Are your eyes constantly burning, stinging, or gritty? Or maybe your eyes feel tired and dry after a long day of staring at screens? While occasional dry eyes can happen to anyone, persistent discomfort may be a sign that it’s time to seek professional help. At Primary Eye Care of Arlington and South Main, our eye doctor provides dry eye treatment in Arlington and Memphis, including advanced options such as OptiLight IPL therapy, TearCare®, allergy testing, ZEST, and EnVision Forma-I. But how do you know if your dry eyes need expert care?
Here are some common signs you may need professional dry eye treatment:
Constant irritation or discomfort
If you’re dealing with constant eye irritation, it could be a sign of chronic dry eye disease. Irritated eyes can feel gritty, scratchy, or even as though there’s something stuck in them. While over-the-counter eye drops might provide temporary relief, chronic symptoms often need a more comprehensive treatment plan to tackle the underlying cause.
Blurry vision that comes and goes
Occasional blurry vision is another common symptom of dry eye. This happens when your eyes aren’t producing enough tears to maintain clear, sharp vision. If your vision fluctuates throughout the day, especially after extended periods of screen time or reading, it could be a sign of dry eye disease.
Excessive tearing or watery eyes
It sounds strange, but watery eyes can be a sign of dry eye. When your eyes are dry and irritated, they may overproduce tears to compensate for the dryness. These tears are different from the tears your eyes need for lubrication and won’t provide long-lasting relief.
Red or inflamed eyes
Dry eyes often lead to redness and inflammation. If your eyes are consistently red, it could be more than just fatigue—it might be a sign that your tear ducts aren’t producing enough moisture or that the quality of your tears isn’t sufficient. Inflammation from untreated dry eye disease can worsen over time, which is why early treatment is key.
Sensitivity to light
Do your eyes feel sensitive to light, especially after being outdoors or working on a computer? Dry eye disease can cause photophobia, making your eyes more sensitive to bright lights. This can be frustrating when driving at night or spending time in brightly lit environments.
Difficulty wearing contact lenses
Dry eyes can make wearing contact lenses uncomfortable or even impossible. If you’ve noticed that your lenses feel dry, gritty, or irritating, it may be time to seek professional dry eye treatment. Specialized treatments like OptiLight IPL therapy and TearCare® can address the root cause of dry eye, making it easier for you to comfortably wear your lenses again.
What are your treatment options?
At Primary Eye Care of Arlington and South Main, we offer a variety of advanced dry eye treatments tailored to your unique needs. Our services include:
- OptiLight IPL therapy: This light-based therapy targets the root cause of dry eyes, improving tear quality and reducing inflammation.
- TearCare®: A gentle treatment that applies heat to the eyelids, allowing blocked oil glands to reopen and improve tear production.
- Allergy testing: Since allergies can cause or worsen dry eye symptoms, testing for allergies can help us create a comprehensive treatment plan.
- ZEST: A gentle exfoliation procedure that removes debris and bacteria from the eyelids, which can contribute to dry eye disease.
- EnVision Forma-I: A radiofrequency treatment that stimulates collagen production and tightens the skin around your eyes, addressing both aesthetic concerns and dry eye symptoms.
If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, it may be time to take action. Dry eyes can impact your quality of life, but professional treatment can provide lasting relief. Take our dry eye survey to assess your symptoms and schedule an appointment with us for a comprehensive eye exam. We’re here to help you find the right solution for your eyes and get back to feeling comfortable.
