Dry Eye Syndrome
Understanding Dry Eye: Causes, Symptoms & Lasting Relief
Dry eye disease is a common yet often underdiagnosed condition that can cause burning, stinging, blurred vision, and general eye discomfort. Whether it’s brought on by age, environmental changes, or long hours at a computer, dry eye can make everyday tasks—like reading, driving, or using your phone—frustrating and uncomfortable.
At our locations in Port St Lucie, Stuart, Jupiter, and West Palm Beach, we provide advanced treatments to relieve dry eye symptoms, improve tear quality, and restore comfort.
What Causes Dry Eye?
Dry eye happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or when the tears you have evaporate too quickly. Common causes include:
- Aging: Tear production naturally slows with age.
- Environmental Conditions: Dry air, wind, heating, and air conditioning—especially common in South Florida—can disrupt tear balance.
- Digital Eye Strain: Prolonged screen use reduces blinking, causing tears to evaporate faster.
- Health Conditions: Issues like diabetes or autoimmune diseases (e.g., Sjögren’s syndrome) can affect tear production.
- Medications: Antihistamines, decongestants, and certain antidepressants may reduce tear flow.
Pinpointing the underlying cause is the first step toward creating an effective treatment plan.
Common Dry Eye Symptoms
Dry eye disease may show up as:
- A gritty or sandy sensation in your eyes
- Burning, stinging, or redness
- Blurred vision, especially after reading or screen time
- Needing eye drops frequently to stay comfortable
If you recognize these signs, it’s time for a professional evaluation.
Advanced Treatment Options
We offer several effective solutions for dry eye disease, including Lacrifill therapy—a gentle, non-invasive treatment that stimulates tear production and improves tear quality for long-term relief. (Lacrifill is used to block the puncta to help retain tears; it doesn’t stimulate tear production.)
Other treatment options may include:
- Medicated Eye Drops: Can help your body produce more tears or coat the tear layer to produce rapid evaporation of tears.
- Omega-3 Supplements: Help the eyes make more oil to stabilize the tear layer and reduce evaporation.
- Punctal Plugs: (Lacrifill) Tiny inserts placed in the tear ducts to help your eyes retain moisture
- Warm Compresses: Encourages natural oil production in the eyelids, improving tear stability
- Preservative-Free (not all are preservative-free) Lubricating Drops: Safe for frequent use to soothe dryness and irritation
Every treatment plan is personalized to your unique symptoms and lifestyle.
Why Regular Eye Exams Matter
Dry eye disease can worsen over time if left untreated. During a comprehensive eye exam, we’ll check your tear film health, identify contributing factors, and design a treatment plan to keep your eyes healthy and comfortable.
Find Relief from Dry Eye Today
Don’t let dry eye disrupt your life. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms for the first time or need a better long-term solution, we’re here to help. Schedule your dry eye evaluation at our Port St Lucie, Stuart, Jupiter, or West Palm Beach location today—and take the first step toward clearer, more comfortable vision.
