Dry eye disease is more than just occasional irritation. It’s a chronic condition that can affect your daily activities and overall eye health. At Boas Vision Associates, we understand the impact that dry eyes can have on your comfort, vision, and quality of life. Dry eye disease occurs when the eye doesn’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly, leaving the eyes feeling dry, gritty, and uncomfortable. This condition, if left untreated, can lead to more serious eye problems over time.
Tears are crucial for maintaining the health of the eye's surface. They keep the eyes lubricated, provide essential nutrients, wash away debris, and help protect the eyes from infection. A healthy tear film is made up of three layers: oil, water, and mucus. When any part of this system is not working properly, it can lead to dry eye symptoms. At Boas Vision Associates, we focus on identifying the specific cause of dry eye and tailoring a treatment plan that works for you.
Many factors contribute to dry eye disease, including age, hormonal changes, medications, environmental conditions, and lifestyle. As we age, tear production naturally decreases, and hormonal changes, especially in women, can affect the quality of the tears produced. Environmental factors, such as dry air, wind, air-conditioning, or spending long hours in front of a computer screen, can also contribute to dry eye. When we focus on screens, we tend to blink less, which reduces the spread of tears across the eye surface, making the condition worse. Contact lens wearers are also at risk, as contact lenses can reduce the amount of oxygen reaching the cornea, leading to dryness and irritation.
Symptoms of dry eye disease can vary widely from person to person. Common symptoms include dryness, a gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes, redness, burning, excessive tearing, blurry vision, or even discomfort while wearing contact lenses. These symptoms are often worse at the end of the day or after prolonged periods of reading, using a computer, or being in a dry or windy environment. While these symptoms may seem minor, if left untreated, they can have a significant impact on your daily life, reducing visual clarity and increasing discomfort.
At Boas Vision Associates, we begin the dry eye evaluation with a comprehensive eye exam. During this exam, we assess the quality and quantity of your tears, check for any signs of inflammation, and evaluate the overall health of the eye surface. We also examine the function of the meibomian glands, which are responsible for producing the oily layer of the tear film. When these glands are not functioning properly, the tear film evaporates too quickly, leading to dry eye symptoms. By identifying the exact cause of your dry eye disease, we can recommend the most effective treatments.
Treatment for dry eye disease typically starts with lifestyle changes and at-home care. Key steps include increasing the frequency of blinking, especially during prolonged screen use, taking regular breaks, ensuring adequate humidity in your environment, and using lubricating eye drops to relieve symptoms. For contact lens wearers, switching to a different type of lens or reducing wearing time can also be beneficial. Additionally, warm compresses and proper eyelid hygiene are often recommended to help open blocked oil glands and restore the tear film’s oil layer, preventing evaporation and improving overall eye comfort.
In addition to lifestyle changes, there are various in-office treatments available to address the root cause of dry eye. These treatments may include prescription medications to reduce inflammation or stimulate tear production, as well as treatments to address meibomian gland dysfunction, which is a common cause of dry eye.
For patients seeking advanced options, Boas Vision Associates also offers Envision, which uses Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Radiofrequency (RF) technology. IPL helps reduce inflammation and improve oil gland function, while RF gently warms the eyelids to restore proper oil flow from the meibomian glands. Together, these treatments improve tear quality, reduce irritation, and provide long-term relief for chronic dry eye sufferers.
Since dry eye disease is a chronic condition, ongoing monitoring and treatment are essential. At Boas Vision Associates, we will work with you to adjust your treatment plan over time to ensure long-term comfort and eye health. Regular follow-up visits will allow us to track the effectiveness of the treatment and make any necessary changes.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of dry eye, it’s important to seek treatment sooner rather than later. Untreated dry eye can lead to complications such as damage to the corneal surface, increased risk of eye infections, and even permanent vision changes. With early intervention and the right treatment plan, it’s possible to manage dry eye disease effectively and enjoy clearer, more comfortable vision.
If you have persistent dryness, burning, or irritation in your eyes, or if you are having trouble wearing contact lenses, schedule an appointment with us today. We will perform a thorough evaluation and create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. With the right care, we can help restore comfort and clarity to your eyes, so you can get back to living life without discomfort.
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