Still Struggling with Dry Eyes? Why It’s Time to See a Specialist

Are your eyes constantly irritated, watery, or burning despite using artificial tears and over-the-counter remedies? Persistent dry eye can affect your vision, comfort, and overall quality of life. Many people try to manage symptoms on their own, only to find that the relief is short-lived. When standard solutions fail, it’s a sign that it’s time to see a dry eye specialist who can uncover the real cause and offer treatments designed for lasting results.

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye occurs when your eyes either don’t produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to uncomfortable symptoms. You may notice your eyes feeling gritty or sandy, appearing red and irritated, watering excessively as they try to compensate, or becoming sensitive to light. While many people rely on artificial tears or warm compresses for temporary relief, these methods often fail to address the underlying cause of chronic dry eye, leaving symptoms to persist or return.

Why Traditional Treatments Often Fall Short

A large portion of dry eye cases are caused by Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). The meibomian glands, located along the eyelids, produce the oily layer of your tears. When these glands become clogged or inflamed, tears evaporate too quickly, causing persistent dryness. Artificial tears and drugstore remedies typically don’t treat gland blockages. This is why symptoms often return shortly after using drops or warm compresses.

Why See an Optometrist for Dry Eye?

When at-home treatments aren’t enough, it’s important to see an eye care specialist. Your optometrist can:

• Uncover the underlying cause of your dry eye through a detailed exam and diagnostic imaging.

• Provide targeted relief with advanced in-office therapies designed to treat the source of your symptoms.

• Prevent long-term damage, as untreated dry eye can affect the ocular surface and vision over time.

Advanced Treatments for Lasting Relief

At Eyes on the City, we offer advanced therapies designed to treat Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) and chronic dry eye at the source, rather than just masking the symptoms. One of these treatments is Forma-I: Bipolar Radiofrequency (RF). This non-invasive procedure uses gentle bipolar radiofrequency energy to warm the eyelid area, helping to loosen blocked oil glands and stimulate healthy tear production. In addition to promoting better gland function, Forma-I can enhance eyelid health and provide noticeable comfort, often after just a few sessions.

We also offer Lumecca: Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy, which targets inflammation and abnormal blood vessels around the eyes - common contributors to MGD and dry eye. By reducing inflammation and improving the function of the meibomian glands, IPL therapy helps restore the natural tear film and delivers longer-lasting relief from chronic dryness.

Stop Suffering and Start Seeing Clearly

If you’ve been struggling with persistent dry eyes, it’s time to move beyond temporary fixes. With a professional evaluation and advanced treatments like Forma-I and Lumecca, you can finally find lasting relief and protect your vision for the future.

To learn more on how RF and IPL therapy can relieve your dry eye symptoms, schedule a consultation with Eyes on the City today. Contact our office in Seattle, Washington, by calling (206) 588-2814 to book an appointment.