Chronic dry eyes can make even simple activities feel exhausting. Maybe you’ve tried every over-the-counter eye drop on the shelf and still end up rubbing your eyes, blinking through blurry vision, or fighting irritation that comes right back.
You don’t have to keep guessing which product might finally work. At The Optics Group clinics, our experienced eye doctors can provide personalized dry eye treatment to help your eyes feel comfortable again. In this blog, we explore common causes of dry eyes and effective treatments that go beyond traditional eye drops.
What causes chronic dry eye?
Dry eyes happen when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Some common causes include:
- Aging and hormonal changes
- Long hours staring at screens
- Dry, windy, or smoky environments
- Certain medications
- Contact lens wear
- Meibomian gland dysfunction, which affects the oily layer of your tears
Understanding the root cause is essential for treating dry eyes effectively rather than just masking the symptoms.
Lifestyle changes to support eye health
Before turning to advanced treatments, small changes in your daily routine may help improve tear quality and reduce irritation:
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule during screen time: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to dry indoor air
- Wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors to block wind and sun
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the day
These habits can make professional treatments even more effective and keep your eyes more comfortable overall.
Professional dry eye treatment options
For many people with chronic dry eyes, lifestyle adjustments alone aren’t enough. Our trusted optometrists in Mt. Pleasant, Alma, Carson City, St. Louis, State Street, Calumet, and Oscoda can recommend treatments that target the underlying causes, including:
- BlephEx treatment – Gently cleans your eyelid margins to remove debris and bacteria that block oil glands, helping your tears stay healthy and reduce irritation.
- Amniotic membrane therapy – Provides advanced healing for more severe dry eyes by reducing inflammation, supporting tissue repair, and promoting natural tear production.
- Prescription eye drops – Reduce inflammation or stimulate tear production for lasting relief, going beyond temporary lubrication.
These treatments work together with lifestyle changes to restore comfort and improve eye health.
Specialty contact lenses for dry eye relief
For patients with persistent dry eye, specialty contact lenses can help maintain hydration throughout the day. Scleral lenses create a protective layer of fluid over the cornea, shielding it from irritation and supporting tear retention. Our optometrists can evaluate whether these lenses are right for your eyes and lifestyle.
Maintain long-term eye comfort
Even after treatment, routine eye care supports lasting relief:
- Schedule a comprehensive eye exam regularly to monitor your eye health
- Follow your optometrist’s recommended care plan
- Stay aware of environmental factors like air quality and screen use that may contribute to dryness
Combining professional treatments with healthy habits can keep your eyes comfortable and reduce dependence on temporary solutions.
Finally get answers for your dry, irritated eyes
Living with chronic dry eye can feel discouraging. You might switch between brands of artificial tears, try “refreshing” drops every hour, and still deal with burning, itching, or blurry vision that interrupts your day. It becomes frustrating when nothing seems to work for long.
You deserve relief that doesn’t depend on constant temporary fixes. At The Optics Group clinics, our experienced team can pinpoint the cause of your dryness and create a plan that provides lasting relief.
Schedule a comprehensive eye exam today to restore moisture, protect your eye health, and feel comfortable without relying on constant eye drops.
