Specialized Care
Chronic dry eye is more than discomfort — it's a medical condition with real causes, real consequences, and today, real solutions. Our dedicated program combines precise diagnostics with advanced in-office treatments to provide lasting relief.
Schedule a ConsultationUnderstanding Dry Eye
Dry Eye Disease (DED) affects an estimated 16 million Americans — and many more remain undiagnosed. It occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears, or when tears evaporate too quickly, leaving the ocular surface unprotected and inflamed.
The most common underlying cause is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), a condition in which the oil-producing glands along the eyelid margin become blocked or atrophied, disrupting the tear film's lipid layer. Left untreated, MGD can cause progressive gland damage and worsening symptoms over time.
Effective treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis. Our dry eye program uses objective, measurable testing — not just symptom questionnaires — to identify the root cause and guide a targeted treatment plan.
Recognizing the Signs
How We Diagnose
Effective dry eye treatment starts with knowing what's actually wrong. We use a panel of objective, in-office diagnostic tools to measure your tear film health — providing real data, not just subjective impressions.
Measures the salt concentration (osmolarity) of your tears in seconds. Elevated osmolarity is the most sensitive and specific biomarker for dry eye disease. A result ≥308 mOsm/L, or an imbalance of ≥8 mOsm/L between eyes, indicates an unstable tear film. Covered under Medicare with no patient copay.
A rapid in-office immunoassay that detects MMP-9, an inflammatory protein elevated in the tears of patients with ocular surface disease. Positive results indicate active inflammation — often before visible signs appear — and guide decisions about anti-inflammatory therapy such as Restasis or Xiidra.
A comprehensive examination of the ocular surface, eyelid margins, tear meniscus height, corneal staining, and meibum quality. Meibomian gland expression allows direct assessment of gland secretion — distinguishing clear healthy meibum from turbid or obstructed glands.
How We Treat
We stay at the forefront of the latest trends and techniques in dry eye disease, continuously incorporating advances in the field to ensure our patients have access to the most current and effective care available.
Accurate Diagnosis First
Effective treatment starts with understanding the root cause. We use objective, in-office diagnostic testing — not just symptom questionnaires — to measure tear film health and identify the specific factors driving each patient's condition.
Personalized Treatment Plans
No two patients are alike. Dr. Schwartz works closely with each individual to develop a customized plan tailored to their condition, lifestyle, and goals — drawing on the full range of current techniques and solutions available in the field.
Meet Your Specialist
Our dry eye program is led by a board-certified ophthalmologist with subspecialty expertise in cornea and external disease. Dr. Schwartz stays at the forefront of the latest advances in dry eye care, bringing both the science and the compassion needed to address one of the most undertreated conditions in eye care.
Every patient receives a thorough evaluation and a personalized treatment plan — not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Schedule a comprehensive dry eye evaluation with our team today.
Request an Appointment
2101 Medical Park Drive,
Suite 101
Silver Spring, MD 20902
