Simple Ways to Reduce Dry Eye

Dry, irritated eyes are one of the most common complaints people bring to their eye doctor. If your eyes often feel gritty, watery, or tired, you may be experiencing dry eye syndrome. While it can affect people of all ages, dry eye is increasingly common due to modern lifestyles and environmental factors. The good news is there are practical ways to manage your symptoms and professional treatments available if simple changes aren’t enough.
 

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Healthy tears are essential for clear vision and comfort - they keep your eyes lubricated, protect against infection, and wash away debris. Without proper tear function, the surface of your eyes can become irritated, leading to redness, burning, and blurred vision.

Several factors contribute to the rising rates of dry eye:

• Increased screen time: Staring at digital devices reduces blink rate, causing tears to evaporate faster.

• Environment: Air conditioning, heating, wind, or dry climates (Northern Nevada) can dry out the eyes.

• Aging: Tear production naturally decreases with age, especially in women after menopause.

• Contact lenses & medications: Some lenses and prescriptions can worsen dryness.
 

Simple Ways to Manage Dry Eye Symptoms

If you’re experiencing mild symptoms, small changes to your daily routine may help:

• Take screen breaks by following the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds and do a forceful blink for 5 seconds).

• Stay hydrated and avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol.

• Use a humidifier indoors to add moisture to the air.

• Apply warm compresses to improve oil gland function and relieve irritation.
 

When to Seek Professional Care

If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to see an optometrist for a personalized treatment plan. At Downtown Vision, we specialize in advanced care for dry eye, especially when meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a factor. MGD occurs when the oil glands in your eyelids become blocked, reducing tear quality.

Our advanced treatment options include:

• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy - targets inflammation and unclogs blocked oil glands.

• Radiofrequency (RF) Treatment - gently stimulates oil gland function and restores tear balance.

• Eterna™ Technology - cutting-edge therapy designed to improve comfort and long-term results.

• HydroEyes® Nutritional Supplements - support tear quality and eye health from within.

These customized solutions go beyond surface-level relief and address the root causes of dry eye.
 

Discover Advanced Solutions for Dry Eye

Dry eye can impact your vision, comfort, and overall quality of life. By taking proactive steps at home and seeking professional care when needed, you can protect your eyes and experience lasting relief.

If you’re struggling with dry, irritated eyes, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Schedule a dry eye evaluation at Downtown Vision and discover the right treatment plan for your unique needs. Please call our Reno office at (775) 322-4061 or our Carson City office at  (775) 883-3977 to book an appointment today.