Dry Eye Treatment

Personalized, Advanced Dry Eye Treatment at EyeC Optometry

Dry eye disease isn’t just occasional dryness — it’s a chronic condition that occurs when your eyes can’t maintain a healthy tear film.

When tears don’t provide enough moisture or evaporate too quickly, the surface of the eye becomes irritated and inflamed. Over time, this can lead to discomfort, blurry vision, frequent infections, and a constant feeling that something is “off” with your eyes.

At EyeC Optometry, we go beyond temporary fixes. We focus on finding the root cause of your dry eye symptoms and building a treatment plan designed for long-term relief.

Why Dry Eye Happens (And Why Drops Aren’t Always Enough)

Tears are made of three layers:

• Oil (lipid)
• Water
• Mucus

The oil layer is especially important because it prevents tears from evaporating too quickly.

For many patients, dry eye is caused by poor oil gland function in the eyelids (Meibomian Gland Dysfunction). When these glands don’t work properly:

• Tears evaporate too fast
• The eye surface dries out
• Inflammation increases

This is why many people:

• Use eye drops constantly
• Still feel dry
• Or even experience watery eyes as the body overcompensates

Dry eye is rarely just “not enough tears.”

Common Symptoms of Dry Eye Disease

Symptoms can vary from person to person, but often include:

• Dry, itchy, or gritty eyes
• Burning or stinging sensations
• Redness or irritation
• Watery eyes (yes — this is common)
• Blurry or fluctuating vision
• Eye pain or soreness
• A feeling that something is stuck in the eye
• Discomfort with contact lenses

If these symptoms sound familiar, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to live with them.

What Causes Dry Eye Disease?

Dry eye can develop for many reasons, including:

Natural & Hormonal Changes

• Aging
• Pregnancy
• Menopause
• Use of oral contraceptives
  (Women over 50 have a significantly higher risk)

Medications

• Antihistamines
• Blood pressure medications
• Antidepressants

Environmental & Lifestyle Factors

• Dry, windy, or dusty climates
• Air conditioning or heating
• Prolonged screen use (reduced blinking)
• Smoking or smoky environments

Medical Conditions

• Blepharitis
• Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)
• Diabetes
• Thyroid disorders
• Autoimmune conditions (lupus, arthritis)

Other Contributors

• LASIK or eye surgery
• Eyelids that don’t fully close
• Long-term contact lens use

Dry eye is often multifactorial, which is why proper evaluation matters.

How We Diagnose Dry Eye at EyeC Optometry

Dry eye cannot be properly treated without understanding why it’s happening.

During a comprehensive dry eye evaluation, we may perform tests such as:

🔍 Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT)

A safe dye allows us to measure how quickly tears evaporate from the eye’s surface.
Fast break-up often indicates oil deficiency.

🧪 Tear Production Testing

In some cases, tear volume is measured to determine if tear production is reduced.

👁 Eyelid & Gland Evaluation

We carefully examine eyelid health, oil gland function, and signs of inflammation.

This diagnostic approach allows us to move beyond guessing — and toward targeted treatment.

Dry Eye Treatment Options at EyeC Optometry

There is no single treatment for dry eye because no two patients have the same cause.

Your treatment plan may include:

Mild Dry Eye Support

• Artificial tears or lubricating eye drops
• Prescription drops to stimulate tear production
• Short-term anti-inflammatory medications

Eyelid-Focused Treatments

• Professional eyelid hygiene (ZEST® treatment)
• Heated masks and targeted lid care
• Treatment for blepharitis or Demodex

Advanced In-Office Therapies

• RF (Radiofrequency) to improve oil gland function
• IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) to reduce inflammation and Demodex
• Combination therapy for moderate to severe dry eye

Tear Retention Options

• Punctal inserts or plugs to reduce tear drainage in select cases

Our goal is not just symptom relief — but lasting improvement.

What to Expect During Dry Eye Treatment

Step 1: Comprehensive Evaluation

We assess tear quality, eyelid health, and risk factors.

Step 2: Personalized Treatment Plan

Your doctor recommends the most effective options based on severity and lifestyle.

Step 3: Begin Treatment

This may include in-office therapies, at-home care, or a combination.

Step 4: Ongoing Monitoring

Dry eye is chronic — we monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dry Eye Treatment?

You may benefit if you:

• Use eye drops frequently with little relief
• Have burning, redness, or irritation
• Experience fluctuating vision
• Wear contact lenses with discomfort
• Spend long hours on screens
• Have been diagnosed with blepharitis or MGD

Early and targeted treatment leads to better long-term comfort.

Living with Dry Eye: Prevention & Daily Habits

While dry eye is chronic, symptoms can be managed with the right care:

• Avoid direct air from fans or heaters
• Use a humidifier indoors
• Blink intentionally during screen use
• Stay hydrated
• Wear protective eyewear in windy or dusty environments
• Avoid rubbing your eyes

These habits support — but do not replace — proper medical treatment.

You Don’t Have to Live with Dry Eye

Dry eye disease may not permanently damage vision, but it can significantly affect daily comfort and quality of life.

The good news?
With today’s advanced treatments, relief is possible.

Your EyeC Optometry doctor will work with you to create a long-term strategy to keep your eyes healthy, comfortable, and clear.

Schedule Your Dry Eye Evaluation

If dry, irritated eyes are interfering with your life, it’s time for answers.

👉 Book your dry eye consultation today and discover which treatments are right for you.