Dry Eye FAQs

Preservative-free artificial tears are the first line of defense, as preservatives are often a contributing factor. Lid hygiene — warm compresses and lid scrubs — is also effective: warm compresses stimulate the oil glands, and lid scrubs clean the eyelids and lashes to keep debris and bacteria at bay. Some patients may require prescription medications such as cyclosporine or lifitegrast (Restasis, Cequa, or Xiidra), and in-office treatments are also available.

Yes. Wearing UV-protective lenses helps protect your eyes and their surface. UV radiation may play a role in cataract formation and macular degeneration, and excessive exposure can lead to benign and cancerous growths on the surface of the eye.

There is no evidence that computer use damages the eyes, but low light, glare, or prolonged screen use can cause eye fatigue. Take frequent breaks and use artificial tears. The American Optometric Association recommends the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away.

Dry eye is a common chronic condition that can affect your eyes, vision, and lifestyle if left untreated. There are two primary types: evaporative dry eye (a deficiency in the oily layer of the tear film) and aqueous-deficient (a deficiency in the water layer). During your exam, tests such as a LipiView analysis and a TearLab osmolarity test help identify the root cause and the best treatment.

Common symptoms include:

• Stinging and burning
• Blurred vision, especially when reading
• Vision that fluctuates and improves with blinking or artificial tears
• A scratchy or gritty feeling, like something is in your eye
• Strings of mucus in or around your eyes
• Red or irritated eyes, especially in wind or smoke
• Discomfort wearing contact lenses
• Excessive tearing

Having a lot of tears with dry eye may sound odd, but your eyes make more tears when irritated by dryness.

Dry eye is a chronic, progressive disease. Without treatment, symptoms may ebb and flow while progressive damage occurs to the front surface of the eye. Excessive dryness can scar the cornea, impair vision, and increase the risk of infection, corneal breakdown, and perforation.

Dry eyes are caused by a lack of adequate tears. Tears are a complex mixture of water, fatty oils, and mucus that smooth and protect the surface of your eyes. For some people, dry eyes result from decreased tear production; for others, tears evaporate too quickly.

There is currently no permanent cure. Dry eye is a chronic condition that can be managed and controlled with consistent treatment. Technology has advanced tremendously, offering new treatments that provide greater symptom relief and help prevent progression. Our advanced dry eye clinic offers a full spectrum of testing and treatment options.

Common options include:

• Lubrication (artificial tears, gels, and ointments)
• Prescription options: Restasis / Xiidra / Cequa
• Punctal plugs
• LipiFlow
• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment
• Microblepharoexfoliation with AbMax
• Surgery on the tear ducts or drainage system

Your doctor may also recommend blinking exercises, warm compresses, fish oil and flaxseed supplements, and lid hygiene tips.