Beyond Artificial Tears: Exploring Advanced Treatment Options for Dry Eye

Dry, itchy, or burning eyes might seem like a minor inconvenience at first. But for many people, the discomfort eventually begins to interfere with daily life. Artificial tears may provide temporary relief, but they often do not address the root cause of the issue. At Pointe Vision Care, we work with patients to move past temporary fixes by identifying the underlying cause of dry eye and offering advanced, lasting treatment options.
 

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the quality of your tears is poor, leading to inflammation and irritation. Symptoms can include stinging, burning, redness, sensitivity to light, blurry vision, and a gritty feeling like something is in your eye. This condition can be chronic and progressive if not properly treated.
 

Artificial Tears: The First Line of Defense

Over-the-counter artificial tears are often the first solution people turn to when dealing with dry eye symptoms. These lubricating eye drops are designed to temporarily add moisture to the eyes, providing quick relief from dryness and discomfort. However, they typically don’t address the underlying causes of dry eye and may need to be applied frequently to maintain comfort.
 

When to See a Doctor

If you’re using artificial tears more than a few times a day or still experiencing symptoms, it’s time to consult with an eye care professional. We conduct a comprehensive evaluation to identify the underlying cause of your dry eye - whether it’s due to inflammation, blocked meibomian glands, environmental factors, or other issues. This allows us to recommend personalized and more effective treatment options.
 

Advanced Treatments for Dry Eye

Once the root cause is determined, we may recommend one or more of the following advanced treatments:

• Lid Hygiene: Regular cleaning of the eyelids can help manage meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), a leading cause of evaporative dry eye. Warm compresses, lid scrubs, and in-office procedures may be part of your treatment plan.

• Prescription Eye Drops: Medications can reduce inflammation and increase tear production, offering long-term relief that artificial tears alone cannot provide.

• Nutritional Supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids, commonly found in fish oil, have been shown to improve the quality of tears and reduce inflammation associated with dry eye.

• Punctal Plugs: These tiny, biocompatible devices are inserted into the tear ducts to slow the drainage of tears, keeping the surface of your eyes more lubricated for longer periods.
 

Ready to Say Goodbye to Dry Eye Discomfort?

If you’re tired of relying on artificial tears without real improvement, it may be time to take a closer look at what’s causing your symptoms. We take a personalized approach to dry eye treatment, helping you find relief that actually lasts.

Schedule a dry eye evaluation at Pointe Vision Care to find the solution that works for you. Visit our office in Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan, or call (313) 546-0600 to book an appointment today.