Skip to main menu Skip to main content Skip to footer

Dry Eye Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Home Icon
»

Click Here For More Information

Dry Eye is a common condition where your eyes do not produce enough tears or produce poor-quality tears, leading to symptoms of dryness, irritation, and discomfort. This can result from various factors, including aging, environmental conditions, prolonged screen use, certain medications, and underlying health issues like autoimmune disorders.

Common symptoms include a gritty or sandy sensation in the eyes, redness, itching, excessive tearing (as a response to dryness), fluctuating vision, sensitivity to light, tenderness or swelling of the lids. If left untreated, Dry Eye can lead to more serious complications such as recurrent eye or eyelid infections or damage to the ocular surface.

Dry Eye can be caused by several factors:

  • Age: Tear production tends to decrease with age.
  • Gender: Women are more likely to develop Dry Eye, especially during hormonal changes such as pregnancy, menopause, or the use of birth control pills.
  • Environment: Exposure to wind, smoke, or dry air can increase tear evaporation
  • Screen Use: Prolonged screen time reduces blinking, leading to faster tear evaporation.
  • Medications: Certain medications like antihistamines, decongestants, and antidepressants can reduce tear production.
  • Medical Conditions: Dry Eye is often associated in patients who have rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid disorders.


A comprehensive eye exam is necessary to diagnose Dry Eye. During the exam, our specialists will assess your medical history, evaluate your symptoms, and conduct specific tests to measure the quantity and quality of your tears. Tests may include the tear osmolarity to measure the homeostasis of the tear solution and lipiscan to assess the structural state of meibomian glands.

Treatment depends on the severity of your condition and may include:

  • Preservative Free Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter or prescription eye drops that mimic natural tears without preservative agents.
  • Medications: Prescription medications like cyclosporine (Restasis®) or lifitegrast (Xiidra®) to reduce inflammation and increase tear production.
  • Punctal Plugs: Small plugs inserted into the tear ducts to reduce tear drainage and keep the eye moist.
  • LipiFlow®: A device that applies heat and gentle pressure to the eyelids, helping to unblock the Meibomian glands and restore natural oil flow to the eye.
  • Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy: IPL therapy reduces inflammation and improves the function of the Meibomian glands. This treatment targets meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), blepharitis, and ocular rosacea.
  • ZEST: Zocular® Eyelid System Treatment (ZEST) is an effective cleansing treatment for the eyelids and base of eyelashes. This in-office treatment is ideal for removing bacteria, biofilm, demodex mites, dandruff, debris, and oil and help target blepharitis and MGD
  • Lifestyle Changes: Adjusting your environment, taking regular breaks during screen use, and using a humidifier can also help manage symptoms.

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) occurs when the oil (meibum) glands in your eyelids that secrete meibum over the ocular surface become blocked or dysfunctional. This leads to quicker evaporation of tears and is one of the most common causes of Dry Eye. Treatments like LipiFlow® and IPL therapy specifically target MGD by unblocking these glands and restoring normal tear film function.

While it may not be possible to prevent Dry Eye entirely, you can manage symptoms by:

  • Blinking Regularly: Especially during prolonged screen use, to keep your eyes lubricated.
  • Hydration: Staying well-hydrated helps maintain tear production.
  • Humidifiers: Using a humidifier in dry environments can reduce tear evaporation.
  • Wearing Sunglasses: Protecting your eyes from wind, dust, and UV rays can prevent irritation.
  • Eyelid Hygiene: Regularly cleaning your eyelids can help prevent blockage of the Meibomian glands and overgrowth of bacteria/mites. 


Yes, untreated Dry Eye can lead to more severe complications such as:

  • Increased Risk of Eye or Eye Lid Infections: Tears function as a barrier to protect the eyes, instability or insufficient tears can lead to chronic inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva creating an environment that is more susceptible to abrasions, ulcers or scarring. The lids will also be more susceptible to infections promoting recurrent formation of hordeolum and chalazion.
  • Chronic Discomfort: Persistent dryness and irritation can significantly impact your quality of life, making it difficult to read, use a computer, or even drive comfortably.


Dry Eye is often a chronic condition, but with proper management and treatment, symptoms can be significantly reduced, and the quality of life can be improved. Regular check-ups and following your treatment plan are key to managing this condition effectively.

You should consult a doctor if you experience persistent symptoms of Dry Eye, such as ongoing irritation, redness, blurry vision, or if over-the-counter solutions do not provide relief. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and provide relief from discomfort.

⇧