Dry eye disease is one of the most common complaints we see at our optometry office, yet it is frequently misunderstood and often undertreated. It’s not just a minor irritation—it can have a serious impact on your quality of life. If you’ve experienced persistent stinging, burning, grittiness, or blurred vision, you may be suffering from dry eye. Fortunately, there are more options than ever to manage this chronic condition and restore comfort to your eyes.
Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or when the tears you produce evaporate too quickly. It can be caused by aging, hormonal changes, environmental factors, prolonged screen use, contact lenses, or underlying medical conditions. In today’s digital world, more patients than ever are experiencing symptoms of dry eye, especially those who work in front of a computer for long hours. Staring at a screen reduces blink rate, which disrupts tear film and leads to dryness.
Our office takes a personalized approach to dry eye treatment. We begin with a thorough evaluation, including diagnostic tests that measure tear volume, tear quality, and the health of the glands that produce the lipid layer of your tears. By understanding the exact nature of your dry eye, we can offer targeted solutions that go beyond temporary relief. Every patient’s case is different, so we customize treatment to address both symptoms and root causes.
One of the most effective ways we treat moderate to severe cases is with in-office therapies like meibomian gland expression or intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy. These advanced treatments target the oil glands in your eyelids that may be blocked or inflamed. By restoring proper gland function, we improve the stability of the tear film and reduce symptoms over time. These procedures are comfortable, minimally invasive, and require little downtime.
In addition to in-office treatments, we also recommend at-home care strategies such as using artificial tears, warm compresses, lid hygiene products, and nutritional supplements like omega-3 fatty acids. Environmental modifications, like using a humidifier or adjusting screen brightness, can also help. Many of our patients see significant improvements just from consistent, informed changes to their routines, and we guide them through every step of that process.
We also offer prescription medications when necessary, including anti-inflammatory eye drops that help reduce redness and irritation. These can be especially helpful for patients with autoimmune conditions like Sjögren's syndrome, which can lead to severe dry eye symptoms. The goal is always to create a sustainable, long-term plan for relief rather than relying on short-term fixes that only mask the problem.
Dry eye may be common, but it doesn’t have to be your normal. Our optometry office is equipped with the knowledge, tools, and treatments to help you reclaim comfort and clarity. If you’re tired of dealing with burning, blurry vision or discomfort from dryness, we invite you to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward lasting relief. Your eyes work hard for you—it's time to return the favor.
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