Dry Eye Treatment

Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that affects many people in Dallas and the surrounding areas, causing discomfort, irritation, and even vision problems. Whether you’re dealing with persistent dryness, blurry vision, or sensitivity to light, finding the right treatment is essential for long-term relief. At Eyes On Dallas, Dr. Nguyen provides personalized dry eye treatment to help patients achieve lasting comfort by addressing the root cause of their symptoms.

What is Dry Eye?

Dry eye, also known as dry eye disease (DED) or ocular surface disease, occurs when there is an imbalance in the tear film. The tear film has three essential layers: the mucin layer, which helps tears adhere to the eye; the aqueous layer, which provides hydration; and the lipid layer, which prevents rapid evaporation. If any of these layers are compromised, symptoms of dry eye can develop.

Common Causes of Dry Eye

One of the leading causes of dry eye is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), a condition where the oil-producing meibomian glands in the eyelids become blocked or dysfunctional. This results in poor tear quality and excessive evaporation. Other common causes of dry eye include:

Aging: Tear production naturally declines with age.
Hormonal Changes: Menopause and other hormonal shifts can contribute to dry eye.
Environmental Factors: Wind, dry air, and excessive screen time can exacerbate symptoms.
Medications: Antihistamines, antidepressants, and certain blood pressure medications may reduce tear production.
Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus can lead to chronic dry eye.
Contact Lenses: Long-term contact lens wear can contribute to tear film instability.
LASIK Surgery: Some individuals develop post-surgical dry eye after refractive surgery.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye symptoms can range from mild irritation to severe discomfort. Common signs include:

Burning, stinging, or scratchy sensation
Redness and inflammation
Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
Blurred vision or fluctuating vision
Excessive tearing
Grittiness or a foreign body sensation
Difficulty wearing contact lenses

Dr. Nguyen takes a personalized approach to dry eye management, starting with a thorough diagnostic evaluation. Since dry eye has multiple underlying causes, a precise diagnosis is essential to developing an effective treatment plan.

Eyelid Hygiene and Warm Compresses

For patients with MGD or blepharitis, maintaining good eyelid hygiene is critical. Dr. Nguyen may recommend:

Lid scrubs: Special eyelid cleansers to remove debris and bacteria.
Warm compresses: Helps unclog blocked meibomian glands and promote better oil secretion.

Prescription Eye Drops

If inflammation is contributing to dry eye, prescription eye drops may be necessary to help restore tear production and reduce irritation. These medications work by targeting inflammation in the tear-producing glands, improving tear quality, and promoting long-term eye comfort. Depending on the severity of your condition, Dr. Nguyen may recommend anti-inflammatory drops designed to enhance natural tear production or short-term treatments to provide quick relief from irritation and swelling.

Nutritional Supplements

Certain omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to improve tear production, reduce inflammation, and support overall eye health. These essential nutrients help stabilize the tear film, preventing excessive evaporation and promoting long-term comfort. We may recommend high-quality fish oil supplements or flaxseed oil as part of a comprehensive dry eye treatment plan. Incorporating these supplements into your daily routine can enhance tear stability, relieve irritation, and support the health of your meibomian glands for better long-term eye hydration.

Punctal Plugs

For patients with severe dry eye, punctal plugs can provide significant relief. These tiny, biocompatible devices are inserted into the tear drainage ducts to help retain natural tears on the eye’s surface longer. Punctal plugs can be temporary or permanent, depending on the patient’s needs.

Contact Lens Solutions

Not all contact lenses are suitable for dry eye sufferers. Dr. Nguyen prescribes specialized contact lenses designed to enhance comfort and hydration, such as:

Scleral Lenses: These large-diameter lenses create a tear reservoir over the eye, providing continuous moisture.
Hybrid Lenses: Combining the clarity of gas-permeable lenses with the comfort of soft lenses.
Daily Disposable Lenses: Minimize irritation by reducing protein and allergen buildup.

Achieve Lasting Dry Eye Relief at Eyes On Dallas

At Eyes On Dallas, Dr. Nguyen provides expert diagnosis and personalized treatment plans to help restore your eye comfort and health. Whether you need eyelid hygiene guidance, prescription eye drops, or advanced therapies like punctal plugs and scleral lenses, we are here to help. Schedule a comprehensive dry eye evaluation with Dr. Nguyen at Eyes On Dallas today and take the first step toward lasting relief.