Dry eye disease is a common condition that can affect your comfort, vision, and overall eye health. However, many people don’t realize they have dry eye because the symptoms can be mild at first or mistaken for allergies, eye strain, or fatigue.
If your eyes often feel irritated, tired, or watery, dry eye may be the cause. At ClearSight EyeCare in Tazewell and Lebanon, we help patients identify the source of their symptoms and provide personalized treatment options designed to improve long-term comfort and vision.
What is dry eye?
Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough healthy tears or when tears evaporate too quickly. Tears play an important role in keeping the eyes comfortable, protecting the surface of the eye, and maintaining clear vision.
When the tear film becomes unstable, the eyes can become inflamed and irritated. Symptoms may come and go throughout the day or gradually worsen over time if left untreated.
Common signs you may have dry eye
Dry eye symptoms can vary depending on the individual. Some common signs of dry eye include:
- Burning or stinging eyes
- Redness
- Gritty or sandy sensation
- Blurry or fluctuating vision
- Watery eyes
- Light sensitivity
- Tired or fatigued eyes
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
Excessive tearing is one of the most misunderstood symptoms of dry eye. When the eyes become irritated, they may overproduce reflex tears that don’t properly lubricate the surface of the eye.
When dry eye symptoms may worsen
Many people notice that dry eye symptoms become more noticeable during certain activities or while in certain environments that reduce blinking or increase tear evaporation, including:
- Extended screen time
- Reading or close-up work
- Dry indoor air
- Wind or air conditioning
- Long-term contact lens wear
Over time, these factors can increase irritation and make symptoms more persistent. During a comprehensive eye exam, we evaluate tear quality, tear production, and the overall health of the ocular surface to determine the most effective treatment approach for your dry eye symptoms.
What causes dry eye?
Dry eye disease is often caused by a combination of factors affecting tear production and tear quality. Some of the most common causes include:
- Aging
- Hormonal changes
- Increased screen use and reduced blinking
- Environmental conditions like wind, smoke, or dry air
- Contact lens wear
- Certain medications
- Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)
Advanced dry eye treatment options
At ClearSight EyeCare, we customize dry eye treatment plans to address the underlying cause of your dry eyes. Treatment options may include:
- Medicated eye drops to reduce inflammation and improve tear production
- Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy to help manage inflammation and meibomian gland dysfunction
- Punctal plugs to help tears stay on the eye longer
- Amniotic membranes to support the healing of the ocular surface in more severe cases
- Scleral lenses for advanced dry eye or irregular corneal conditions
Find lasting relief from dry eye symptoms
Dry eye symptoms can interfere with daily activities, work, and comfortable vision, but effective treatment options are available. With the right care plan, many patients experience improved comfort, healthier tears, and more stable vision.
At ClearSight EyeCare in Tazewell and Lebanon, we provide personalized dry eye evaluations and advanced treatment options to help you feel better quickly.
Schedule an appointment today to learn which dry eye treatments may be right for you.