An optometrist and member of theOOQ, Dr. Daniel Nguyen splits his practice between eye exams in an optometry clinic and advanced management of dry eye conditions at the CARE Clinic. This dual practice provides him with a comprehensive view of his patients' visual health, from routine screenings to cutting-edge therapeutic protocols. dry eye Biography of Karine Charbonneau
