Dry, itchy, or watery eyes might seem like a small problem – but when it keeps happening, it’s a sign your eyes need help. Here’s what causes dry eye and how Mount Airy patients can find real relief.
Why Your Eyes Feel Dry (Even When They’re Tearing Up)
If your eyes feel gritty, burn after screen time, or seem to water constantly, it might not be allergies – it could be dry eye syndrome. Despite the name, dry eye doesn’t always mean a lack of tears. Instead, it often means your tears aren’t doing their job correctly. Either you’re not producing enough tears, or the quality of your tears isn’t good enough to keep your eyes comfortable and protected.
Dry eye can stem from a number of factors. Some of the most common include:
- Prolonged screen use: Staring at screens reduces blinking, which helps keep the eyes moist.
- Aging: Tear production naturally declines as we get older – especially after age 50.
- Environmental triggers: Wind, low humidity, smoke, and indoor heating or cooling can dry out the eyes.
- Medications: Certain antihistamines, decongestants, and antidepressants can impact tear production.
- Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, menopause, or hormone therapy can affect tear glands.
The result? Eyes that sting, burn, feel tired, or are constantly irritated. And while over-the-counter eye drops may help for a short time, they rarely address the root of the problem.
Home Remedies and Lifestyle Tweaks That Actually Help
Before heading straight to the pharmacy, there are a few at-home changes that may offer relief – especially if symptoms are still mild.
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to indoor air, especially during winter months.
- Apply warm compresses to the eyes to help unclog oil glands that support healthy tears.
- Take screen breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule – every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Stay hydrated and eat more omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts).
- Switch to preservative-free eye drops, especially if you’re using them several times a day.
If these don’t provide lasting relief – or your symptoms keep coming back – it’s time to consider professional dry eye treatment.
When to See an Eye Doctor for Dry Eye Treatment
If you’ve tried at-home remedies and still find yourself dealing with dry, irritated eyes, it’s time to see an eye doctor. Chronic dry eye is more than a nuisance – it can lead to inflammation, eye infections, and even damage to the surface of the eye if left untreated.
At Mt. Airy Medical Eye Center, we offer a range of advanced diagnostic tools to identify what’s causing your dry eye and how best to treat it. We don’t just look at tear quantity – we assess tear quality, gland function, and environmental factors to create a treatment plan that actually works.
Dry Eye Treatment in Mount Airy: Real Relief Starts Here
We tailor our treatment options based on your symptoms and the root cause of your condition.
These may include:
- Prescription-strength eye drops for cases where inflammation is present
- In-office eyelid treatments to clear blocked meibomian glands
- Specialty contact lenses that keep the eyes hydrated while protecting the surface
- Custom lifestyle and skincare advice to reduce environmental triggers and support long-term relief
Many patients are surprised to learn that the “best eye drops for dry eyes” aren’t always the ones you find at the drugstore. Sometimes, chronic dry eye needs something stronger – and more targeted – to truly heal the eye’s surface and restore comfort.
Our team in Mount Airy is experienced in managing even stubborn dry eye symptoms. We take the time to listen to your experience, run comprehensive tests, and recommend treatments that match your lifestyle and health needs.
If your eyes are itchy, irritated, or just not feeling right, relief is closer than you think. Call us at 301-829-3937 or request an appointment online to find out what dry eye treatment can do for your comfort – and your quality of life.