Dry Eye

Dry eye is one of the most common yet frustrating eye conditions we see in patients of all ages. It can impact how your eyes feel, how clearly you see, and how comfortably you get through your daily routine. Although it may seem like a minor irritation, dry eye often has deeper underlying causes that need proper evaluation and targeted care. At Brewer Eye Associates, we take a comprehensive, personalized approach to diagnosing dry eye so patients in Philadelphia and North Wales get the effective treatment they need.
​​​​​​​

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears they produce are poor quality. Healthy tears are essential for keeping the eye surface nourished, protected, and comfortable. When that system becomes unbalanced, the result can be irritation, blurred vision, and chronic discomfort.

Common Causes of Dry Eye

Dry eye can develop for many reasons, and in many cases, multiple factors are involved. Some of the most frequent causes include:

• Aging: As we age, tear production naturally decreases, making dry eye more common in adults over 50.

• Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD): These tiny glands in the eyelids produce the oily layer of your tears. If they become clogged or inflamed, tears evaporate too quickly.

• Blepharitis: Chronic eyelid inflammation can disrupt tear quality and contribute to irritation and dryness.

• Eye Surgery: Procedures like LASIK or cataract surgery may temporarily or permanently impact tear production.

• Contact Lens Use: Contacts can interfere with the natural tear film, leading to dryness, irritation, or a gritty feeling.

• Allergies: Seasonal or environmental allergies can inflame the eyes and contribute to poor tear film stability.

• Medications: Common medications - including antihistamines, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and acne treatments - may reduce tear production.

• Medical Conditions: Issues such as autoimmune disorders (like Sjögren’s syndrome), thyroid disease, and diabetes can increase the risk of dry eye.
  
  

Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye symptoms may vary from mild to severe and often worsen over time if untreated. The most common include:

• Burning or stinging sensation

• Redness

• Blurred or fluctuating vision

• Feeling of grit or sand in the eyes

• Light sensitivity

• Stringy mucus

• Excess tearing

• Discomfort while reading, using digital devices, or wearing contact lenses
  
  

How Dry Eye Is Diagnosed at Brewer Eye Associates

A proper diagnosis is essential to effective relief. Dry eye is not the same for everyone, and your treatment plan should be tailored to your specific cause.

During your dry eye evaluation, our doctors may:

• Examine the eyelids and meibomian glands to check for blockages or inflammation

• Evaluate tear quantity and quality using advanced diagnostic tools

• Measure tear breakup time to understand how quickly tears evaporate

• Assess the cornea and ocular surface for damage or dryness

• Review your medical history, medications, and lifestyle factors
  
  

Identifying the root cause allows us to recommend a treatment plan that targets the problem—not just the symptoms.

Treatment Options for Dry Eye

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for dry eye, and the most effective approach depends on the underlying causes of your symptoms. Our doctor may recommend a combination of options tailored to your needs. These may include eyelid hygiene, such as warm compresses, lid scrubs, or in-office therapies to address MGD and blepharitis; artificial tears or gels to support tear film stability; prescription eye drops to reduce inflammation or stimulate tear production; and nutritional supplements like omega-3s to improve tear quality.

Schedule Your Dry Eye Evaluation Today

If you’ve been experiencing persistent dryness, irritation, or blurred vision, our eye doctors in Philadelphia or North Wales are here to help. With personalized evaluations and effective treatment options, we’re committed to restoring your comfort and protecting your long-term eye health.

Contact Brewer Eye Associates to schedule a dry eye evaluation and get the customized care you need