Struggling with dry eyes? At Westwood Ophthalmology Associates, we combine over 40 years of experience with the latest treatments to address dry eye disease effectively. Our expert team is dedicated to restoring your comfort and vision.
Dry eye disease is a common, multifactorial condition that develops when your eyes do not produce enough high-quality tears or when tears evaporate too quickly. Without a smooth, stable tear film, the eye’s surface becomes inflamed and irritated, vision can blur, and simple tasks like reading or driving feel uncomfortable. At Westwood Ophthalmology Associates, we understand how frustrating dry eyes can be. We combine forty-plus years of experience with the latest technology to pinpoint why your eyes feel dry and to craft a treatment plan that restores lasting comfort and clear vision. Our goal is to help you understand what’s happening with your eyes and how we can work together to bring you relief.
Dry eye symptoms usually affect both eyes and can range from mild to quite bothersome. Recognizing them early helps us prevent long-term irritation and protect your sight. Paradoxically, one of the most common symptoms is watery eyes, this is a reflex response to the underlying dryness. If you experience any combination of the following symptoms regularly, you may be suffering from dry eye disease.
Dry eye has many potential causes, and it's often a mix of problems. In some cases, your eyes might not produce enough tears (aqueous tear deficiency); in others, your tears may evaporate too quickly (evaporative dry eye). Understanding which factor, or combination of factors, is at work in your eyes is key, as it guides our eye doctors at Westwood Ophthalmology toward the most effective therapy.
A significant cause of dry eye is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), the most common cause of evaporative dry eye. Your eyelids contain tiny meibomian glands that release an essential oil (meibum) that floats on top of each tear, sealing in moisture. When these glands clog with thickened oil or debris, the protective lipid layer breaks down, and tears evaporate too quickly. This leads to burning, fluctuating vision, and frequent reflex tearing. MGD can be associated with blepharitis (inflamed eyelids) or skin conditions like rosacea. Unblocking and rehabilitating these glands is critical for lasting relief.
Hormones help regulate tear production. Women in particular may notice dry eye symptoms during periods of hormonal change, such as pregnancy, while using birth control pills, or especially after menopause. A sharp drop in hormones like estrogen and androgen after menopause can leave tears thinner and glands less active, making dryness particularly common in women over fifty. Our eye doctors will consider these factors when evaluating your dry eye and may adjust treatment to keep your tear film stable through each life stage.
Hundreds of widely used medications can reduce tear output or change tear composition. Common culprits include antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, acne treatments, blood-pressure pills, and even some heartburn medicines. If you suspect a prescription is drying your eyes, bring a full list to your appointment. We will coordinate with your primary-care doctor to explore safer alternatives or introduce protective treatments so you can stay both healthy and comfortable.
Growing older is a natural risk factor for dry eyes. Baseline tear volume declines steadily after age fifty, and the meibomian glands often atrophy or scar with time. This natural slowdown explains why many older adults rely on frequent artificial tears or experience red, tired eyes by evening. While we can’t stop aging, we can certainly help manage it with regular eye exams, protective lifestyle habits, and early medical therapies to keep your eyes lubricated and vision crisp.
Diseases such as Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and scleroderma can cause the body’s immune system to attack its own moisture-producing glands, creating severe aqueous tear deficiency. Patients often feel intense dryness, burning, and light sensitivity. In these cases, close coordination between our ophthalmologists and your rheumatologist is essential. Laboratory tests, anti-inflammatory therapies, and biologic treatments work together to protect the cornea, relieve pain, and ensure your eye care supports your overall health.
Your environment plays a big role in tear film stability. Dry, windy climates, indoor heating and air-conditioning, cigarette smoke, and high-altitude travel accelerate tear evaporation. Even ceiling fans or car vents aimed at the face can leave eyes gritty within minutes. Simple changes, wearing wraparound sunglasses outdoors, positioning vents away from your face, and adding a bedside humidifier, often calm symptoms dramatically. We will help you identify and manage these environmental triggers.
When you focus on a computer, smartphone, or book, your blink rate can drop by up to 60 percent. Blinking is what spreads the tear film over the eye, so when it's reduced, tears evaporate between blinks. This is why eyes often feel tired, strained, and dry after long periods of work or study. We counsel our patients on the 20-20-20 rule: every twenty minutes, look twenty feet away for twenty seconds and blink intentionally. This simple habit refreshes the tear film and can prevent afternoon fatigue.
For many patients with mild to moderate dry eye, initial treatments focus on non-prescription remedies you can use at home. Our eye doctors often recommend starting with these approaches to improve your tear quality and reduce irritation. These simple steps can be integrated into your daily routine to nourish the tear film and soothe irritation.
Dietary omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil or flaxseed oil, have anti-inflammatory properties and can improve meibomian-gland oil quality. Consistent daily intake may reduce burning, enhance tear breakup time, and lessen styes or lid swelling. Ask our eye doctors about a reputable brand and dose that matches your medical history. Learn more
Healthy eyelids are crucial for healthy tears. Avenova uses pure hypochlorous acid to kill bacteria and Demodex mites along the lash line, which often contribute to blepharitis and MGD. Twice-daily lid wipes clear debris and calm inflammation, keeping gland openings unclogged. This allows your natural oils to flow freely and helps break the cycle of irritation. Learn more
A cornerstone therapy for evaporative dry eye, applying a warm compress or heated eye mask for 5-10 minutes melts the thickened oils inside your meibomian glands. This allows the clogged glands to open and release oils back into your tears. Following with gentle lid massage expresses the fresh oil. Used nightly, warm compresses can make a noticeable difference in your day-to-day comfort. Learn more
Eyelid scrubs, available as pre-moistened pads or gentle foam cleansers, remove bacteria, crusts, dead skin cells, and hardened secretions that inflame eyelids and obstruct glands. Daily cleansing helps manage blepharitis and keeps the lash line clean, which is essential for preventing the irritation that contributes to dry eye. Learn more
When lifestyle changes and home care aren’t enough, our eye doctors may prescribe targeted therapies to reduce underlying inflammation, improve tear production, and stabilize the tear film. At Westwood Ophthalmology Associates, we will customize a medical treatment plan based on the severity and specific causes of your dry eye.
