Dry Eye FAQ

Dry eye disease occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly. It’s often caused by inflammation or blocked oil glands in the eyelids, leading to irritation, blurry vision, and discomfort.

• Burning or stinging
• Gritty or sandy feeling
• Redness
• Blurry or fluctuating vision
• Watery eyes (yes, this can be dry eye)
  
• Sensitivity to light

This is called reflex tearing. When your eyes are dry, they overproduce low-quality tears that don’t properly lubricate the eye—so your eyes still feel irritated.

Common causes include:

• Meibomian gland dysfunction (blocked oil glands)
• Aging
• Screen time
• Contact lens wear
• Hormonal changes
• Medications
• Medical conditions (like autoimmune disease or diabetes)

Yes. When using screens, we blink less frequently, which causes tears to evaporate faster and worsens dry eye symptoms.

Artificial tears help relieve symptoms, but they do not treat the underlying cause. Most dry eye is due to inflammation and gland dysfunction, which requires targeted treatment.

We perform a comprehensive evaluation of your tear film and eyelid glands, which may include imaging, tear testing, and assessment of inflammation to identify the root cause.

Treatment depends on the cause, but may include:

• Prescription or medical-grade eye drops
• Eyelid hygiene (cleansers, sprays)
• Heat therapy to open blocked glands
• In-office treatments like IPL or light therapy
  
• Nutritional supplements

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is an advanced treatment that reduces inflammation and improves oil gland function. It helps restore a healthier tear film and provides long-term relief for many patients.

Some patients notice improvement within a few weeks, but most treatment plans are progressive, with continued improvement over time as the underlying cause is addressed.

Dry eye is typically a chronic condition, but it can be effectively managed with the right treatment plan and daily maintenance routine.

Your eyelids contain oil glands that are essential for healthy tears. Keeping the lids clean helps reduce bacteria, inflammation, and gland blockage—key factors in dry eye.

Yes. Heat therapy helps melt and release oil from blocked glands, which is critical for improving tear quality and reducing symptoms.

Most patients benefit from a combination of in-office treatments and at-home maintenance to keep symptoms under control and prevent flare-ups.

Yes. We carry medical-grade products including cleansers, sprays, heat masks, and supplements designed to support your treatment plan and improve results at home.

If you experience ongoing irritation, redness, blurry vision, or discomfort, it’s best to schedule an evaluation. Early treatment can prevent the condition from worsening.