What Causes Dry Eye and How to Remedy It

If you think the tears that moisten your eyes are simple, think again. This naturally produced lubrication consists of three separate layers, each playing a unique role in keeping your eye comfortable and clean so you can see clearly. 

At least, that’s the case when your tears function properly. But it’s not uncommon to have an issue that causes a problem with the tears and, as a result, an uncomfortable condition called dry eye. If your eyes feel dry and itchy, especially if they burn or sting, you might suffer from this problem. 

We can help. At our office on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City, Hilla Steinberg, MD, offers dedicated dry eye treatment. As a board-certified ophthalmologist, Dr. Steinberg finds out what’s causing this eye issue and then tailors treatment to address it. 

Common causes of dry eye

According to the National Eye Institute, dry eye affects millions of Americans each year. 

In most cases, this condition develops because the tears in your eyes aren’t working the way they should. Your eyes might not produce enough tears, or the tears might dry up too quickly. Sometimes, dry eye develops because your tears don’t contain the layers needed to keep your eye adequately lubricated. 

That said, your dry eye could also be the result of a separate issue. Exposure to excessive wind or screen time can cause dryness, as can inflammatory conditions, blepharitis, and pterygium. 

Dr. Steinberg checks for other possible factors to best target the root cause of your dry eye. She then evaluates your overall ocular health with a comprehensive eye exam. 

Once she has identified what’s behind your dryness, she tailors treatment to you. 

Getting relief from dry eye

Dr. Steinberg offers a variety of dry eye treatments. She personalizes a recommendation for your unique eyes. 

In many cases, that means starting with a specialized eye drop. Some reduce inflammation, while others provide artificial tears. These drops can address the underlying cause of dryness while helping to keep your eyes moisturized. 

If eye drops don’t bring you relief, Dr. Steinberg may recommend punctal plugs. These tiny devices (about the size of a grain of rice) help keep more of your tears in your eyes. 

If more conservative treatments don’t bring you relief, Dr. Steinberg can explore surgery with you. If you have pterygium, for example, eye drops can help you manage your dry eye symptoms, but only surgery can remove the growth. As an experienced eye surgeon, Dr. Steinberg can help you determine when a procedure is correct for your eyes. 

To explore your options for soothing dry eyes, call our office or book an appointment online today.