Advanced Treatment for Chronic Dry Eye Syndrome
If your eyes feel dry, gritty, or irritated, you may have chronic dry eye, caused by poor tear production or fast tear evaporation. It can lead to redness, blurred vision, and discomfort, especially during reading, driving, or screen time.
We use treatments like punctual plugs, prescription drops and meibomian gland expression to address the root cause of dryness and provide lasting relief beyond basic eye drops.
What is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome happens when the eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. While occasional dryness can be mild and temporary, chronic dry eye is a progressive condition that can lead to long-term discomfort and even damage to the eye’s surface.
We take a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating dry eye. Instead of simply managing symptoms, we work to identify the underlying cause and create a customized treatment plan to restore your eye health.
Signs You May Have Dry Eye
Many people dismiss dry eye symptoms as minor irritation, but persistent discomfort is not normal. If you experience any of the following, it may be time for a dry eye evaluation:
- A gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes
- Burning, stinging, or itching that worsens throughout the day
- Excessive tearing (a paradoxical response to dryness)
- Blurry vision that comes and goes
- Red, irritated eyes, especially in dry or windy environments
- Sensitivity to light or difficulty wearing contact lenses
If you recognize any of these symptoms, dry eye treatment can help restore your comfort and protect your vision.
What Causes Dry Eye?
Various factors can cause dry eye, making a personalized treatment approach essential. Some of the most common causes include:
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)
The meibomian glands in your eyelids produce the oil layer of your tears, which prevents evaporation and keeps your eyes hydrated. When these glands become blocked or inflamed, your tears evaporate too quickly, leading to dryness. MGD is the leading cause of chronic dry eye and requires targeted treatment to restore healthy tear production.
Aging and Hormonal Changes
Dry eye becomes more common with age, particularly in adults over 40. Hormonal changes, particularly in women, can reduce tear production, leading to persistent dryness.
Prolonged Screen Time
Staring at screens for extended periods reduces your blink rate, preventing the spread of tears across the eyes and causing increased tear evaporation. Many people experience digital eye strain and dryness because of frequent computer, phone, and tablet use.
Environmental Factors
Wind, air conditioning, dry climates, and even indoor heating can reduce moisture in the air, worsening dry eye symptoms.
Contact Lens Wear
Contact lenses can absorb moisture from the eyes, making dryness worse. Many contact lens wearers experience increased irritation and discomfort because of dry eye.
Find the Right Solution for Your Dry Eyes
If you have been relying on artificial tears without relief, it’s time to take the next step. Dry eye is a medical condition that can be treated effectively with the right approach.
Acadiana Optics offers comprehensive dry eye evaluations and personalized treatment plans to help you regain comfort and clarity.
Don’t let dry eyes affect your daily life. Schedule a dry eye evaluation with Acadiana Optics in Broussard and experience real, lasting relief.