Are your eyes constantly dry, gritty, or irritated, even after using eye drops? You may be experiencing dry eye syndrome, a common condition that often requires more than just artificial tears to manage.
At Avon Vision Associates and New Hartford Eye Associates, we offer advanced dry eye treatment in Avon and New Hartford that targets the underlying causes of your symptoms for lasting relief. If eye drops for dry eyes no longer seem to help, it may be time to explore more effective, long-term solutions tailored to your specific needs.
Why eye drops are not helping with dry eye
Artificial tears can add moisture to the surface of your eyes, but they don’t address the underlying cause. Most cases of dry eye are caused by inflammation, meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), or poor tear quality, and not just a lack of moisture.
Relying only on eye drops can sometimes mask your symptoms, allowing the condition to worsen over time. If you’re constantly reapplying drops throughout the day, a comprehensive eye exam can help uncover the real issue.
How to get rid of dry eyes without eye drops
At our eye care centers in Avon and New Hartford, we offer advanced in-office treatments to target the root causes of dry eyes and improve long-term comfort. These treatments are non-invasive, effective, and tailored to your specific needs:
Our treatment options include:
- OptiLight IPL therapy – Uses gentle pulses of light to reduce inflammation and improve oil gland function
- Zocular Eyelid System Treatment (ZEST) – Gently exfoliates and cleans the eyelids to remove debris and bacteria
- Celluma low level light therapy (LLLT) – Wavelengths of light help reduce inflammation and support tear gland health
- Forma-I radiofrequency – Uses gentle heat to clear blocked glands and stimulate collagen production
- TearCare – Delivers targeted heat and massage to the eyelids to restore healthy tear film production
Each of these treatments is designed to support better tear quality and reduce dependence on eye drops.
Lifestyle changes for supporting dry eye relief
Professional treatments are the foundation, but small daily changes1 can help improve and maintain your results:
- Take regular breaks from digital screens to encourage blinking
- Stay well-hydrated; aim for 8 to 10 glasses of water daily
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to dry indoor air
- Get 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep each night
- Wear wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes from wind and sun
- Avoid smoke, wind, and direct air from fans or vents
These habits work hand-in-hand with your treatment plan to keep your eyes feeling more comfortable throughout the day.
When to seek professional dry eye treatment
If your dry eyes interfere with everyday tasks like reading, driving, or working on a computer, it may be time for more advanced solutions. Untreated dry eye disease can worsen over time2 and even impact your vision.
Whether your symptoms are mild or severe, our experienced team can pinpoint the cause and create a personalized plan to help you feel better and see clearly again.
Ready to find lasting relief?
Call Avon Vision Associates or New Hartford Eye Associates today or fill out our online appointment request form to schedule your comprehensive dry eye evaluation. Discover real solutions that go beyond eye drops.
References:
1. (n.d.). Dry Eye. National Eye Institute. Retrieved July 14, 2025, from https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/dry-eye
2. Lazarus, R. (n.d.). Consequences of Untreated Dry Eyes. Optometrists.org. Retrieved July 14, 2025, from https://www.optometrists.org/general-practice-optometry/guide-to-eye-conditions/dry-eye/what-is-dry-eye-syndrome/consequences-of-untreated-dry-eyes/