Dry Eye

Dry Eye Q&A

What is dry eye syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome, or dry eye disease, occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead to discomfort, irritation, and vision problems.

What are the symptoms of dry eye?

Symptoms can include a stinging or burning sensation, redness, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, a feeling of grittiness or foreign body sensation in the eye, fluctuations in vision, and excessive tearing.

What causes dry eye?

Dry eye can be caused by various factors, including aging, hormonal changes (such as menopause), certain medications, environmental conditions (like dry or windy weather), long-term use of contact lenses, and diseases that affect tear production. Other causes:

• Meibomian Gland Dysfunction - glands in the eyelids that produce oil are blocked or dysfunctional, which leads to dry eye symptoms.
• Blepharitis - inflammation of the eyelids, often caused by bacteria or skin conditions, leading to redness, irritation, and crusting around the eyelashes

How is dry eye diagnosed?

Our eye doctors can diagnose dry eye through a comprehensive eye examination, including assessing your symptoms, measuring tear production using special dyes or tests, and examining the quality of your tears.

What Are the Treatment Options for Dry Eye?

Treatment options for dry eye depend on its underlying cause and severity. At First Class Eye Care, we take a comprehensive approach to ensure each patient receives personalized care based on their unique needs.

The Most Advanced Treatment: Lumenis OptiLight IPL & OptiLift RF

For patients seeking the most effective, long-term solution to dry eye disease, we proudly offer Lumenis OptiLight IPL (Intense Pulse Light) and Lumenis OptiLift RF (Radio Frequency) - FDA-approved, non-invasive therapies that address the root causes of dry eye. OptiLight IPL uses gentle pulses of light to reduce inflammation, restore healthy meibomian gland function, and improve tear film stability. Complementing this, OptiLift RF delivers controlled radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production, tighten eyelid skin, and enhance gland expression. Together, these technologies not only relieve dry eye symptoms but also support long-term ocular surface health and aesthetic rejuvenation.

When it comes to treating dry eye, temporary relief is not enough. Lumenis IPL and RF provide the ultimate path to lasting comfort and healthier eyes.

Other Treatment Options:

• Artificial tears or lubricating eye drops to supplement natural tear film
• Warm compresses with eyelid massage to stimulate oil gland function
• Prescription eye drops (e.g., cyclosporine or lifitegrast) to reduce inflammation and improve tear production
• Dry eye supplements including Omega-3 and Omega-7 fatty acids
• Oral antibiotics to reduce eyelid inflammation
• Punctal plugs to block tear drainage and retain moisture
• Serum tear eye drops made from a patient's own blood serum, offering natural healing proteins

Other Ways to Reduce Symptoms or Risk:

• Avoid prolonged screen use without breaks.
• Use protective eyewear in windy or dry environments.
• Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
• Follow proper contact lens care and use.

If you are experiencing symptoms of dry eye, schedule a dry eye evaluation with our doctors by calling the office, or scheduling an appointment online today.