Dry eye syndrome is more than just an occasional discomfort—it can affect your vision, eye health, and overall quality of life. Many people living with dry eyes experience irritation, blurred vision, redness, and a gritty sensation that worsens throughout the day. Fortunately, advances in dry eye treatment and lifestyle management can help patients achieve meaningful, long-term relief.
At Everett & Hurite, we understand the challenges that dry eye syndrome can present. As leading eye doctors in Pittsburgh, we offer both comprehensive evaluations and advanced treatment options to help you find comfort and restore your eye health.
In this guide, we'll explore how to achieve relief from dry eyes, covering causes, treatments, and when to see an eye care specialist.
Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome is a common and often frustrating condition that occurs when your eyes either do not produce enough tears or when the quality of those tears is poor, causing them to evaporate too quickly. Healthy tears play a critical role in maintaining eye comfort, protecting the cornea, and ensuring clear, stable vision throughout the day. When the tear film becomes imbalanced, it can lead to symptoms such as irritation, blurry vision, redness, and discomfort.
Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome
A variety of factors can disrupt normal tear production or tear film quality, including:
- Age-related changes in tear production, which naturally decline as we get older.
- Hormonal fluctuations, particularly during menopause, can alter tear film composition.
- Environmental triggers, such as wind, smoke, dry indoor heating, or air conditioning, can increase tear evaporation.
- Prolonged screen time reduces blink rate and leads to faster tear evaporation.
- Certain medications, including antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications, can decrease tear production.
- Autoimmune conditions, like Sjögren's syndrome, directly affect the tear glands.
- Eye surgeries, such as LASIK or cataract procedures, may disrupt corneal nerves involved in tear regulation.
Identifying the underlying cause of your dry eye symptoms is essential for developing an effective, personalized treatment plan that targets both symptom relief and the root cause.
Over-the-Counter and Prescription Treatments for Dry Eye Relief
Managing dry eye symptoms often requires a stepwise approach, starting with over-the-counter options and advancing to prescription treatments or procedures when needed. At Everett & Hurite, we help patients explore all available therapies to find the right combination for their specific needs.
Nonprescription Eye Drops and Artificial Tears
For those with mild dry eye symptoms, over-the-counter lubricating eye drops, also called artificial tears, are often the first step in providing fast, soothing dry eye relief. When used regularly, these drops help supplement natural tears and keep the eye surface hydrated. For patients requiring frequent application, nonpreservative eye drops are generally preferred to reduce the risk of irritation from additives.
Additional nonprescription products for dry eyes include:
- Artificial tears gels for longer-lasting moisture, especially beneficial overnight.
- Ointments to trap moisture and protect the eyes while sleeping.
- Drops that reduce redness—though these should only be used short-term, as they may worsen dry eye symptoms over time.
Prescription Treatments for More Severe Dry Eyes
For patients with severe dry eye symptoms or those who do not find relief with over-the-counter options, Everett & Hurite’s eye care specialists may recommend prescription treatments, including:
- Prescription eye drops such as cyclosporine (Restasis®) or lifitegrast (Xiidra®), which reduce inflammation and support improved tear production.
- Autologous blood serum drops, created from the patient’s own blood, providing growth factors that promote natural healing and reduce corneal inflammation.
- Cholinergic medications like pilocarpine or cevimeline, which stimulate the body’s natural tear glands.
- Varenicline nasal spray (Tyrvaya®), recently FDA-approved, stimulating the tear ducts via nasal pathways to encourage tear production.
- Hydroxypropyl cellulose inserts (Lacrisert®), a tiny insert placed inside the lower eyelid, slowly dissolving to deliver lubrication throughout the day.
Tear Duct Procedures to Retain Natural Tears
For some patients, interventions to conserve their natural tears can be highly effective:
- Punctal plugs, made of silicone or dissolvable materials, are placed into the tear ducts to reduce tear drainage and retain moisture on the eye surface.
- Thermal cautery, a more permanent approach, closes the tear ducts to help trap natural moisture.
