Dry Eye can have a major impact on your quality of life. You may find your eyes get tired faster or you have difficulty reading. Not to mention the discomfort of a burning sensation or blurry vision. At Med Center Eye, we offer a full range of dry eye treatments—from simple self-care to advanced therapies—to help you see clearly and comfortably.
Our approach focuses on identifying the underlying cause of your dry eyes, relieving symptoms, and protecting the long-term health of your tear film and eye surface.
What Causes Dry Eye?
People with dry eyes either do not produce enough tears, or the quality of their tears is poor and they evaporate too quickly. Because tears are vital for protecting and lubricating your eyes, problems with the tear film can lead to eye irritation, discomfort, and sometimes, vision problems.
Dry eye may be caused by:
- Hormonal changes, especially with age
- Environmental conditions (wind, smoke, dry climates)
- Extended screen use
- Medications such as antihistamines, antidepressants, or hormone replacements
- Reduced blinking due to digital devices
- Eyelid problems or incomplete blinking
- Autoimmune conditions
- Contact lens wear
- Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)
Symptoms of Dry Eye
Dry eye symptoms can be mild or severe, and may come and go depending on the environment. Common symptoms include:
- Burning, stinging, or scratchy sensation
- Redness or irritation
- Blurry or fluctuating vision
- Feeling like something is in your eye
- Light sensitivity
- Watery eyes (a sign of irritation)
- Difficulty with reading or computer use
- Contact lens discomfort
Preventive Care & Lifestyle Changes
Some cases of dry eye can be managed or improved with changes in your environment or daily habits. Helpful strategies include:
- Reducing screen time or taking frequent breaks
- Wearing sunglasses outdoors to protect from wind and sun
- Positioning fans or vents away from your face
- Using a humidifier at home to add moisture to the air
- Increasing omega-3 intake to support tear quality
- Avoiding smoking and smoky environments
Your doctor may also recommend warm compresses or lid hygiene to help restore normal oil production in your tear film.
Artificial Tears & Over-the-Counter Relief
Artificial tears and lubricating eye drops are often recommended as part of a dry eye treatment plan. These drops can provide temporary relief and help you determine how severe your condition may be.
Options include:
- Preserved artificial tears: Good for occasional use. Using them more than four times a day may cause irritation.
- Non-preserved artificial tears: Recommended for frequent use; they do not contain irritating preservatives.
- Ointments or gels: Provide longer-lasting moisture, especially helpful for nighttime dryness.
If over-the-counter drops do not relieve your symptoms, prescription treatments may be recommended.
Prescription Dry Eye Treatments
For more persistent or moderate dry eye, prescription medications can help reduce inflammation and increase tear production. These may include:
- Anti-inflammatory eye drops that improve tear production over time
- Short-term steroid drops to treat significant inflammation
- Medications for blepharitis or MGD if eyelid oil glands are contributing to dry eye
Your doctor at Med Center Eye will determine the best options based on the cause and severity of your dry eye condition.
Advanced Therapies for Chronic Dry Eye
Some patients benefit from more advanced in-office or long-term treatments designed to address persistent dryness or problems with the tear film. These may include:
- Punctal plugs: Tiny plugs inserted into the tear drains to help retain more tears on the eye’s surface.
- Lid hygiene treatments: Professional cleaning or procedures that help restore normal oil gland function.
- Thermal therapies: Heat-based treatments that melt clogged oils in the eyelids and improve tear stability.
- Specialty contact lenses: Such as scleral lenses that create a protective moisture reservoir over the cornea. Learn more about these lenses on our Specialty Contact Lenses page.
These options can provide significant relief for patients who have struggled with chronic symptoms or have not responded to earlier treatments.
Schedule a Dry Eye Evaluation in Amarillo, TX
If you’re experiencing irritation, burning, watery eyes, or blurry vision, you may be dealing with dry eye disease. A dry eye evaluation at Med Center Eye can help determine the cause of your symptoms and guide you toward the right treatment.
Call our office or request an appointment online to schedule a dry eye visit. Our eye doctors will work with you to build a treatment plan that supports long-term comfort and clearer vision.
Dry Eye Treatment Videos