Restasis (cyclosporine 0.05%) is an immunomodulating medication that helps increase your eyes’ natural tear production. It works by calming the inflammation in the lacrimal glands that suppresses tear output. Used twice daily, most patients notice greater comfort and less need for artificial tears after three to six months of continued use as their tear film gradually becomes healthier and more stable. Learn more
Xiidra (lifitegrast 5%) also targets the underlying inflammation of dry eye, but it blocks a different inflammatory pathway on the ocular surface. For many patients, Xiidra can provide relief from symptoms in as little as two weeks. Regular twice-daily dosing can improve tear-film stability and ease burning, stinging, and blurred vision by interrupting the cycle of inflammation. Learn more
Don’t let dry eyes hold you back any longer. Schedule your dry eye evaluation at Westwood Ophthalmology Associates today. Our expert team, equipped with advanced technology and over 40 years of experience, is dedicated to restoring your comfort and clear vision. Call us at 267-341-7337 to take the first step toward lasting relief.
Miebo is the first and only FDA-approved therapy that directly targets tear evaporation. This preservative-free drop is designed to mimic your natural meibomian oils. It forms a thin, protective layer over the tear film, sealing moisture in place and preventing tears from drying out. Ideal for evaporative dry eye, it is used four times daily to provide lasting comfort without blurring. Learn more
For moderate to severe dry eye, or when first-line therapy fails, we offer state-of-the-art procedures at Westwood Ophthalmology Associates that treat root causes and heal damaged tissue. Our specialists will determine if one of these advanced solutions is right for you.
LipiFlow is a specialized 12-minute treatment for MGD. It combines precise inner-lid heat with rhythmic external massage to liquefy and express hardened meibomian oils. This process rehabilitates the glands and can restore a stable lipid layer for six to twelve months or more, addressing the root cause of evaporative dry eye and providing durable relief. Learn more
For severe dry eye that hasn't responded to other treatments, these are truly personalized eye drops made from your own blood serum. They deliver high concentrations of natural growth factors, vitamins, and antibodies that lubricate and promote healing of a damaged cornea when commercial drops fall short. They are especially helpful for patients with Sjögren’s syndrome or severe ocular surface disease. Learn more
An amniotic membrane (like ProKera®) is a transparent, placental tissue bandage that rests on the eye for several days. It acts as a healing cushion, releasing potent anti-inflammatory proteins that promote epithelial growth and relieve pain in cases of non-healing dry eye keratitis or severe corneal damage. It is a natural, regenerative therapy to restore your eye's surface. Learn more
Lacrifill is a biocompatible hyaluronic-acid gel that is injected into the tear-drainage canals (canaliculi). By partially and temporarily blocking drainage, it keeps more of your natural tears on the eye's surface. The effects of a single, quick in-office treatment can last for up to six months before the gel slowly dissolves, providing a low-maintenance, extended-relief solution. Learn more
In cases of chronic MGD where gland openings have become scarred or obstructed, our eye doctors can use a sterile micro-probe to gently open them. This procedure immediately relieves internal pressure and restores oil flow. Combining probing with anti-inflammatory therapy can maximize long-term comfort for patients with stubborn, obstructive MGD. Learn more
Punctal plugs are tiny devices inserted into the tear drainage openings (puncta) of your eyelids. By blocking the "drain," they slow tear drainage so that your natural tears and artificial tears stay on the eye’s surface longer. We often start with temporary dissolvable plugs as a trial; if they help, longer-lasting silicone plugs can be placed for sustained relief. Learn more
For patients with severe, persistent dry eye, scleral lenses provide remarkable relief. These large-diameter lenses vault over the cornea, creating a fluid reservoir that bathes the eye in saline all day. They shield delicate corneas from blinking friction and environmental dryness while also correcting vision. Our scleral lens specialist, Dr. Irene Tran, custom-designs these lenses to restore comfort and clarity for even the most challenging dry eye cases. Learn more
Dry, gritty, and uncomfortable eyes should never be ignored. If you're struggling, don’t suffer in silence. We encourage you to book a comprehensive dry eye evaluation at Westwood Ophthalmology Associates. Our distinguished team of specialists will perform a thorough assessment to determine the exact cause of your symptoms and create a customized treatment plan. Lasting relief, and clearer, more comfortable vision, starts with a single visit. Call us today at 267-341-7337 or request an appointment online to take the first step toward protecting your vision for the long term.
Don’t let dry eyes hold you back any longer. Schedule your dry eye evaluation at Westwood Ophthalmology Associates today. Our expert team, equipped with advanced technology and over 40 years of experience, is dedicated to restoring your comfort and clear vision. Call us at 267-341-7337 to take the first step toward lasting relief.
For comprehensive dry eye treatment in Westwood, schedule an evaluation at Westwood Ophthalmology Associates and find relief today!
