Dry Eye Treatment in Clearwater, Florida

Dry eye syndrome can leave your eyes feeling irritated, fatigued, and uncomfortable, affecting your daily life. Our specialized treatments are designed to relieve symptoms and restore moisture to your eyes, improving comfort and clarity while addressing the root causes of dryness.

Proudly serving Safety Harbor, Clearwater, Palm Harbor and Oldsmar, Florida.

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Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome often presents with burning, itching, redness, or a gritty sensation in the eyes. You may experience blurred vision, sensitivity to light, or excessive tearing as your eyes overcompensate for dryness. These symptoms can worsen with prolonged screen use, dry environments, or contact lens wear.

Persistent discomfort may indicate underlying issues that require professional care.

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Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly, leading to discomfort and irritation. Common causes include aging, hormonal changes, and environmental factors like wind or dry air. Certain medications, medical conditions, and lifestyle habits can also contribute to dryness.

Understanding the underlying cause is essential for effective treatment, as each case is unique. Identifying these triggers helps provide targeted solutions to restore moisture and comfort to your eyes.

If your home or office has air conditioning or a dry heating system, that too can dry out your eyes. Another cause is insufficient blinking, such as when you're staring at a computer screen all day.

Dry eyes are also associated with certain systemic diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, rosacea or Sjogren's Syndrome (a triad of dry eyes, dry mouth, and rheumatoid arthritis or lupus).

Long-term contact lens wear, incomplete closure of the eyelids, eyelid disease and a deficiency of the tear-producing glands are other causes.

If your home or office has air conditioning or a dry heating system, that too can dry out your eyes. Another cause is insufficient blinking, such as when you're staring at a computer screen all day.

Dry eyes are also associated with certain systemic diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, rosacea or Sjogren's Syndrome (a triad of dry eyes, dry mouth, and rheumatoid arthritis or lupus).

Long-term contact lens wear, incomplete closure of the eyelids, eyelid disease and a deficiency of the tear-producing glands are other causes.

Woman struggling to cope with Dry Eye Symptoms

How do I Cope with Dry Eye Syndrome?

We’ll evaluate your eyes and recommend the most suitable treatment to bring you relief from the symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome.

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Dry Eyes & Nutrition

You can develop dry eyes based on a variety of factors. Nutrition is one of those factors. Choose foods & supplements that will ensure less dryness.

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Contact Lens Discomfort & Dry Eyes

Have you been wearing contact lenses comfortably for years, but now your eyes feel dry, scratchy and irritated? Northwood Vision are here to help.

Treatment for Dry Eye

Dry eye syndrome is an ongoing condition that treatments may be unable to cure. But the symptoms of dry eye – including dryness, scratchiness and burning – can usually be successfully managed.

Here are some of the treatments we offer:

Eye Drops for Dry Eyes

Eye drops are a simple and effective way to relieve dry eye symptoms. Over-the-counter artificial tears provide immediate hydration and help maintain a healthy tear film.

For more persistent symptoms, prescription eye drops like cyclosporine or lifitegrast target inflammation, promoting natural tear production for long-term relief. Lubricating gels or ointments can also provide lasting comfort, especially for nighttime use. Specialized eye drops are available for individuals with specific conditions, such as meibomian gland dysfunction.

Your eye care professional can recommend the best option for your needs, ensuring you achieve relief from dryness, irritation, and discomfort.

Punctal Plugs

Punctal plugs are tiny, biocompatible devices inserted into the tear ducts to slow tear drainage, helping your eyes retain moisture. This treatment is ideal for moderate to severe dry eye syndrome, particularly when other therapies, like artificial tears, are insufficient.

The procedure is quick, painless, and performed in-office. Temporary plugs are used to test their effectiveness before switching to longer-lasting versions. By preserving the natural tear film, punctal plugs alleviate symptoms such as dryness, irritation, and burning, offering sustained comfort and improved eye health.

