Dry Eye Treatment in Tazewell and Lebanon
Serving southwest Virginia
Find relief from dry, red, & irritated eyes
Whether it flares up after hours at a screen or lingers from morning to night, dry, red, irritated eyes are a common complaint among our patients. In fact, it’s one of the most common eye conditions in the U.S. Over half of sufferers (52%) say their symptoms feel nearly impossible to manage, and 81% report being constantly aware of how their eyes feel.¹
At ClearSight EyeCare, our eye doctors in Tazewell and Lebanon begin dry eye treatment with a thorough evaluation to identify the root cause of your symptoms. From there, we create a treatment plan tailored to your needs to help you find lasting relief.
What is dry eye?
Dry eye disease (also known as dry eye syndrome) happens when your eyes either don’t make enough tears or produce tears that aren’t doing their job properly. A healthy tear film does more than keep your eyes comfortable; it maintains clear vision, washes away debris, and shields the eye’s surface from irritation. Without it, your eyes can become inflamed and irritated, and over time, more serious complications can develop.
Dry eye symptoms
Dry eye causes a range of uncomfortable, often chronic symptoms, including:
- Intense burning or stinging
- Persistent redness and irritation
- A constant gritty or sandy feeling
- Blurry or fluctuating vision that doesn’t improve with blinking
- Watery eyes (yes, that’s actually a dry eye symptom!)
- Light sensitivity
- Eye fatigue, especially during screen time
- Pain or discomfort while wearing contact lenses
If this sounds like you, it might be time to give us a call. Our dry eye specialists in Tazewell and Lebanon will get to the root cause of your discomfort and build a personalized treatment plan.
What causes dry eye?
Dry eyes don’t have a single cause. A variety of factors can contribute, including:
- Age-related changes or hormonal shifts
- Certain medical conditions or medications
- Extended screen time or computer use
- Contact lens wear
- Environmental triggers like wind, dry air, or air conditioning
- Recovery from LASIK or other eye procedures
How is dry eye diagnosed?
Our dry eye doctors at ClearSight EyeCare’s Tazewell and Lebanon locations start with a comprehensive eye exam, using a series of targeted tests to accurately diagnose dry eye syndrome. We evaluate key factors like your tear quality, volume, evaporation rate, and chemical composition to get a complete picture of your eye health.
We also use advanced technology, including the NightHawk Slit Lamp with Dry Eye Suite, to evaluate your eyes in detail and help you clearly understand what we’re seeing.
How we treat dry eyes
Once your exam is complete, your eye doctor will create a treatment plan tailored to your needs, focused on easing discomfort and reducing dryness. Some of the treatments we may recommend include:
IPL therapy
Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy has been proven to be an effective treatment for dry eye. IPL uses gentle pulses of light to clear blockages and stimulate oil production, which can help alleviate dryness.
Punctal plugs
These tiny devices are inserted into the openings that your eye uses to drain tears. By reducing the speed at which your tears drain, they reduce dryness. There are a variety of punctal plugs available depending on your needs, and we’ll help you decide what option is best for you.
Amniotic membranes
Amniotic membranes use a biologic bandage made from the innermost layer of the placenta. When applied to the eye, it promotes healing and provides a protective barrier to aid in the recovery of the ocular surface.
Scleral lenses
Scleral lenses are larger, gas permeable contact lenses that rest on the sclera, the white part of the eye, rather than directly on the cornea. They provide a comfortable, stable fit and keep eyes hydrated, making them a great option for contact lens wearers with chronic dry eye.
Medicated eye drops
Most over-the-counter eye drops aren’t tailored to specific needs, and don’t effectively address dry eye symptoms (or worse, make your eyes even drier). We can prescribe a variety of eye drops for dry eye that treat the problem instead of masking it.
Relief is closer than you think
You don’t have to live with the frustration of dry, irritated eyes. Our optometrists have the experience, technology, and personalized care needed to help you see and feel your best again. Schedule an appointment with our dry eye doctors today.