Dry Eye Disease (Ocular Surface Disease)
Dry Eye Disease, also known as Ocular Surface Disease, is a very common condition that affects up to 50 million people in the U.S. It can significantly impact daily comfort and vision, making everyday activities like reading, driving, and screen use frustrating.
Common Symptoms
Dry eye disease is more than just dryness. Symptoms may include:
- Burning, stinging, or irritation
- Gritty or foreign body sensation
- Watery eyes
- Fluctuating or blurry vision
- Eye fatigue or discomfort
- Sensitivity to light
A Chronic and Progressive Condition
Dry eye disease is chronic and progressive, meaning it tends to worsen over time if left untreated. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to help protect the meibomian (oil) glands in your eyelids that keep your tears healthy.
Damage to these glands can become permanent and may limit future treatment options.
Why Eye Drops Aren’t Always Enough
Many over-the-counter eye drops provide temporary symptom relief, but they often do not treat the underlying cause of dry eye disease. Dry eye is frequently driven by:
- Inflammation
- Poor oil gland function
- Tear film instability
- Eyelid disease or hygiene issues
- Environmental and lifestyle factors
Our Comprehensive Approach
At Cary Family Eye Care, our doctors take a personalized approach to dry eye care. We evaluate:
- Environmental and lifestyle factors
- Allergies and eyelid health
- Meibomian gland function
- Tear film quality and stability
This allows us to create customized treatment plans that target the root cause of your symptoms, not just the discomfort.
Dry Eye Treatment Options
We offer a wide range of treatment options, including:
- Nutritional supplements
- Lubricating eye drops
- Warm compresses and lid hygiene
- Prescription dry eye medications
- Punctal plugs
- Scleral contact lenses
- Amniotic membranes
For patients who continue to struggle with chronic symptoms, we also offer advanced in-office treatments designed to address inflammation and gland dysfunction.