Warm Compresses

Warm compresses are a natural and effective way to address dry eye symptoms, especially when caused by meibomian gland dysfunction. Applying a warm, moist cloth to the eyelids helps open clogged oil glands, improving the quality and stability of your tear film. This simple at-home therapy reduces inflammation, soothes irritation, and enhances overall eye comfort.

For best results, use compresses regularly and follow with gentle eyelid massage to promote gland function. Your eye care provider may recommend specific products, such as reusable heat masks, for added convenience and effectiveness.

Nutritional Supplements

Nutritional supplements, particularly those containing omega-3 fatty acids, can significantly improve dry eye symptoms by reducing inflammation and promoting healthy tear production. Found in fish oil, flaxseed oil, or algae-based supplements, omega-3s help stabilize the tear film and support overall eye health.

These supplements are an excellent complement to other treatments, offering a natural way to address the underlying causes of dryness and irritation. Including omega-3-rich foods like salmon, walnuts, or chia seeds in your diet can further enhance their benefits. Always consult your eye care provider before starting new supplements to ensure the best results for your condition.

Treatment For Blepharitis

Blepharitis, a common eyelid inflammation, often contributes to dry eye symptoms by affecting the glands that produce essential tear film components. Effective treatments include daily eyelid hygiene, such as warm compresses and gentle scrubs to remove debris and unclog glands.

For more severe cases, medicated ointments, antibiotic drops, or prescription therapies may be necessary to reduce bacteria and inflammation. In-office treatments like thermal pulsation or intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy can provide long-lasting relief by targeting gland dysfunction directly.

Consistent care and management help alleviate symptoms, improve tear quality, and restore comfort for those with blepharitis-associated dry eye.

Tips for Preventing Dry Eyes

Wear Sunglasses

Sunglasses do more than protect your eyes from harmful UV rays—they also help prevent dry eye symptoms by shielding your eyes from wind, dust, and other irritants that can cause tear evaporation. Wraparound sunglasses are especially effective, offering full coverage and reducing exposure to environmental triggers.

Polarized lenses can enhance comfort by reducing glare, particularly in bright or reflective conditions. Wearing sunglasses regularly, especially outdoors or in windy climates, helps maintain your tear film and keeps your eyes hydrated and comfortable.

They’re a simple yet powerful tool in managing and preventing dry eye symptoms.

Use an Air Cleaner or Humidifier

Dry air and allergens can exacerbate dry eye symptoms, especially indoors. An air cleaner removes dust, pollen, and other irritants that may aggravate your eyes, while a humidifier adds moisture to the air, preventing your tears from evaporating too quickly. Together, these devices create a healthier indoor environment for your eyes.

Place a humidifier in rooms where you spend the most time, such as your bedroom or office, to ensure consistent comfort. By improving air quality and humidity levels, you can significantly reduce irritation and dryness, making these tools a valuable part of dry eye management.

Switch Medication

Certain medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and diuretics, can contribute to dry eye symptoms by reducing tear production. If you suspect your medication is causing dryness, consult your doctor or eye care provider. They may recommend alternatives with fewer side effects or adjust your dosage to minimize the impact on your eyes.

Never stop taking prescribed medications without professional guidance. Addressing this potential cause of dry eye can make a significant difference in managing your symptoms and improving your overall eye comfort and health.

Be Aware of the Risks of LASIK

While LASIK offers many benefits, it can sometimes lead to temporary or long-term dry eye symptoms. The procedure may affect the nerves in the cornea, reducing tear production during the healing process. It’s essential to discuss these risks with your eye care provider before undergoing LASIK. Preoperative evaluations can identify your risk factors, and post-surgical treatments like artificial tears or punctal plugs can help manage dryness.

Understanding the potential for dry eye after LASIK ensures you’re prepared and can take steps to protect your vision and comfort during recovery.

Schedule An Appointment at Our Clearwater Eye Clinic Today!

Take the first step toward relief from dry eyes. Schedule a consultation to explore your treatment options and develop a personalized care plan. Let us help you find lasting comfort and clear vision.

Schedule An Appointment