Dry Eyes

Eye Specialists

More in external eye disease

Helping protect your eyes from Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry Eye Syndrome is a condition in which the tears on the ocular surface are not properly working. Tears have an important function. They keep the eye moist, protect against infection, and help the eye heal minor wounds. People with dry eyes do not produce enough high quality tears or do not hold tears in their eyes long enough for sufficient lubrication.

Symptoms of dry eye include stinging or burning, a scratchy feeling, and/or excessive tearing. Some people may also experience blurry vision.

BayCare Clinic · Dry eye: Here’s what you need to know

Treating dry eye

Dry eye is a chronic condition that cannot be cured. However, with proper management, the condition can be improved, resulting in healthier and more comfortable eyes.

Common dry eye treatments:

Artificial tears - over-the-counter eye drops to lubricate eyes
Medicated drops - prescription eye drops to increase natural tear production
Sterile ointments - used at night to prevent the eye from drying out
Tear duct plugs - temporary plugs used to block the tear ducts/drains
Tear duct closure - surgical procedure to close tear ducts
Prokera - a medical contact lens temporarily placed on the eye to aid in healing
Meibomian gland expression
Self-care - using a humidifier at night, wearing wraparound sunglasses, avoiding windy conditions, drinking plenty of water
NuLids – an in-office procedure to clean the meibomian glands and eyelashes to improve symptoms from dry eye, blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction, and/or demodex
ZEST – an in-office, okra based procedure to deeply clean the eyelashes and lids improving symptoms from dry eye, blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction, and/or demodex

If you're troubled by dry eyes, talk with one of our Eye Specialists. We can help determine the form of dry eye and the treatments that will help you feel and see better.