Dry eye can last for a few days to a lifetime, depending on the underlying cause and severity. Temporary dry eye often resolves with rest or basic treatments, but chronic dry eye may persist and require ongoing management.
Understanding what’s causing your discomfort is key to finding lasting relief. Whether you’re dealing with a fleeting issue or a more persistent condition, treatments are available to improve your eye health and quality of life.
Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Tears are essential for maintaining eye health, providing lubrication, nourishment, and protection against infection. Without a healthy tear film, your eyes can feel gritty, irritated, and inflamed, leading to discomfort and potential long-term damage.
Inflammation often plays a significant role in dry eye syndrome. When the tear film is disrupted, the surface of your eyes can become inflamed, further exacerbating dryness and irritation.
Inflammation can also impair the function of the meibomian glands, small oil-producing glands along the edges of your eyelids. These glands release an essential oily layer that prevents tears from evaporating too quickly. When they become blocked or dysfunctional—a condition known as meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)—the tear film becomes unstable, leading to increased evaporation and worsening symptoms.
Many factors contribute to dry eye and inflammation, including age, hormonal changes, medication side effects, autoimmune conditions, and environmental stressors like wind or dry air. Prolonged screen time is another major contributor, as reduced blinking during screen use can strain the tear film and irritate the ocular surface.
Left untreated, dry eye and related conditions like MGD can lead to a cycle of inflammation and dryness, increasing the risk of corneal damage, scarring, formation of styes and eye infections. Identifying the root cause of your symptoms and addressing inflammation is essential for restoring comfort, stabilizing the tear film, and protecting your long-term eye health.
Is Dry Eye Temporary?
Dry eye can be temporary or chronic, depending on the cause. Temporary dry eye often stems from lifestyle factors, such as prolonged screen time, dehydration, or exposure to dry environments. In these cases, symptoms usually subside once the irritants are addressed and proper care is implemented.
However, chronic dry eye is more complex. It can result from medical conditions like meibomian gland dysfunction, autoimmune diseases such as Sjögren’s syndrome, or structural issues like eyelid problems. Chronic dry eye doesn’t resolve on its own and typically requires ongoing management to alleviate symptoms and prevent further damage.
Certain medications, including antihistamines, antidepressants, and diuretics, can also cause persistent dryness. If your symptoms don’t improve despite making lifestyle adjustments, consult an eye care professional for a comprehensive evaluation.
Signs & Symptoms of Chronic Dry Eye
- Persistent stinging, burning, or gritty sensations
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Redness or irritation
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
- Excessive tearing as a reflex to dryness
- Feeling like something is stuck in your eye
Treatments for Dry Eye
Advancements in eye care offer effective treatments for dry eye, ranging from at-home remedies to specialized in-office procedures. Your treatment plan will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause.
LipiFlow
LipiFlow is a thermal pulsation treatment designed to address meibomian gland dysfunction, a common cause of chronic dry eye. It uses heat and gentle pressure to clear blocked oil glands, restoring a healthy tear film. The procedure is quick, painless, and typically performed in the office. Many patients notice an improvement in symptoms within weeks, making LipiFlow a popular choice for lasting relief.
BlephEx
BlephEx targets one of the root causes of eyelid inflammation, often associated with dry eye. A medical-grade device is used to exfoliate the eyelids during this treatment, removing debris and bacteria that can clog glands. The procedure takes about 10 minutes and provides immediate relief from irritation. Regular treatments can improve tear production and reduce the risk of recurring symptoms.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy
Originally used for skin treatments, IPL has shown great success in treating dry eyes. The light pulses reduce inflammation and improve the function of the meibomian glands. IPL is particularly effective for patients with rosacea-related eye issues or chronic inflammation. A series of sessions is usually required for optimal results, but many patients experience significant relief after just one treatment.
Radiofrequency (RF) Therapy
RF therapy uses controlled heat to stimulate collagen production and improve gland function. This non-invasive treatment is particularly effective for patients with structural eyelid issues or meibomian gland dysfunction. Like IPL, RF therapy often requires multiple sessions to achieve long-lasting results.
Find Dry Eye Relief Today with Precision Eye Care
Dry eye doesn’t have to disrupt your life. With advanced treatments and personalized care, relief is possible. Schedule a consultation with our team today to start your journey to healthier, more comfortable eyes.
