Dry, burning, gritty, or watery eyes can make work, screen time, reading, and contact lens wear uncomfortable. A detailed dry eye evaluation in Wilmington can help identify what is causing your symptoms and guide a treatment plan tailored to your eyes.
With LipiScan™ imaging and other diagnostic testing, your doctor can assess your tear film and eyelid glands before recommending appropriate care. English- and Spanish-speaking patients are welcome, and walk-in appointments are available during office hours if dry eye symptoms need more prompt attention.
What is dry eye?
Dry eye, also called dry eye syndrome or dry eye disease, occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when your tears are not the quality needed to keep the eye’s surface healthy and comfortable.
Healthy tears lubricate the eyes, flush away debris, and support clear vision. When the tear film becomes unstable, the eyes can become irritated, inflamed, and more sensitive to everyday triggers.
Dry eye symptoms
Dry eye symptoms can vary from person to person. You may experience:
- Burning, stinging, or persistent irritation
- Red or watery eyes
- A gritty, sandy, or foreign-body sensation
- Blurry or fluctuating vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Eye fatigue, especially after screen use
- Discomfort while wearing contact lenses
- Difficulty reading, driving, or working at a computer for long periods
Watery eyes may seem surprising, but they can be a dry eye symptom. When the surface of the eye becomes irritated, the eyes may produce excess tears that do not provide lasting relief.
What causes dry eyes?
Dry eye can have many contributing factors, including:
- Aging or hormonal changes
- Certain medications or medical conditions
- Prolonged screen time
- Contact lens wear
- Wind, dry air, and air conditioning
- Eyelid gland dysfunction
- Prior LASIK surgery or other eye procedures
Because dry eye can have more than one cause, a personalized evaluation is important for finding the most effective treatment.
Dry eye treatment in Wilmington
Treatment begins with understanding the underlying cause of your symptoms. Recommendations may include at-home care, prescription therapies, or in-office treatment based on the health of your tears, eyelids, and ocular surface.
Available dry eye treatment options at our Wilmington practice include:
- Lid hygiene and cleansers to reduce debris and bacteria around the eyelids
- Lubricating or medicated eye drops
- Heat-based therapies to support healthy oil flow from the eyelid glands
- Punctal plugs to help retain tears on the eye’s surface
- Amniotic membrane therapy for select patients with more significant ocular surface damage
- BlephEx treatment to remove biofilm and debris along the eyelid margin
- LipiFlow thermal pulsation therapy to address blocked meibomian glands
After a comprehensive eye exam, our doctor will explain which options are appropriate for your symptoms and create a plan focused on lasting comfort and clearer vision.
Finally get the dry eye relief you deserve
Persistent dry eye can affect more than comfort; it can interfere with your vision and daily routine. With doctor-led care, advanced diagnostics, and treatment tailored to your needs, relief is possible.