Dry Eye Treatment

Comfort, clarity, and healthier tear filmā€”tailored to your eyes.

Dry eye explained

Dry eye syndrome is when the eye reacts to the natural tear layer that coats the front of the eye breaking down. This can lead to burning, stinging, fluctuating blur, and fatigue with tasks like reading or computer work.

Our approach focuses on both comfort and cause: improving tear quantity and quality, calming surface inflammation, and supporting the oil glands that keep tears from evaporating too quickly.

Common symptoms
  • Burning, scratchy, or gritty sensation
  • Light sensitivity and intermittent blur
  • Tearing (reflex watering)
  • Eye fatigueā€”especially with screens or reading
  • Discharge
  • Redness
Common symptoms of dry eye

Simple self-care that helps

  • Blink more often during concentrated tasks and follow the ā€œ20-20-20ā€ rule.
  • Add humidity at home/work and avoid direct air flow to the face.
  • Wear wrap-around sunglasses in wind/sun.
  • Stay well hydrated; discuss supplements (like essential fatty acids) with your doctor.
  • Ask if any of your medications can worsen dry eye and whether alternatives exist.
Over-the-counter options

Lubricating drops can quickly boost comfort.

  • Low-viscosity tears: fast relief, minimal blur, shorter duration.
  • High-viscosity gels/ointments: longer-lasting, best before bed due to temporary blur.

Prescription care and in-office procedures

Prescription treatments
  • Anti-inflammatory drops (e.g., cyclosporine or short courses of steroids) to calm the ocular surface.
  • Tear-stimulating meds (drops, gels, or oral agents) that boost natural tear production.
  • Eye inserts that slowly release lubrication through the day.
  • Autologous serum drops for advanced cases that donā€™t respond to standard therapy.
  • Specialty contacts (scleral or bandage lenses) that protect and hydrate the surface.
  • When lids are inflamed: targeted antibiotics and lid-care plans to restore healthy oils.
Procedures and office-based care
  • Punctal plugs to slow tear drainage and keep moisture on the eye longer.
  • Meibomian gland therapies (e.g., heat/express treatments) to improve the tear oil layer.
  • Eyelid hygiene therapies to reduce debris/demodex and stabilize the tear film.

Depending on your evaluation, we may discuss advanced options often highlighted with dry eye careā€”such as iLux/LipiFlow-type thermal expression, OptiLight IPL/LLLT, TearCare/MiBo Thermoflo, Blephex, Tyrvaya nasal spray, or specialty scleral lenses.

Frequently asked questions

Your exam includes tear-film testing and eyelid oil-gland assessment. Results guide whether we focus on improving oil flow (quality) or stimulating/making tears (quantity)ā€”often we target both.

Many patients start with low-viscosity artificial tears during the day and a gel at bedtime. If symptoms persist, weā€™ll consider prescription options or in-office procedures tailored to your findings.

Dry eye is typically chronic but highly manageable. With a step-wise planā€”home care, the right drops, and targeted in-office treatmentsā€”most people achieve stable comfort and vision.

Ready to book?

Schedule Appointment 503-581-5287