Vision Therapy in Fridley

Spotting the Signs of Dry Eye

(763) 784-3997

Understanding the Symptoms

Dry eye is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and its symptoms can vary in severity. It's crucial to recognize the signs of dry eye early to seek appropriate treatment and improve your eye health and comfort.

man with sore eyes


Common Symptoms to Look Out For

woman with red eyes

Experiencing dry eye symptoms can greatly affect your daily life and overall health. These symptoms can disrupt your work, hobbies, and even your ability to carry out everyday tasks comfortably.

The constant discomfort and distraction caused by these symptoms can lower your productivity and overall quality of life. 

Here are common signs that may indicate dry eye syndrome:

  • Dryness:
    A persistent sensation of dryness, grittiness, or eye irritation.
  • Itching:
    Frequent itching or a burning sensation in and around the eyes.
  • Redness:
    Bloodshot or red eyes, often accompanied by discomfort.·
  • Excessive Tearing:
    Paradoxically, your eyes may produce more tears as a response to dryness, leading to watery eyes.
  • Blurry Vision:
    Vision may become temporarily blurred, particularly when reading or using digital screens.
  • Light Sensitivity:
    Increased sensitivity to light, known as photophobia.
  • Foreign Body Sensation:
    Feeling as though something is in your eye.
  • Eye Fatigue:
    Increased eye fatigue, especially during prolonged periods of reading, screen time, or other visually demanding tasks.

Ignoring dry eye symptoms can lead to worsening discomfort and potential complications. Chronic dry eye can damage the eye's surface and increase the risk of eye infections, scarring, and vision loss. Seeking professional guidance if you're experiencing any of these symptoms is crucial.


Dry Eye Diagnosis and Expert Care

When you choose Fridley Optical for your dry eye care, you benefit from our expertise in comprehensive diagnosis. We understand that your unique health history and lifestyle can affect your dry eye differently, which is why we practice personalized care tailored to you. Our approach includes:

  • In-Depth Eye Exams

    During a comprehensive eye exam, we evaluate your eyelids, eye surface, and your complete health history and lifestyle to identify potential underlying causes of dry eyes.

  • Tear Assessment

    We conduct a detailed assessment of your tears, measuring their volume and quality. This assessment helps us identify any deficiencies in tear quantity or quality, crucial factors in dry eye diagnosis.

  • Tear Breakup Time

    Using advanced techniques like tear breakup time measurement, we identify specific areas of your eyes where tears may evaporate more rapidly. This information aids in tailoring your treatment plan.

  • Specialized Dry Eye Test: Schirmer Test

    This test involves placing blotting test paper strips on the lower eyelids to measure tear production over a specific time. It helps determine the volume of tears your eyes produce.

Patient Reviews
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167 Reviews
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- Feb. 04, 2025
Almost went some ware else because I've seen Dr. Petronack in Hugo MN for years - However he is wort... h the drive. Always does a GREAT job of taking care of me and my needs ( Top Notch Guy ) The staff did a great job as well getting me set up , they even fixed up my old glasses for me - can't say enough about this experience everone was GREAT !!! UPDATE said it could take up to three weeks for glasses to be done - got them in 6 days 🙂
- Jan. 20, 2025
Dr. Petronack is outstanding. The staff is very attentive. The Optical Center doesn't have obstacle... s in the way of my powerchair. My new glasses were ready quickly. The experience was excellent.
- Jan. 15, 2025
Fridley Optical is the best in eye care!! They are professional and friendly. Go SEE them 😄
- Jan. 10, 2025
Dr. Mike was very knowledgeable. The check up was and easy. Staff was friendly.
- Dec. 29, 2024
Fridley Optical is a very friendly and professional business. I have been going there for some time ... now and have always had a good visit. Dr. Petronack is a professional and also very personable. I have referred others to check them out. There was a visit once where there was the cutest little dog wearing a football jersey which made the visit more enjoyable. The staff there are very nice and helpful when helping pick a pair of frames and making sure that they fit your face. I will continue to go to Fridley Optical for my eyecare needs.
- Dec. 21, 2024
Friendly staff, on time, and good service.
- Nov. 25, 2024
Very professional and courteous
- Nov. 13, 2024
Very friendly, great service the doctor and staff are very thorough to make sure you get what you... need and are 100 percent satisfied! Would recommend to anyone! Thank you Fridley optical!
- Oct. 20, 2024
Great home town personal service. Staff & Dr always professional, friendly & knowledgeable. Eyewear... reasonably priced.
- Oct. 07, 2024
Amazing staff, Super friendly
- Sep. 30, 2024
Always helpful and professional in every aspect! Been a patient/customer since 1991 and wouldn't go ... anywhere else!
- Sep. 13, 2024
Got me into a pair of glasses quickly and within my budget.
- Aug. 26, 2024
Been coming here for years,their so helpful and honest.
- Aug. 19, 2024
I have had two eye exams completed there along with two sets of glasses. Service has always impresse... d me.
- Aug. 12, 2024
Good selection for insurance frames.
- Aug. 02, 2024
I love Fridley Optical. I switched to them as my provider one year ago. I just had this year's exam ... today. I also feel in good hands with Dr. Petronack very thorough and just a nice person. The rest of the staff did an awesome job. My insurance paperwork, helping me with new frames, etc. I am proud of how they have continued on without Brad. Everyone loved Brad. I feel they have recovered well. Any business has obstacles when there is change with staff or new computer systems. But doesn't appear actual eye care and dedication from staff has changed. I definitely recommend...it is also a very calming environment.
- Jun. 17, 2024
I've been going here for years and can promise that they are the best!!
- May. 10, 2024
Excellent service, the staff super friendly.
- May. 09, 2024
Helpful and friendly. Helped me stay within budget
- May. 06, 2024
I was so impressed with the personalized care by the optometrist as well as all the staff. I will de... finitely be going back!

View All 167 Reviews

Dry Eyes in Fridley

Our optometry practice in Fridley

Photograph of Michael  Petronack
Hours
  • Monday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Friday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • Blue Cross

man putting eye drops in eyes

Consult Our Dry Eye Experts

At Fridley Optical, our experienced eye care specialists are ready to help you find relief from dry eye symptoms. We understand these symptoms' impact on your daily life and are committed to improving your eye health and comfort.

Contact us to schedule an appointment and discuss your dry eye symptoms. Let's work together to find the most suitable treatment and enhance your quality of life.

(763) 784-3997