If your eyes frequently feel irritated, affect your routine, and lead you to rely on over-the-counter drops for dry eye relief, it’s time for a professional evaluation with Dr. Levine and the dry eye specialists at Cliffside Eye Center in Cliffside Park, NJ. We understand the frustration of persistent dry eye and, through advanced diagnostic tools and personalized treatment plans, are committed to uncovering the root cause, so you can get back lasting comfort and clear vision. Let’s explore dry eyes and the 7 signs it’s time to schedule a consultation for relief.
What’s Really Going On With Dry Eyes?
Dry eyes are caused by either insufficient tear production or rapid tear evaporation. In either case, because tears maintain your eye health through lubrication, debris removal, and infection protection, any disruption of the tear film can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms. Finding dry eye relief depends on the causes, which fall into two main categories: decreased tear production and increased tear evaporation.
Decreased Tear Production
Dryness can happen when your eyes don’t produce enough tears (aqueous fluid). Common reasons include:
- Envejecimiento. Tear production declines with age, especially after 50.
- Medical conditions. Autoimmune disorders like Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or thyroid disease can impact tear production.
- Medications. Antihistamines, antidepressants, hormone replacement therapy, and blood pressure medications may reduce tear output.
- Vitamin A deficiency. Impairs tear production.
Increased Tear Evaporation
Even with adequate tear production, they may evaporate too quickly:
- Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Blocked eyelid glands reduce the oily tear layer that prevents evaporation.
- Environmental factors. Wind, smoke, dry air, or prolonged screen use can exacerbate evaporation.
- Eyelid issues. Conditions like ectropion (outward turning lids) or entropion (inward turning lids) disrupt tear distribution.
- Blinking less often. Concentration during activities like reading or computer work reduces blinking frequency, leading to dryness.
When To See a Dry Eye Specialist – The 7 Signs
Temporary relief from dry eye symptoms can be found with over-the-counter remedies and at-home solutions like humidifiers and warm compresses, but persistent or worsening symptoms may require a personalized care plan from Dr. Levine.
1. Persistent Dryness Despite Artificial Tears. If you habitually reach for eyedrops, but still suffer from dryness, burning, or gritty, sand-like sensations, the underlying issue may be more complex than a tear deficiency.
2. Frequent Blurry Vision Impacting Daily Tasks. If persistent blurriness makes reading, driving, or working on a computer difficult, it’s a sign that your dry eye is affecting your visual function.
3. Paradoxical Excessive Tearing. If your eyes are constantly watering despite feeling dry and irritated, your body is trying to compensate. Excess tears indicate an unstable tear film that requires a dry eye specialist to improve its quality and stability.
4. Increased Light Sensitivity That Makes Everyday Activities Difficult. Are you constantly squinting or avoiding bright lights? Heightened light sensitivity and dry eye suggest ocular surface inflammation needing specialized care.
5. Discomfort or Inability to Wear Contact Lenses. If you’re a contact lens wearer and suddenly find them irritating or can only wear them for short periods, dry eye could be the culprit.
6. Experiencing Eye Pain, Redness, or Inflammation. If you have significant eye pain, persistent redness, or inflammation, you might need specialized attention to rule out dry eye complications.
7. Dry Eye Symptoms Interfering With Focused Activities. If your dry eye symptoms hinder concentration on visual tasks like reading, working, or hobbies, seek medical care.
How Our Specialists Make a Difference
As a board-certified ophthalmologist and dry eye specialist in Cliffside Park, NJ, Dr. Richard Levine combines 30 years’ experience using the latest in diagnostics for personalized dry eye relief, he can pinpoint the exact cause of your dry eyes and develop a tailored treatment plan. You can expect:
- A Thorough Examination – During your examination, Dr. Levine measures your tear composition with the TearLab® Osmolarity System, tear volume with the Schirmer’s test, and tear quality using special dyes.
- Advanced Treatment Options – We offer prescription eye drops, thermal pulsation therapy to clear blocked oil glands, and punctal plugs to help natural tears last longer, among other treatments.
- Personalized Lifestyle Tips – Dr. Levine gives personalized advice on managing your environment and daily habits for long-term dry eye relief.
Don’t Let Dry Eyes Define Your Days. Schedule Relief Now With Our Dry Eye Specialist!
Your eyes deserve the best care; find lasting dry eye relief by calling 201-941-9400, or requesting an appointment online with Dr. Levine. We look forward to helping you regain the comfort and clarity of healthy, happy eyes.
