Dry Eye Center
Are Your Eyes Dry, Irritated, or Blurry?
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may be dealing with dry eye disease:
Fluctuating vision throughout the day
Increased irritation after removing contact lenses
Grittiness, discomfort, or redness upon waking up
Blurred vision after prolonged screen time or reading
Dry eye is more than just an annoyance—it affects your daily comfort, productivity, and long-term eye health. At Eye2Eye, we specialize in diagnosing and treating dry eye with advanced technology and personalized care.
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Understanding Dry Eye: Causes & Solutions
Dry eye disease occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when tear quality is poor. This can lead to irritation, inflammation, and even vision problems.
Common Questions About Dry Eye
Can dry eyes cause blurry vision?
Yes, dry eyes can cause your vision to feel blurry. Think of your tear film like windshield wiper fluid; if you don't have enough or if it's not the perfect combination of ingredients, the "window" (your eye) will feel smeared or blurry. A proper evaluation to determine the underlying cause is needed so you don't waste your time using eye drops that don't work.
Can dry eyes cause headaches?
Headaches can arise from various factors, but if you experience fluctuating vision while reading or dry eyes that hinder clear vision while working on a computer, these issues could be contributing factors. Try using the 20-20-20 rule: After 20 minutes of reading, look at a point 20 feet away for 20 seconds. It's a reminder to blink and take a break! If your headaches persist, visit your eye doctor to ensure you don't need a prescription to see far or on the computer.
What are the best eye drops for dry eyes?
Our doctors always recommend preservative-free artificial tears. Preservatives are the number one cause of irritation and sensitivity. When you use drops more than once daily, that preservative builds up on the eye's surface.
Why are my eyes dry when I wake up or before bed??
Some common causes of dry eyes when awakening are:
a. using a fan over the area where you sleep
b. not properly removing your eye makeup at night
c. getting eye cream too close to lids and it seeps in while sleeping
c. your eyelids may not be closing correctly when sleeping so that small gap creates an air pocket that dries out
d. using a CPAP mask increases the chance of morning dryness
If you've been on your computer all day, you probably are blinking less often, so your tear film has dried out. Underlying causes like diet, water intake, and autoimmune disease also play a role. Be careful not to have car vents pointed toward your face on your drive home from work!
Make sure to review your symptoms with your eye doctor at your next visit so they can help offer you solutions that help.
How does dry eye differ from pink eye?
Conjunctivitis, commonly called pink eye, is typically associated with a discharge of yellow or green, and it usually starts in one eye and travels to the other. The eye is very red and "gunky." A dry eye may be red but not have a similar discharge, and both eyes are usually affected simultaneously. Monitor your symptoms, and if they do not get better in 24 hours after using preservative-free eye drops, a visit to your eye doctor is recommended to get started on an antibiotic eye drop.
What is the link between dry eyes and Sjögren’s Syndrome?
Sjogren's disease is an autoimmune disorder associated with dry eyes, mouth, and rheumatoid arthritis. Typically, patients are not diagnosed with all three at the same time, so it's essential to make note of increased dental cavities (from dry mouth), dry eyes that don't improve with treatment, and a family history of autoimmune disorders like Lupus, Crohn's, and arthritis. Your eye doctor will review your medical history to get you started on the correct treatment path.
Find answers to these and more during your consultation!
What to Expect at Your Dry Eye Evaluation
Our advanced diagnostic tools allow us to pinpoint the cause of your dry eyes and develop a custom treatment plan.
- Lid Scan: Imaging detects the health of your meibomian glands, which produce the oil layer of your tears.
- Inflammation Testing: We measure inflammation levels in your tear film to guide treatment.
- Tear Film Evaluation: Determines your baseline tear production for ongoing monitoring.
- Eyelid Imaging: High-magnification imaging assesses lid margin health and lash condition.
- Vitamin Review: We ensure you’re taking the right type and dosage of Omega-3s for optimal eye health.
Advanced Dry Eye Treatment Options
We go beyond artificial tears. Based on your exam results, we create a treatment plan designed to stimulate natural tear production, reduce inflammation, and restore comfort.
iLux® – Meibomian Gland Therapy
FDA-approved and minimally invasive, iLux® applies gentle heat and pressure to unclog meibomian glands, improving natural tear production. Clinical studies show significant relief from dryness and irritation.
Zest Deep Cleansing
Like a dental cleaning for your eyelids, this treatment removes built-up debris, makeup, and bacteria that cause inflammation. Using a natural Okra-based cleanser, Zest provides deep, refreshing results.
Medicated Eye Drops
Dry eye is a chronic condition, and our doctors prescribe tailored medications to restore balance to your tear film and relieve discomfort. Regular follow-ups ensure your treatment stays on track.
Advanced Relief & Rejuvenation with OptiLight, OptiPlus, and OptiLift
At our practice, we’re proud to offer a full suite of non-invasive treatments that target the root causes of dry eye disease while enhancing your overall eye comfort and appearance. Whether you're dealing with chronic irritation, eyelid inflammation, or looking to refresh the skin around your eyes, our trio of advanced therapies—OptiLight, OptiPlus, and OptiLift—are designed to work together for powerful results.
Eye2Eye Dry Eye Center – Advanced, Drug-Free Relief in Alexandria
At Eye2Eye, we help patients find real relief from dry eye symptoms by treating the underlying causes like autoimmune, rosacea, and do not just mask the discomfort.
Our dedicated dry eye center at both of our offices in Alexandria uses FDA-approved, drug-free technologies to target inflammation (perfect for rosacea), improve tear quality, improve lid laxity (droopy lower lids), and restore eye comfort
We offer a range of non-invasive treatments from Lumenis, designed to work safely and effectively without medications:
OptiLight - It uses intense pulsed light (IPL) to reduce inflammation caused by meibomian gland dysfunction. This FDA-approved treatment improves tear film stability and supports healthier, more consistent tear production. It is perfect for those with rosacea and skin redness.
OptiPlus - Delivers gentle radiofrequency heat to the eyelids. This heat loosens blockages in the oil glands and stimulates collagen, supporting clearer vision and long-term eye comfort.
OptiLift - This treatment combines radiofrequency therapy with skin tightening around the eyes. It reduces eyelid laxity, improves gland function, and enhances the overall appearance of the eye area. It is perfect for those using a CPAP and awake with dry eyes.
Our dry eye evaluations include advanced imaging, in-office lid hygiene, and customized home care recommendations. Every treatment plan focuses on long-term relief and protecting your eye health.
If you struggle with dry, burning, or irritated eyes, we are here to help. Schedule your consultation today to learn how we restore comfort and clarity without medications.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
Dry eye doesn’t have to disrupt your life. Our expert team is here to diagnose and treat the root cause of your symptoms.
SCHEDULE YOUR CONSULTATION TODAY!
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