Dry eye is a common eye condition that can impact your comfort, vision, and overall quality of life. At Long View Eye Center, we’re committed to helping our patients understand the root of their symptoms and find lasting relief.
 

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the quality of your tears is poor, leading to inflammation and discomfort. Tears are essential for maintaining a healthy eye surface and clear vision. Without sufficient or stable tears, the eyes can feel gritty, dry, or even overly watery as a response to irritation.
 

Common Causes of Dry Eye

One of the leading causes of dry eye is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). The meibomian glands produce the oily layer of your tear film. If these glands become blocked or stop working properly, your tears evaporate too quickly - resulting in dry, irritated eyes.
 

Dry eye can also develop for a variety of reasons:

• Aging: Tear production often decreases as we get older.

• Environmental Factors: Wind, dry climates, smoke, or prolonged screen time can reduce tear stability.

• Hormonal Changes: Especially common in women during pregnancy, menopause, or while using oral contraceptives.

• Medications: Antihistamines, antidepressants, and certain blood pressure medications can reduce tear production.

• Medical Conditions: Autoimmune diseases like Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, or thyroid disorders.
   

Symptoms to Watch For

Dry eye symptoms can range from mildly irritating to seriously disruptive. Common signs include:

• Burning, stinging, or gritty sensation

• Redness or irritation

• Blurred or fluctuating vision

• Light sensitivity

• Watery eyes

• Difficulty wearing contact lenses

• Eye fatigue, especially after screen use
   

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms consistently, it’s important to seek care from an eye doctor.
 

Dry Eye Treatment 

Treating dry eye isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Each patient’s condition is unique, which is why a proper diagnosis is critical to uncover the underlying cause and determine the most effective treatment plan. At Long View Eye Center, we begin with a comprehensive evaluation that assesses your tear quality, meibomian gland function, and overall eye health.
 

Based on your specific needs, we may recommend several treatment options. Lid hygiene treatments are often used to unblock and restore proper function to the meibomian glands, which play a crucial role in tear stability. Prescription eye drops may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and stimulate tear production. 
 

For some patients, nutritional supplements (particularly omega-3 fatty acids) can help improve the quality of the tear film. In cases where tears evaporate too quickly or are insufficient, we may suggest punctal plugs, which are tiny inserts placed in the tear ducts to help retain natural tears for longer. Our ultimate goal is to provide you with long-term relief and protect your vision from the ongoing discomfort and potential damage caused by chronic dry eye.
 

Take the First Step Toward Relief

Dry eye can interfere with your daily comfort, focus, and overall eye health - but it doesn’t have to. Understanding the cause behind your symptoms is the first step toward lasting relief. At Long View Eye Center, we’re dedicated to delivering personalized care that targets the root of the problem, not just the symptoms.
 

If you’re experiencing dry, irritated, or watery eyes, schedule a dry eye evaluation with Long View Eye Center to find the right treatment for your needs. Visit our office in Lewisburg, West Virginia, or call (304) 520-3630 to book an appointment today.