Many people who experience dry eye wonder if it will go away on its own. In some cases, temporary dry eye can resolve on its own or with simple treatments. For example, if a medication is causing your symptoms and you stop taking it, your symptoms should improve. However, dry eye is often a chronic condition, especially for women and older adults.
At The Eye Center in Pembroke Pines, FL, we specialize in diagnosing and managing chronic dry eye with advanced treatment options tailored to your specific needs. Here are some key signs that you should consider seeing an eye care professional for your chronic dry eye.
1. Your eyes feel dry and irritated all the time
If your eyes constantly feel dry, irritated, and gritty—even after using eye drops—this is a clear sign that your dry eye may be more than just mild discomfort. Persistent dryness can indicate that your eyes are not producing enough tears, or that your tears are evaporating too quickly. This ongoing discomfort can affect your ability to focus, work, or engage in activities, making it difficult to enjoy life.
2. Your eyes are red or bloodshot
Red, inflamed, or bloodshot eyes are common signs of chronic dry eye, especially if the redness persists even after resting or using artificial tears. Dryness can lead to irritation and inflammation of the surface of the eye, causing redness and sensitivity to light. If you notice that your eyes are constantly red or look inflamed, it’s time to seek professional help. Left untreated, this can lead to more serious issues like corneal damage or infections.
3. You’re using artificial tears constantly
Many people with dry eye rely on artificial tears to provide relief. However, if you use them frequently—more than just a couple of times a day—this could be a sign that your eyes need more than just temporary relief. Frequent use of artificial tears might mask the underlying issue without solving it. In such cases, professional treatments like OptiLight IPL therapy or prescription medications may be more effective in treating the root causes of your dry eye.
4. Blurred vision and sensitivity to light
If your vision is blurry or your eyes are unusually sensitive to light (a condition called photophobia), these can be signs of chronic dry eye. Blurred vision occurs when the tear film on your eye is insufficient, preventing light from properly focusing. Similarly, light sensitivity can occur as a result of inflammation or dryness on the surface of your eyes. These symptoms may be more than just annoying—they can seriously affect your daily activities. Seeking professional treatment can help restore comfort and clear vision.
5. Eye discomfort that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter solutions
If over-the-counter remedies like artificial tears, warm compresses, or lid scrubs aren’t relieving dryness and discomfort, it’s time to consult an eye care professional. While these options can be effective for mild cases of dry eye, they may not be sufficient for more severe or chronic dry eye. Professional treatments, such as OptiLight IPL therapy, prescription medications, or punctal plugs, can provide more lasting relief by addressing the underlying causes of dry eye rather than just treating the symptoms.
6. You have difficulty wearing contact lenses
Dry eye can make wearing contact lenses incredibly uncomfortable, especially if your eyes aren’t producing enough tears or if the tears evaporate too quickly. If you find that your contacts are irritating your eyes more than usual, or you can only wear them for short periods, professional treatment may be necessary. Another option is to try a different type of contact lens that may be better suited to dry eyes.
Schedule a visit with our experts today
At The Eye Center, our experienced eye care professionals can help you find the best treatment for chronic dry eye symptoms. We offer advanced dry eye treatment in Pembroke Pines, Florida, including OptiLight IPL therapy. OptiLight treatment has been proven to provide long-lasting relief by targeting the root causes of dry eye, such as meibomian gland dysfunction and inflammation.
If you’re ready to take control of your chronic dry eye symptoms, schedule an appointment with us today. Our team will assess your symptoms, determine the underlying causes of your dry eye, and recommend a customized treatment plan to help you see clearly and feel comfortable again.
