Posted by: Eye Health Northwest in Dry Eyes on July 23, 2025
Do your eyes frequently feel dry or gritty? Are they often red and irritated? If these symptoms are familiar to you, you may be suffering from dry eye syndrome.
Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common eye conditions, affecting between 16.7 million and 50.2 million Americans. Fortunately, ophthalmologists have developed effective treatments that can help alleviate dry eye and provide the relief you deserve.
Keep reading to learn more about how dry eye syndrome is treated and whether it’s time for you to make an appointment with your eye doctor.
What is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome is a condition that occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or produce tears that are missing one of the three components of healthy tears. Healthy tears are composed of three layers: the aqueous (water) layer, the mucin (mucus) layer, and the lipid (oily) layer.
A reduction in any one of these essential components can lead to frustrating symptoms of dry eye, such as:
- Dryness
- Redness
- Itchiness
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
- Excessive eye watering
- Blurry vision
- Irritation
- Grittiness
- Eye fatigue
- Light sensitivity
- Mucus in or around the eyes
- Feeling like something is in your eye
However, these symptoms are not exclusive to dry eye syndrome and may also indicate other conditions, such as conjunctivitis or cataracts. Undergoing a comprehensive eye exam with your ophthalmologist at EyeHealth Northwest is the best way to receive an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan, allowing you to start feeling and seeing better.
What Causes Dry Eye?
There are many causes of dry eye, including aging, meibomian gland disorder, certain medications (such as antihistamines and beta-blockers), wearing contact lenses, digital eye strain, exposure to windy, smoky, or arid environments, and underlying health conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome.
At your eye exam in EyeHealth Northwest’s certified Dry Eye Clinic, your ophthalmologist will determine the root cause of your dry eye syndrome using advanced technologies like LipiView. This is crucial to the treatment process, as different causes require different approaches.
What are the Treatments for Dry Eye Syndrome?
Determining the most effective treatment largely depends on the cause and severity of your dry eye syndrome. Some of the most common dry eye treatments include:
Lifestyle Changes
Some symptoms of dry eye syndrome may be relieved with small lifestyle changes, such as:
- Taking frequent breaks from screens
- Applying warm compresses to the eyelids
- Avoiding exposure to wind, smoke, hot, dry air from hair dryers, car vents, and air conditioners
- Wearing sunglasses to protect the eyes from UV light
- Using a humidifier in your home and workplace
- Staying hydrated
- Incorporating omega-3 fatty acids into your diet
Eye Drops
Over-the-counter artificial tears replenish the aqueous layer of tears, boosting eye moisture. Lubricating eye drops help boost the lipid layer of tears, preventing evaporation.
If over-the-counter artificial tears and lubricating eye drops are insufficient, your ophthalmologist may prescribe medicated versions. Prescription medications can treat the underlying causes of dry eye syndrome by increasing tear production, improving tear quality, and reducing ocular inflammation.
LipiFlow
If your dry eye is caused by blocked meibomian glands, your eye doctor may recommend LipiFlow thermal pulsation therapy to release oil clogs and restore a healthy tear film. This involves using gentle heat and massage to promote proper meibomian gland function.
Punctal Plugs
Punctal plugs are tiny medical devices that are surgically implanted in the tear ducts to block tear drainage. These can be permanent or temporary.
With proper treatment, dry eye syndrome doesn’t have to permanently compromise the comfort and quality of your vision. Schedule your appointment at EyeHealth Northwest in Portland, OR, today to get a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your needs.
