Dry Eye Therapy

Helping You Find Relief from Dry Eye

Dry eye is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide, yet many may not be aware that their optometrist can treat it. Our team wants to help you find relief.

Dry eye symptoms are often related to a problem with the tear film, whether from not producing enough tears or from poor-quality tears.

Thankfully, treatment options for dry eye go beyond over-the-counter eye drops. There are several ways to manage this condition to improve your comfort and eye health. Don’t let your dry eye symptoms linger—contact us to schedule your appointment today.

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What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when your tears are of poor quality, resulting in discomfort and irritation.

While the most common symptom is the sensation of dryness, dry eye can lead to redness, irritation, stinging, or even blurry vision. For many, these symptoms can be chronic and affect day-to-day activities.

Common Symptoms of Dry Eye

The symptoms of dry eye can vary but generally include:

A gritty, sandy, or scratchy sensation
Red or irritated eyes
Blurred or fluctuating vision
Sensitivity to light
Excessive tearing
Difficulty wearing contact lenses comfortably

Causes of Dry Eye

Various factors contribute to dry eye, including:

Inadequate tear production: Your body may not produce enough tears to keep your eyes hydrated.
Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD): The meibomian glands, which produce oils for your tear film, may not be functioning properly, leading to rapid evaporation of your tears.
Environmental factors: Dry air, wind, air conditioning, and heating can cause your tears to evaporate quickly, worsening symptoms.
Medications: Certain medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, and antidepressants, can reduce tear production.
Health conditions: Autoimmune disorders, diabetes, and other chronic conditions can interfere with your eye’s ability to maintain adequate tear production.

Things That Can Make Dry Eye Worse

Several factors can worsen the symptoms of dry eye, including:

Extended screen time: Spending long hours in front of a computer, smartphone, or TV screen can reduce blinking frequency, leading to increased evaporation of tears.
Dry, windy environments: Exposure to dry, windy conditions or air conditioning can accelerate the evaporation of tears, worsening dryness.
Contact lenses: Wearing contacts for extended periods, especially in dry environments, can increase the likelihood of experiencing dry eye symptoms.
Certain medications: Medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, and blood pressure medications can reduce tear production, worsening dry eye symptoms.

Treating Dry Eye

The first line of treatment for dry eye often includes managing symptoms at home. Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops are a common solution for providing relief from dryness.

These drops can help hydrate the eyes and offer temporary relief from symptoms. Additionally, you can also make some lifestyle adjustments, such as:

Increasing humidity
Frequent breaks from screen time to help reduce symptoms of digital eye strain and dry eye
Proper eyelid hygiene

While eye drops and home therapy can help manage symptoms, it’s essential to schedule a comprehensive eye exam to determine the underlying cause of your dry eye and explore additional treatment options if necessary.

Addressing Dry Eye Early

Dry eye may seem like a minor inconvenience, but it can significantly affect your quality of life. If left untreated, dry eye can result in chronic irritation and, in some cases, more severe complications, like damage to the corneal surface.

If you are experiencing dry eye symptoms or have been struggling with discomfort for some time, don’t wait—schedule an appointment with us to discuss your symptoms, get a proper diagnosis, and learn about available treatments.

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