Dry Eyes

Dry eyes are a common and often uncomfortable condition affecting many residents in Lakewood Ranch and surrounding areas. Whether you're spending time outdoors, working on a screen, or dealing with seasonal allergens, dry eye symptoms can impact your daily comfort and long-term eye health. At Artisan Eye, we specialize in advanced, personalized dry eye care to help our local community find lasting relief and maintain clear, healthy vision.
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What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye occurs when your eyes don't produce enough tears or when the quality of your tears is poor. Tears are essential for keeping your eyes lubricated, nourishing the cornea, and protecting against infection. When this natural tear film is disrupted, it can lead to irritation, blurred vision, and other symptoms that interfere with your comfort and clarity.

Common Causes of Dry Eye

Dry eye can develop from a variety of causes, including:

• Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD): A leading cause of dry eye, MGD occurs when the oil-producing glands in your eyelids become blocked or inflamed, disrupting the tear film.

• Blepharitis: Inflammation of the eyelid margins can impair tear production and contribute to both dryness and discomfort.

• Eye Surgery: Procedures such as LASIK or cataract surgery may temporarily or permanently alter tear production.

• Contact Lens Use: Long-term contact lens wear can reduce oxygen flow and increase dryness.

• Allergies: Seasonal or environmental allergens can irritate the eyes and contribute to dryness.

• Aging: Tear production tends to decrease as we get older, making dry eye more common with age.

• Excessive Screen Time: Reduced blinking while using computers or digital devices can lead to tear evaporation.

• Certain Medications: Drugs like antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications can interfere with tear production.

• Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations related to menopause or hormone therapy can affect the stability of the tear film.

• Medical Conditions: Autoimmune disorders such as Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disease can reduce tear production and contribute to chronic dry eye.
  
  

Recognizing the Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include:

• Burning, stinging, or scratchy sensations

• Redness or irritation

• Blurred vision

• Light sensitivity

• A feeling of something "in the eye"

• Excessive tearing

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, a thorough evaluation can help identify the underlying cause.

How Is Dry Eye Diagnosed?

At Artisan Eye, our optometrists perform a detailed assessment to uncover the root cause of your dry eye symptoms. This includes evaluating the tear film, examining your eyelid health, checking for signs of inflammation, and measuring tear production. Identifying the exact cause allows us to create a tailored treatment plan that targets your specific condition for more effective and lasting results.

Dry Eye Treatment

Your treatment will depend on the cause and severity of your dry eye. Options may include:

• Eyelid Hygiene: Daily cleansing routines help reduce inflammation from blepharitis or MGD.

• Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter lubricating drops can offer temporary relief.

• Prescription Eye Drops: Medications help increase tear production and reduce inflammation.

• Nutritional Supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids can improve the quality of your tears and support overall eye health.

• Scleral Lenses: These specialized lenses protect the eye surface and retain moisture for those with severe dry eye.
  
  

Advanced In-Office Treatments

For patients with moderate to severe dry eye or Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), we offer a range of advanced in-office treatments designed to provide lasting relief by targeting the underlying causes of dryness:

• Punctal Plugs: These tiny, biocompatible inserts are placed into the tear ducts to help retain your natural tears on the surface of the eye, reducing evaporation and improving moisture retention.

• Lumenis OptiLight IPL Therapy: An FDA-approved Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment that targets inflammation and helps restore healthy meibomian gland function. This light-based therapy is particularly effective for patients with rosacea or ocular surface inflammation.

• Lumenis OptiPlus Radiofrequency: A non-invasive, comfortable radiofrequency treatment that delivers controlled heat to the eyelids, combined with gentle massage to unclog blocked oil glands and restore a stable tear film.

• TearCare® System: A wearable, targeted heat therapy that applies consistent thermal energy to the eyelids while allowing natural blinking. This helps melt and express thickened oils in the meibomian glands, making it especially effective for MGD-related dry eye.

  
  

Find Dry Eye Relief in Lakewood Ranch, FL

If you’re struggling with dry, irritated eyes, don’t wait for the symptoms to worsen. Early intervention is key to preventing further damage and improving your comfort. At Artisan Eye, we offer comprehensive diagnostic tools and advanced treatment options to address both the symptoms and the root cause of your dry eye condition. Whether your dryness is caused by MGD, blepharitis, or another issue, we’re here to help you feel and see better.

Schedule a dry eye evaluation today with Artisan Eye and take the first step toward long-lasting relief