Advanced Therapies for Severe Cases
In cases where standard treatments do not provide relief, our experts may recommend advanced therapies:
- LipiFlow® thermal pulsation treatment to improve oil gland function and relieve symptoms caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
Lifestyle Changes to Improve Dry Eye Symptoms
Alongside medical treatments, making simple lifestyle adjustments can help ease dry eye symptoms and support overall eye health. Many patients find that these at-home strategies complement their treatment plan and improve daily comfort:
- Apply warm compresses and gently massage your eyelids to help stimulate the oil glands and support a healthy tear film.
- Use a humidifier, especially during winter months or in dry indoor environments, to maintain optimal air moisture and prevent your tears from evaporating too quickly.
- Incorporate omega-3 fatty acid supplements into your diet, which may help improve tear quality and reduce inflammation.
- Limit exposure to environmental irritants such as smoke, pet dander, and dry or windy conditions, which can make symptoms worse.
- Practice the 20-20-20 rule when using screens—every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds—to encourage regular blinking and reduce eye strain.
- Gently clean your eyelids daily using a mild cleanser or baby shampoo to remove debris and reduce eyelid inflammation.
These home remedies for dry eyes are an important part of a proactive care routine, especially when combined with guidance from an eye care specialist.
When to See an Eye Specialist for Dry Eye Relief
If you are experiencing persistent dry eye symptoms that interfere with your comfort or daily life, it may be time to consult a trusted eye doctor in Pittsburgh. Professional evaluation is important when:
- Dryness, redness, irritation, or blurred vision continue despite using over-the-counter treatments like artificial tears.
- You have a history of autoimmune conditions, such as Sjögren's syndrome, or have undergone eye surgeries like LASIK or cataract procedures.
- Your symptoms are worsening over time, disrupting your ability to read, work, or perform routine tasks comfortably.
- You notice eye strain, increased tearing, or other concerning changes in your vision or eye comfort.
A comprehensive eye exam by an eye care specialist will include an assessment of tear production, tear evaporation rates, oil gland health, and corneal surface integrity. This allows your provider to identify the underlying cause of your dry eye syndrome and recommend a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Dry Eye Treatment Centers in Pittsburgh, PA
At Everett & Hurite, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive, personalized care for patients experiencing dry eye symptoms throughout Greater Pittsburgh, PA. Our experienced team of ophthalmologists and eye care specialists offers advanced solutions for both mild and severe dry eye, including:
- State-of-the-art diagnostic technology to precisely assess tear production, tear evaporation, oil gland function, and ocular surface health.
- Tailored treatment plans that may include prescription eye drops, punctal plugs, autologous blood serum drops, and in-office therapies such as LipiFlow® thermal pulsation treatment.
- Access to advanced therapies for chronic or complex dry eye conditions, including autologous serum drops and LipiFlow® therapy.
- Collaborative care with your primary care physician or rheumatologist to address underlying systemic factors contributing to dry eye, such as autoimmune conditions or medication side effects.
- Patient-centered guidance on lifestyle adjustments, home remedies, and preventive strategies to help manage symptoms and protect long-term eye health.
Our goal is to provide relief, restore comfort, and improve the quality of life for every patient living with dry eye syndrome.
Why Choose Everett & Hurite for Dry Eye Relief in Pittsburgh
At Everett & Hurite, we are proud to be recognized as one of the region’s leading providers of advanced dry eye care, offering expert treatment for dry eyes and other complex eye conditions.
Our experienced ophthalmologists and optometrists take the time to understand your symptoms, medical history, and eye health, creating a personalized, long-term treatment plan tailored to your needs.
We offer:
- Convenient locations throughout Pittsburgh, PA, make it easier for you to access specialized dry eye care close to home.
- Advanced dry eye diagnostics and therapies, including LipiFlow®, autologous serum drops, punctal plugs, and tear duct procedures, provide options beyond what is available in general eye clinics.
- Compassionate, patient-centered care, with a focus on education, comfort, and long-term relief in a welcoming and supportive environment.
At Everett & Hurite, we are committed to helping you achieve lasting relief from dry eye symptoms and protecting your long-term eye health.
Find Lasting Dry Eye Relief at Everett & Hurite
Living with dry eye symptoms doesn't have to be your daily reality. At Everett & Hurite, our experienced team is committed to helping you find effective, long-term relief through personalized care and advanced treatment options designed around your specific needs.
Schedule your appointment today. We look forward to partnering with you on your journey to better eye health and greater comfort.
