Dry and irritated eyes can be more than just a nuisance, especially for those living in Lewisburg, West Virginia and the surrounding areas. Whether it is the changing seasons, time spent outdoors, or long hours on screens, many people in our community experience symptoms of dry eye that affect their daily comfort and vision. At Long View Eye Center, we are here to help you understand when it is time to seek care and why seeing an optometrist is the key to finding lasting relief.
 

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to inflammation and irritation. This imbalance in tear production can be caused by several factors, including aging, environmental conditions, medications, medical conditions, and prolonged screen time.

Symptoms of dry eye include:

• A gritty, sandy feeling in the eyes

• Burning or stinging sensations

• Redness

• Light sensitivity

• Blurry vision

• Excessive tearing

While these symptoms may come and go, chronic dry eye should not be ignored.
 

Why You Need to See an Optometrist

Over-the-counter artificial tears may provide temporary relief, but they don’t address the root cause of dry eye. Seeing an optometrist is crucial for uncovering the underlying issue - such as Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), a leading cause of dry eye. MGD occurs when the oil-producing glands in your eyelids become blocked, leading to rapid tear evaporation.

At Long View Eye Center, we use advanced diagnostic tools like Meibography, a non-invasive imaging technique that allows us to assess the health of your meibomian glands. This detailed view helps us create a personalized treatment plan that targets the cause of your dry eye.
 

When Should You See a Doctor?

If you’ve experienced dry eye symptoms for more than a few days or if they are interfering with your quality of life, it’s time to schedule an eye exam. Ignoring dry eye can lead to more severe complications, including:

• Chronic inflammation

• Corneal damage or scarring

• Increased risk of eye infections

• Vision impairment

Early diagnosis and intervention can prevent long-term damage and improve your overall eye health.
 

The Benefits of Professional Treatment

Once we have identified the source of your dry eye, we can recommend treatments that are tailored to your specific needs. These may include prescription eye drops to reduce inflammation and improve tear production, as well as in-office procedures like meibomian gland expression to help restore healthy oil flow to your tear film.

In some cases, we may suggest punctal plugs, which help conserve your natural tears by preventing them from draining too quickly. We can also provide guidance on nutrition and lifestyle changes that support better eye health and comfort.

Professional treatment goes beyond simply managing symptoms. It aims to restore the natural balance of your tear film, reduce inflammation, and protect the surface of your eyes for long lasting relief.
 

Find Relief at Long View Eye Center

Dry eye is a medical condition that deserves attention. Whether your symptoms are mild or persistent, consulting an optometrist is the best way to uncover the root cause and receive effective, lasting treatment.

If you’re experiencing dry eye symptoms, schedule a consultation with Long View Eye Center to learn more about personalized treatment options. Visit our office in Lewisburg, West Virginia, or call (304) 520-3630 to book an appointment today.