Signs you may have dry eye
- Burning, stinging or a sandy, gritty feeling
- Watery eyes (your eyes over-produce poor-quality tears)
- Blurry vision that clears when you blink
- Red or tired eyes after screens, driving or reading
- Contact lenses that get uncomfortable by afternoon
- Crusty or irritated eyelid margins
Our dry eye evaluation
Dr. Dolan looks at your tear film, eyelids and oil glands (meibomian glands) under the microscope, reviews your medications, screen habits and contact lens wear, and pins down which kind of dry eye you have. Evaporative dry eye, low tear production and eyelid inflammation each need a different plan.
Dry eye kits
We put together at-home dry eye kits so you leave with everything your plan calls for, not a list to shop for. Depending on your needs, a kit can include:
- A reusable heated eye mask to melt and release blocked oil glands
- Eyelid cleanser or lid wipes for daily lid hygiene
- Preservative-free artificial tears
- Nighttime gel or ointment for morning relief
- Simple step-by-step instructions for your routine
Eye drops we carry
Not every drop is the same, and some "get the red out" drops make dry eye worse. We stock and recommend:
- Preservative-free lubricating drops for frequent use
- Longer-lasting gel drops
- Drops made for contact lens wearers
- Night-time ointments
If over-the-counter drops aren't enough, Dr. Dolan can discuss prescription dry eye medications with you.
Habits that help
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds
- Blink fully when working on screens
- Keep fans and car vents off your face
- Use a humidifier in winter
- Stay hydrated and ask us about omega-3s
Questions
Do I need an appointment to buy drops or a kit?
You can stop in for drops anytime we're open. For a kit matched to your eyes, we recommend a dry eye evaluation first.
Is dry eye covered by insurance?
Dry eye is a medical condition, so the evaluation is often billed to your medical insurance rather than your vision plan. Call us and we'll help you check.
Can dry eye be cured?
Dry eye is usually managed rather than cured, but most people feel dramatically better within a few weeks of a consistent routine.