Do your eyes constantly feel gritty, like there’s something stuck in them even though there’s nothing there? Or maybe they feel tired, irritated, or heavier than usual? If this sounds familiar, you might be dealing with dry eye—a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide.
At Progressive Family Eye Care in Plymouth, Michigan, we hear from patients all the time who are struggling with these symptoms, often without realizing that dry eye is the cause. By seeking treatment sooner rather than later, you can prevent long-term complications and find the relief you deserve. Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms of dry eye and the treatment options available.
How dry eye feels
The feeling of dry eye can vary from person to person. While some people experience mild dryness, others might feel like their eyes are constantly irritated or scratchy. Here are some of the most common symptoms:
- A gritty or sandy sensation in the eyes
- Stinging, burning, or itching
- Redness and irritation
- Watery eyes (yes, dry eyes can actually cause tearing)
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Eye fatigue, especially after reading or screen time
- Sensitivity to light
- A feeling like something is stuck in the eye, even if it’s not
These symptoms can be worse on dry, windy, or air-conditioned days, or after long hours in front of a computer or smartphone screen.
What causes dry eye?
Dry eye occurs when your eyes can’t produce enough tears or the tears they produce are of poor quality. Tears consist of three essential layers—water, oil, and mucus. If any part of this balance is disrupted, your eyes can’t stay lubricated properly, which leads to irritation.
Some of the common causes of dry eye include:
- Aging and hormonal changes
- Environmental factors like dry air or wind
- Prolonged screen use (which reduces blinking frequency)
- Certain medications
- Health conditions such as autoimmune disorders
- Blocked or malfunctioning oil glands (meibomian glands) in the eyelids
When to see an eye doctor
If your dry eye symptoms persist or start affecting your quality of life, it’s time to visit a professional. At Progressive Family Eye Care, we offer comprehensive dry eye care in Plymouth, Michigan, including expert diagnosis and creating an individualized treatment plan.
If left untreated, dry eye can not only cause discomfort but may also lead to more serious issues like chronic irritation, eye infections, and vision problems. Over time, untreated dry eye can affect your ability to complete everyday tasks, such as reading, working, or enjoying time outdoors. Addressing dry eye symptoms early is crucial for maintaining your eye health and comfort.
Advanced treatments for dry eye
At Progressive Family Eye Care, we don’t just diagnose dry eye—we treat it with the latest technology and techniques. We offer several advanced treatment options, including:
- BlephEx® Treatment: This gentle procedure removes the debris and bacteria that can build up on your eyelids and eyelashes, reducing irritation and inflammation caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
- iLux²® MGD Thermal Pulsation System: This innovative treatment targets the oil glands in your eyelids, using heat and gentle pressure to restore proper function and improve tear quality.
- OptiLight IPL Therapy: Intense pulsed light therapy is designed to treat the underlying causes of dry eye by targeting inflammation and improving the function of the meibomian glands.
These treatments, combined with personalized recommendations, can provide lasting relief and help restore comfort to your eyes.
Let us help you find relief
If you’re struggling with dry eye, don’t wait for it to get worse. Progressive Family Eye Care in Plymouth offers the most effective, modern treatments to relieve your symptoms and restore eye comfort. Schedule your appointment online today, and let’s find the right solution for you.
