Dry eye treatment that goes beyond store-bought drops
We test what is causing your dry eye, then treat it, from prescription drops to in-office gland treatments.
In short: dry eye is common and usually long-lasting. It can show up as burning, grittiness, tired eyes or even watery eyes. It may not be curable, but most people can get real relief once the cause is found.
Signs to watch for
- Burning, stinging or a gritty feeling
- Tired eyes, especially after screens or reading
- Blurry vision that clears when you blink
- Watery eyes. Tears without enough oil wash away quickly, so the eye makes more.
- Using rewetting drops most weeks
How we find the cause
Tests can measure how many tears you make, how quickly they evaporate and, in some cases, image the oil glands in your eyelids.
A habit that helps
If you spend hours on screens, every 20 minutes look at something about 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
What is happening inside your eye
Every blink spreads a thin film of tears over the cornea. The film has water, mucus and an outer layer of oil made by glands in your eyelids. When those glands clog or tears are too few, the film breaks up, the surface dries, and your eyes burn, blur or water.
Explore the eyeHow we treat it
Restasis or Xiidra
Prescription drops that calm the inflammation behind dry eye.
Drops and supplements
Targeted drops and oral vitamins for milder symptoms.
LipiFlow
Gentle warmth and pressure to unclog the oil glands in your eyelids.
BlephEx
A thorough cleaning of the lid edge to remove buildup that irritates the eye.
Common questions
Why are my eyes watery if they are dry?
When tears lack oil and mucus they run off the eye quickly, so your eyes make more watery tears that do not help.
Is dry eye curable?
Usually it is managed rather than cured, and most people feel much better with the right treatment.
When should I come in?
If your eyes bother you most weeks, or you use rewetting drops regularly.
Is it worse in certain seasons?
Allergy season, wind and air conditioning can all make symptoms worse.
Talk to a Lumen doctor
Book online or call, and we will match you with the right doctor and office.