Dry, gritty, itchy, or watery eyes might seem like a small inconvenience – until it becomes a daily struggle. For many people, dry eye symptoms get worse over time, making it harder to concentrate, use digital devices, wear contact lenses, or even enjoy the outdoors. You might think it’s just a part of aging or allergy season. But chronic dry eye is a medical condition – and one that deserves real attention.
At Drs. Favede & Associates, we take dry eye seriously. More importantly, we know that eye drops from the drugstore are only part of the picture. If your symptoms come back a few hours after using drops – or never go away at all – it’s time to consider in-office treatment options that address the root cause.
What Causes Dry Eye?
Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or when the tears you do make evaporate too quickly. This might be due to inflammation, blocked oil glands, medications, or even hormonal changes.
Some of the most common culprits include:
- Long-term screen use (reduced blinking)
- Contact lens wear
- Aging and menopause
- LASIK or other eye surgeries
- Certain medications (antihistamines, antidepressants)
- Autoimmune conditions or chronic allergies
In many cases, dry eye is a combination of factors. And because the condition tends to develop slowly, people often get used to the symptoms before realizing just how much it’s affecting their vision and comfort.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Dry eye symptoms can vary from person to person. Some patients report burning or stinging sensations, while others say their eyes actually water too much – a result of poor-quality tears that evaporate quickly.
Common symptoms include:
- Itching, burning, or gritty sensation
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Eye fatigue, especially during reading or screen use
- Redness and irritation
- Sensitivity to light
- Excessive tearing that doesn’t improve the dryness
If you’ve tried over-the-counter solutions but your eyes still feel irritated, there may be a deeper issue that needs professional attention.
Why Drugstore Drops Don’t Always Work
Over-the-counter eye drops (also called artificial tears) can offer temporary relief, especially if you’re dealing with occasional dryness. But for people with chronic dry eye, they’re often not enough – and sometimes they can even make things worse.
Many drops contain preservatives that, with frequent use, can irritate the eye’s surface. Others don’t match your natural tear composition, which means they provide a short burst of moisture without fixing the underlying issue. If you’re reaching for your drops more than a few times a day, it’s time to talk to an optometrist.
In-Office Treatments That Address the Root Cause
At Drs. Favede & Associates, we offer several treatments that go beyond symptom management. These are designed to improve tear quality, reduce inflammation, and restore comfort over time.
Your specific treatment plan will depend on the cause and severity of your condition, but may include:
- Prescription Eye Drops: These reduce inflammation and help stimulate natural tear production.
- Lid Hygiene and Warm Compress Therapy: Great for patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), a common cause of dry eye.
- Punctal Plugs: Tiny biocompatible inserts that help keep moisture on your eyes longer by partially blocking tear drainage.
- Omega-3 Supplements: Target inflammation and promote healthy oil production in the tear film.
- Environmental Advice: We’ll help identify triggers in your lifestyle – like fans, air vents, or screen habits – and suggest realistic ways to limit irritation.
Every patient is different, and dry eye management often works best with a tailored, multi-step approach.
Find Dry Eye Relief in Bridgeport, OH
If your eyes feel dry, itchy, or irritated more often than not, don’t keep pushing through. Treating dry eye early prevents long-term discomfort, protects your vision, and helps you get back to doing the things you love without distraction.
The eyecare team at Drs. Favede & Associates is here to help – whether you need a full evaluation or just have questions about what kind of treatment is right for you.
Call us at 740-224-5596 to book an appointment today and let us help you feel comfortable behind your eyes again.