Dry Eye Treatment

If your eyes constantly feel dry, gritty, or irritated, you’re not alone. Dry eye disease is a common condition that can affect your comfort, vision, and quality of life. At Westside Eye Center, Dr. Brittain offers personalized care to identify the root cause and deliver long-lasting relief.

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye disease occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Tears are essential for maintaining the health of your eye’s front surface and for clear vision. When this balance is disrupted, it can lead to chronic discomfort, visual disturbances, and even damage to the ocular surface.

Common Causes of Dry Eye

Dry eye can result from a variety of factors. Some of the most common include:

• Aging – Tear production tends to decline with age.

• Environment – Exposure to wind, smoke, or dry air can increase tear evaporation.

• Screen Time – Staring at digital devices reduces blink rate, causing quicker tear evaporation.

• Contact Lens Use – Some lenses can exacerbate dryness.

• Hormonal Changes – Particularly common during menopause.

• Medical Conditions – Such as autoimmune diseases (e.g., Sjögren’s syndrome), diabetes, and thyroid disorders.

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

• Eyelid Problems – Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) or blepharitis can contribute to dry eye symptoms.
  
  

Recognizing Dry Eye Symptoms

Dry eye symptoms can range from mild to severe, and may include:

• A gritty or sandy sensation

• Burning or stinging

• Redness or irritation

• Blurred or fluctuating vision

• Excessive tearing

• Sensitivity to light

• Eye fatigue or discomfort when reading, driving, or using screens
  
  

If these symptoms sound familiar, it’s time for a comprehensive evaluation.

Dry Eye Diagnosis at Westside Eye Center

A comprehensive dry eye evaluation may include tests such as Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT) to measure how quickly your tears evaporate after blinking, and a Meibomian gland evaluation to assess the health of the oil-producing glands in your eyelids. By identifying whether your dry eye stems from aqueous deficiency, evaporative causes, or a combination of both, Dr. Brittain can recommend the most effective course of treatment for lasting relief.

Lid Hygiene and Eyelid Care

For patients with blepharitis or meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), keeping the eyelids clean is a crucial part of managing dry eye symptoms. When these conditions cause inflammation or block the oil glands in the eyelids, tear evaporation can increase significantly. Dr. Brittain may recommend a routine that includes warm compresses to loosen blockages, gentle eyelid scrubs or wipes to remove debris and bacteria, or in-office lid therapies for deeper, more effective treatment.

Prescription Eye Drops

If inflammation is contributing to your dry eye, prescription eye drops may be necessary to provide long-term relief. These medications work by reducing inflammation and helping your eyes produce more natural tears. These targeted medications can address the underlying cause of dry eye rather than just masking the symptoms.

Oral Supplements

For some patients, oral supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids can be a valuable part of dry eye treatment. These anti-inflammatory nutrients help improve the quality of the oils in your tears, supporting a more stable tear film and reducing evaporation from the eye surface.

Punctal Plugs

To help keep more tears on the surface of your eyes, punctal plugs can be gently inserted into your tear drainage ducts. These tiny, biocompatible devices slow down tear drainage and are especially useful for patients with aqueous tear deficiency, helping to maintain better moisture and comfort throughout the day.

Advanced Contact Lens Fitting

Contact lens wearers with dry eye can benefit greatly from the right lens type and fit. Dr. Brittain specializes in contact lens fittings, offering options like daily disposable lenses or contacts that are designed to retain moisture and protect the eye's surface. Having the right contact lenses can make a significant difference in comfort and visual clarity for patients struggling with both vision correction and dryness.

If you're tired of living with irritated, watery, or uncomfortable eyes, schedule your dry eye evaluation at Westside Eye Center today and let Dr. Brittain help you restore clarity and comfort to your everyday life.