When You Should Consider Seeing an Optometrist for Your Dry Eyes

Are your eyes feeling dry, irritated, or gritty? You might be experiencing symptoms of dry eye syndrome. While occasional dryness is normal, persistent discomfort could indicate an underlying issue that requires attention.

Our expert providers here at Maryland Eye Care Center diagnose and treat dry eyes at offices in Silver Spring and Hyattsville, Maryland. Here are four signs it’s time to consider visiting us for your dry eyes.

1. Your symptoms are persistent

It’s one thing to have occasional dry eyes — like when you’re sitting around a campfire — but when your occasional dry eyes become chronic, it’s time to take action.

Symptoms of dry eye syndrome include:

Chronic dryness
Grittiness, as if you have sand in your eyes
Redness or irritation
Excessive tearing or watery eyes (a response to dryness)
Blurred vision, especially when reading or using digital screens
Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
Discomfort in some environments (e.g., air-conditioned rooms or dry, windy climates)

Consider seeing an optometrist here at Maryland Eye Care Center if you experience persistent dry eye symptoms.

2. You’ve tried to manage the condition on your own

If you’ve already taken steps — such as avoiding dry conditions, changing your computer routine, or using over-the-counter eye drops — you don’t need to struggle. Our team can help you find the right solution based on the root cause of your dry eyes.

3. You can’t wear your contact lenses anymore

Contact lenses can make your eyes feel dry if you wear them for extended hours, but dry eye syndrome can compound the matter.

If you wear contact lenses and experience increased discomfort or difficulty with your lenses, let us know. The solution may be as simple as swapping out your contacts for a more breathable brand. You may also benefit from dye eye treatment and a different brand of lenses.

4. Your symptoms affect your quality of life

Dry eye symptoms can interfere with everyday activities such as reading, driving, or using a computer. If dry eyes impact your ability to perform daily tasks comfortably, give us a call.

What to expect when you see an optometrist for dry eyes

Before treatment, we pinpoint the root cause of your dry eyes. Potential causes of dry eye syndrome include allergies, poorly fitted contact lenses, side effects of eye surgery, or underlying eye conditions, such as blepharitis or meibomian gland dysfunction.

Here in our Dry Eye Center, our team offers two tests for dry eyes: the Schirmer’s test (to assess the severity) and Fluorescein strips (to determine if there’s corneal damage).

From there, it’s time to review your treatment options, which may include:

Oasis TEARS®, preservative-free eye drops
Collagen punctal plugs
Hydrogel punctal plugs
Silicone punctal plugs
Wearing properly fitted contact lenses
Practicing good posture at the computer (for dry eyes related to digital eye strain)
Lifestyle changes such as running a humidifier in your home