Chronic dry eye can make everyday tasks, such as reading, using a computer, or watching TV, feel uncomfortable. If your eyes are dry, irritated, or gritty throughout the day, or you’re constantly reaching for artificial tears without finding lasting relief, it might be time to consider other treatment options.
At New Hartford Eye Associates, we offer advanced dry eye treatment in New Hartford for those who have tried everything from compresses to lifestyle changes and eye drops without success. Here are some signs that it’s time to get professional dry eye care.
Persistent dryness or gritty feeling
If your eyes frequently feel dry, irritated, or like something is stuck in them, you could be dealing with chronic dry eye. Occasional dryness is normal, but when this feeling lingers throughout the day, even after using eye drops, it might indicate a deeper issue that needs professional attention.
Excessive tearing
Excessive tearing, despite your eyes feeling dry, is another sign of chronic dry eye. When your eyes lack sufficient moisture, they try to compensate by producing more tears, but these tears are often ineffective. If you are frequently wiping away tears or feeling like your eyes are tearing up for no reason, it may be time to consult with an eye care professional.
Eye redness or inflammation
Chronic dry eye can cause irritation and inflammation on the surface of your eyes, often leading to redness and soreness. If your eyes remain red or inflamed for an extended period and don’t improve on their own, it’s best to seek treatment to address the discomfort and the underlying cause.
Blurry vision that improves with blinking
Experiencing blurry vision that temporarily clears up after blinking is a common symptom of chronic dry eye. When the tear film that coats your eyes becomes unstable, it can cause temporary blurry vision. Blinking helps spread the tears over your eyes, but if the blurriness occurs often, professional treatment may be necessary to restore proper lubrication.
Discomfort with contact lenses
If wearing contact lenses has become uncomfortable due to dryness, you may have chronic dry eye. Many people with dry eyes find it difficult to wear contacts for long periods because of irritation, pain, or blurry vision. In these cases, it may still be possible to wear contact lenses with the right treatment or a different type of lens.
Sensitivity to light
Light sensitivity, known as photophobia, is another common symptom of chronic dry eye. When your eyes lack sufficient moisture, they can become more sensitive to light. Bright lights, whether from the sun or artificial sources, can then become uncomfortable or even painful. Treating the underlying dryness with therapies like OptiLight IPL therapy can help reduce light sensitivity and improve your overall comfort.
Professional treatment for dry eye relief
At New Hartford Eye Associates, we offer OptiLight IPL therapy in New Hartford, a revolutionary treatment that can help manage severe or chronic dry eye. This therapy uses intense pulsed light (IPL) to target the root causes of dry eye by reducing inflammation and improving the quality of the tear film. OptiLight therapy can provide lasting relief and help restore comfort to your eyes.
We also offer advanced in-office treatments like Forma-I, which uses gentle radiofrequency (RF) energy to improve oil gland function and support healthier tears, and the TearCare® System, which applies targeted heat to the eyelids to help unclog blocked meibomian glands and relieve dry eye symptoms.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t wait to get the help you need. Schedule an appointment at New Hartford Eye Associates today and learn how professional treatments can provide long-term relief for chronic dry eye.