At Allied Vision Plainsboro, our team offers advanced solutions to manage and treat dry eye disease (DED). This common yet often underdiagnosed condition occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough quality tears to keep them properly lubricated.
Dry eye symptoms can range from mild irritation to persistent discomfort, including blurred vision and an increased risk of eye infections. Our ocular surface clinic in Plainsboro Township offers personalized dry eye treatments, helping you achieve lasting relief and protect your long-term eye health.
Dry eye symptoms vary widely and can affect your comfort, focus, and quality of life. Common signs include:
Persistent dryness or irritation
Itchy, burning, or stinging sensations
Watery eyes due to overcompensation
Blurred or fluctuating vision
Feeling like there’s “something in your eye”
Eye pain or increased sensitivity to light
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, a comprehensive evaluation at our ocular surface clinic in Plainsboro Township can help determine the cause and best treatment options.
Dry eye is a multifactorial condition that can stem from several issues, including:
Aging and hormonal changes — especially in women during pregnancy, menopause, or when taking oral contraceptives
Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) — oil glands in the eyelids stop producing enough lipids, causing faster tear evaporation
Environmental factors — exposure to dry climates, smoke, dust, wind, or air conditioning
Prolonged screen use — decreased blinking leads to surface dryness
Medical conditions — diabetes, arthritis, thyroid disease, and blepharitis increase risk
Medications — antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure drugs can reduce tear production
Post-surgical changes — LASIK and other procedures may temporarily affect tear quality
Extended contact lens wear can minimize natural lubrication
Identifying the underlying cause is key to creating a targeted treatment plan.
At Allied Vision Plainsboro, we use advanced diagnostic testing to determine the type and severity of your dry eye. Tests may include:
Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT) — Measures how quickly tears evaporate from the surface of your eye
Meibomian gland evaluation — Assesses oil gland function for better tear quality
Schirmer’s test — Measures tear production levels using a gentle filter strip
Fluorescein staining — Uses a safe dye to highlight dry areas or damage to the corneal surface
This thorough evaluation enables us to create a customized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
We offer a full range of dry eye treatments in Plainsboro Township, from simple at-home solutions to advanced therapies:
Lubricating drops replace or enhance your natural tears, while prescription options stimulate tear production or reduce inflammation.
When blocked eyelid glands cause poor tear quality, thermal therapies and in-office procedures gently open and restore gland function.
Tiny devices placed in the tear ducts reduce tear drainage, allowing the eyes to remain naturally lubricated.
Specialized warm compress masks, medicated scrubs, and antibiotic ointments help treat inflammation contributing to dryness.
We’ll guide you on simple changes, such as increasing indoor humidity, taking frequent screen breaks, staying hydrated, and protecting your eyes from wind and dust.
If you experience persistent irritation, blurred vision, or watery eyes, a comprehensive exam at our ocular surface clinic in Plainsboro Township can confirm the diagnosis.
It’s an advanced treatment that uses gentle heat and pressure to unclog blocked eyelid glands, improving tear quality and reducing dryness.
While chronic dry eye isn’t usually “curable,” targeted treatment can manage symptoms effectively and significantly improve comfort.
For most patients, yes. Regular care ensures that your treatment plan continues to meet your needs and maintains your eye health.
Dry eye disease is often a chronic condition, meaning consistent care is essential for achieving lasting relief. At Allied Vision Plainsboro, we work closely with you to:
Monitor your symptoms and adjust treatments as needed
Protect the health of your cornea and ocular surface
Prevent potential complications, including recurring infections or corneal damage
Our goal is to keep your eyes healthy, comfortable, and performing at their best.