When Dry Eye Needs a Doctor’s Attention

Dry, irritated eyes are often brushed off as a minor inconvenience. Maybe you blame it on allergies, screen time, or a change in the weather. While occasional dryness is common, persistent or worsening symptoms can signal something more serious. Knowing when dry eye requires professional care can protect your vision, improve comfort, and prevent long-term damage.

Understanding Dry Eye

Dry eye occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Healthy tears are essential for maintaining clear vision, nourishing the cornea, and protecting against infection.

There are two primary types of dry eye:

• Aqueous deficiency - Not producing enough tears
• Evaporative dry eye - Tears evaporate too quickly, often due to meibomian gland dysfunction

Many patients experience a combination of both.

Common Symptoms of Dry Eye

Mild symptoms may come and go, but chronic dry eye often presents with:

• Burning or stinging sensations
• Gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes
• Redness
• Blurred or fluctuating vision
• Light sensitivity
• Watery eyes
• Eye fatigue, especially after screen use

If these symptoms persist despite over-the-counter drops, it’s time to seek professional evaluation.

Symptoms Last More Than a Few Weeks

Temporary dryness from environmental factors may resolve on its own. However, if symptoms continue for weeks - or worsen - there may be an underlying issue that requires targeted treatment.

Over-the-Counter Drops Aren’t Working

Artificial tears can provide temporary relief, but they do not treat the root cause of chronic dry eye. Using drops multiple times a day without improvement is a sign you need a comprehensive exam.

Your Vision Is Affected

Dry eye can cause fluctuating or blurry vision. If your sight clears when you blink but quickly becomes blurry again, unstable tear film may be the culprit. Persistent visual changes should always be evaluated.

You Have an Underlying Health Condition

Conditions such as autoimmune disorders, diabetes, thyroid disease, and certain medications can increase dry eye risk. Patients with these risk factors benefit from proactive management.

You Wear Contact Lenses

Dry eye can make contact lens wear uncomfortable or even unsafe. If your lenses suddenly feel intolerable, it may be a sign of worsening ocular surface health.

Why Professional Evaluation Is Essential

Dry eye is a medical condition - not just a comfort issue. Left untreated, chronic dryness can lead to:

• Corneal damage
• Increased risk of infection
• Inflammation of the ocular surface
• Reduced quality of vision

Dr. Sue Orvis and her team at Family Vision Center take a personalized approach to diagnosing and managing dry eye. A dry eye assessment may include evaluating tear quality and quantity, checking the health of the eyelids and glands, and identifying contributing factors such as inflammation or environmental triggers.

Depending on the cause and severity of your dry eye, treatment may include:

• Prescription anti-inflammatory eye drops
• Lid hygiene therapies
• In-office procedures for meibomian gland dysfunction
• Nutritional recommendations
• Lifestyle and environmental adjustments

Because no two cases of dry eye are exactly alike, customized care is key. Dr. Orvis and her team focus on identifying the root cause and creating a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Get to the Root of Your Dry Eye Symptoms

Dry eye is common - but ongoing discomfort is not normal. When symptoms persist, affect your vision, or fail to respond to over-the-counter remedies, professional evaluation is essential. Early diagnosis and targeted treatment can prevent complications and restore comfort.

If you’re tired of living with burning, irritated, or blurry eyes, schedule a dry eye evaluation with Family Vision Center to learn more about personalized treatment options. Visit our office is in Cedarburg, Wisconsin, or call (262) 377-3937 to book an appointment today.