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Putting Eye Drops

Dry Eye Diagnosis & Treatment at Family Eye Care

 

Dry eye is more common than most people realize—and it can cause uncomfortable, even painful symptoms. The good news? With the right diagnosis and treatment, relief is possible. At Family Eye Care in North Andover, our doctors use advanced diagnostic technology to identify the root cause of your dry eye and create a treatment plan that works for you.

What is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Tears are essential for clear vision, lubrication, and protecting the eyes from infection. When your eyes don’t produce enough quality tears, or when they evaporate too quickly, dry eye syndrome occurs.

Dry eye is often underdiagnosed because its symptoms can mimic allergies and other conditions.

 

Common Symptoms

You may have dry eye if you experience:

  • Burning, stinging, or itching eyes

  • A scratchy or sandy sensation

  • Light sensitivity

  • Eye redness or pain

  • Fluctuating or blurry vision

  • Watery eyes or stringy discharge

Symptoms often worsen with activities like reading, driving, or screen time, since blinking decreases during these tasks.

 

What Causes Dry Eye?

Dry eye has many possible causes, and identifying yours is key to effective treatment. Common causes include:

  • Blepharitis – Inflammation of the eyelids that clogs glands and causes irritation.

  • Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) – Blocked oil glands prevent a healthy tear film, leading to dryness and irritation.

  • Diabetes – High blood sugar damages nerves and oil glands, reducing tear production.

  • Sjogren’s Syndrome – An autoimmune condition that attacks moisture-producing glands.

  • Thyroid Disorders – Hormonal imbalance can affect tear production and eye health.

  • Contact Lenses – Overwear or poor hygiene can worsen dryness, sometimes requiring specialty lenses.

  • Medications – Certain prescriptions (for allergies, blood pressure, depression, etc.) may cause dry eye as a side effect.

  • Environment – Allergens, dry air, or seasonal changes can trigger symptoms.

  • Digital Device Use – Long hours on screens reduce effective blinking, leading to dryness.

 

Treatment Options

Dry eye affects everyone differently, so treatment must be personalized. After a comprehensive evaluation, your doctor will recommend solutions tailored to your needs. Options may include:

  • Prescription or over-the-counter eye drops

  • Lifestyle adjustments (screen breaks, hydration, humidifiers)

  • Specialized treatments for eyelid inflammation or gland dysfunction

  • Specialty contact lenses for patients with underlying conditions

Our goal is not just to relieve your symptoms but to treat the underlying cause—helping you achieve lasting comfort and better quality of life.

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