Understanding Dry Eye Disease: Causes, Diagnoses & Personalized Treatment Plans

Dry eye disease is a common issue that affects many people in Prosper, Texas, especially with our seasonal allergies and changing weather conditions. If you find your eyes feeling dry, irritated, or constantly uncomfortable, you’re not alone. At Eyedeal Eyecare, we’re dedicated to helping our Prosper community understand the causes of dry eye disease and find relief through personalized care.

What Is Dry Eye Disease?

Dry eye disease occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the quality of your tears is poor. Healthy tears are essential for maintaining the moisture and comfort of your eyes, as well as protecting against infection. When your eyes are unable to maintain a stable tear film, symptoms like burning, stinging, redness, blurry vision, and a gritty sensation may develop.

Common Causes of Dry Eye Disease

Several factors can contribute to the development of dry eye, including:

• Aging: Tear production naturally decreases with age, making dry eye more common in adults over 50.

• Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD): Blockages or inflammation in the oil-producing glands of your eyelids can disrupt the tear film, leading to dryness.

• Blepharitis: Chronic eyelid inflammation often affects the quality and quantity of tears.

• Eye Surgery: Procedures like LASIK or cataract surgery can temporarily or permanently affect tear production.

• Contact Lens Use: Wearing contact lenses can reduce oxygen flow to the eyes and affect tear stability.

• Allergies: Environmental allergens can irritate the eyes and contribute to dryness.

• Medications: Certain medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and blood pressure drugs, may reduce tear production.

• Medical Conditions: Health issues like autoimmune disorders (e.g., Sjögren’s syndrome), diabetes, and thyroid problems are linked to dry eye symptoms.

Diagnosing Dry Eye Disease

Every case of dry eye is unique, making an accurate diagnosis essential for effective treatment. Our comprehensive dry eye evaluation is designed to uncover the root cause of your symptoms. During your visit, our doctors will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms in detail, and carefully examine your eyelids, tear film, and the surface of your eyes. 

We also measure your tear production and quality using specialized tests and assess for signs of inflammation, meibomian gland dysfunction, or other contributing factors. By identifying the underlying cause, we can develop a treatment plan that is personalized to your specific needs.

Personalized Treatment Options

Dry eye is best managed with an individualized approach. Your treatment plan may include one or more of the following:

• Eyelid Hygiene: Regular cleaning of the eyelids to remove debris and reduce inflammation, especially for patients with blepharitis or MGD.

• Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops to provide immediate relief from dryness.

• Prescription Eye Drops: Medications such as cyclosporine or lifitegrast to address inflammation and increase tear production.

• Nutritional Supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids can support healthy tear production and reduce inflammation.

• Punctal Plugs: Small devices inserted into the tear ducts to help retain moisture on the eye surface.

• OptiLight by Lumenis Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy: A state-of-the-art, non-invasive treatment that targets inflammation and meibomian gland dysfunction, often resulting in lasting relief.

Take the Next Step Toward Dry Eye Relief

Dry eye disease is a common condition with many potential causes, but it doesn’t have to disrupt your daily life. We’re committed to finding the right solution for you by identifying the cause and offering the most effective treatments available.

If you’re experiencing dry eye symptoms, schedule a consultation with Eyedeal Eyecare and take the first step toward lasting comfort with personalized treatment. Visit our office in Prosper, Texas, or call (972) 430-4600 to book an appointment today.