Dry eye can cause much more than occasional irritation. When the tear film does not provide enough moisture or evaporates too quickly, your eyes may feel uncomfortable throughout the day and your vision may fluctuate. At Bedford Vision & Eye Clinic, we help identify what is contributing to dry eye symptoms so we can recommend treatment based on each patient's needs.

What Causes Dry Eye?

Healthy tears contain a careful balance of water, oil, and other components that keep the surface of the eyes comfortable and protected. Dry eye can develop when tear production decreases or when tears evaporate too quickly.

Several factors may contribute, including aging, prolonged screen use, certain medications, environmental conditions, blepharitis, and meibomian gland dysfunction. With meibomian gland dysfunction, the oil-producing glands along the eyelids may become blocked or function poorly. Without enough oil in the tear film, tears can evaporate faster than normal.

Common Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye symptoms can vary from person to person. Some patients experience persistent irritation, while others notice symptoms mainly during computer use, reading, driving, or contact lens wear.

Common signs include:

• Burning, stinging, or gritty sensations

• Red or irritated eyes

• Excessive watering

• Fluctuating or blurry vision

• Light sensitivity

• Tired eyes after prolonged screen use

• Increasing discomfort while wearing contact lenses

Watery eyes may seem surprising, but excessive tearing can occur when dryness irritates the eye and triggers reflex tear production.

Why a Dry Eye Evaluation Matters

Using artificial tears occasionally may provide temporary comfort, but recurring symptoms often require a closer look at the underlying cause. During a dry eye evaluation, we can assess the tear film, eyelids, oil glands, symptoms, and other factors affecting the surface of the eyes.

Understanding the source of the problem allows us to create a more targeted dry eye treatment plan instead of simply managing symptoms.

Dry Eye Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the type and severity of dry eye. Some patients may benefit from artificial tears or prescription eye drops, while others need treatment focused on improving tear retention or eyelid and oil gland health.

At Bedford Vision & Eye Clinic, treatment options may include punctal plugs, eyelid therapy, and advanced dry eye treatments such as OptiLIFT. OptiLIFT is a non-invasive treatment designed to support eyelid function and healthy tear production. We also offer NuLIDS Pro eyelid therapy to exfoliate the eyelids and help address blocked oil glands. Because dry eye has many possible causes, we personalize treatment rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.

If burning, gritty, watery, or uncomfortable eyes are interfering with your daily routine, schedule a dry eye evaluation with Bedford Vision & Eye Clinic to learn which treatment options may be right for you. Call (931) 684-2197 to book an appointment today.