Do you frequently experience itchy, red, or irritated eyes? Does your vision become blurry after prolonged screen use? If so, you may be suffering from chronic dry eye syndrome, a condition that occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly.
Common causes of dry eye syndrome include:
- Aging – Tear production decreases with age, especially in post-menopausal women.
- Screen Time – Staring at screens reduces blinking, leading to tear film instability.
- Environmental Factors – Wind, dry air, and air conditioning can dry out the eyes.
- Medications – Antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications can decrease tear production.
- Autoimmune Diseases – Conditions like Sjogren’s syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis can affect tear glands.
While occasional dry eye can be treated with lubricating drops, chronic dry eye requires consistent management for lasting relief.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies for Dry Eye Relief
Making simple lifestyle changes can help reduce dryness and discomfort. Try the following:
- Use Artificial Tears – Lubricating eye drops help keep eyes moist throughout the day.
- Follow the 20-20-20 Rule – Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away to reduce screen-related eye strain.
- Add a Humidifier – Increasing humidity in your home or office prevents tear evaporation.
- Wear Sunglasses – Wraparound sunglasses protect your eyes from wind, sun, and dust exposure.
- Boost Your Omega-3 Intake – Foods like salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts support healthy tear production.
- Stay Hydrated – Drink plenty of water to maintain eye moisture levels.
If home remedies don’t provide relief, it may be time to explore medical treatments.
Over-the-Counter and Prescription Treatments
For moderate to severe dry eye, various eye drop solutions and medical treatments are available:
- Artificial Tears & Gels – Over-the-counter lubricating drops provide temporary relief, while thicker gels work best overnight.
- Anti-Inflammatory Drops – Prescription treatments like Restasis® (cyclosporine) and Xiidra® (lifitegrast) help reduce eye inflammation and improve tear production.
- Punctal Plugs – Tiny silicone or gel plugs inserted into tear ducts help retain moisture by blocking tear drainage.
If symptoms persist, in-office procedures may provide more long-lasting relief.
Advanced In-Office Treatments for Severe Dry Eye
For severe cases of chronic dry eye, cutting-edge treatments offer long-term improvement:
- LipiFlow® Thermal Pulsation – Uses gentle heat and massage to unclog oil glands in the eyelids, improving tear film stability.
- Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy – Targets inflammation in the eyelids to improve tear production and treat meibomian gland dysfunction.
- Meibomian Gland Expression – Manually clears blocked oil glands, allowing better tear lubrication.
These advanced treatments are available at Vani Vision for patients who need long-term relief from dry eye discomfort.
When to See an Eye Doctor
You should schedule an eye exam if you experience:
- Persistent dryness, irritation, or excessive tearing despite using eye drops.
- Redness, burning, or a gritty sensation that doesn’t improve.
- Light sensitivity or blurry vision that worsens over time.
- Discomfort when wearing contact lenses, even after using lubricating drops.
- A medical condition like diabetes or an autoimmune disorder that may affect your eye health.
Vani Vision provides personalized dry eye treatment plans to help patients find long-lasting relief.
Take Control of Your Eye Comfort – Book an Eye Exam
If chronic dry eye is affecting your daily life, don’t wait—effective treatments are available. At Vani Vision, we offer comprehensive dry eye evaluations to determine the best treatment plan for your needs.
Get the relief you deserve—schedule your appointment now.
