Chronic dry eye, also known as dry eye syndrome, is a long-term condition that happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or when the tears you do make aren’t effective. Tears aren’t just water; they contain oil and mucus that keep the surfaces of your eyes healthy and clear.
While blocked oil glands (meibomian gland dysfunction) are the most common cause of tear evaporation, other culprits include aging, medications, autoimmune diseases, and extended screen time. At Aspire Vision Care, we treat the root cause, not just the symptoms, to help you find lasting relief.
The 6 Top Tips for Managing Chronic Dry Eyes at Home and in Daily Life
While every patient’s dry eye condition is unique, the following lifestyle changes and daily habits can make a real difference in managing dry eye symptoms between appointments. These tips are especially helpful for residents in Round Rock, where weather, screen use, and seasonal allergies can all play a role.
1. Hydrate Your Body to Hydrate Your Eyes
Staying hydrated helps your eyes stay moist. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water daily, especially in Round Rock’s warm, dry seasons. Dehydration makes it harder for your body to maintain a stable tear film, which protects your eyes from dryness and irritation.
2. Use the Best Eye Drops for Chronic Dry Eyes
Not all eye drops are created equal. Many over-the-counter brands are designed for short-term relief, but chronic dry eye often needs more targeted support. Look for preservative-free artificial tears or ask our eye doctors about prescription eye drops that directly treat inflammation or regulate tear production.
3. Add Omega-3 Fatty Acids to Your Diet
Omega-3s support healthy oil production in your tears, reducing tear evaporation. Foods like salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts are excellent natural sources. If your diet needs a boost, we offer high-quality omega-3 supplements at Aspire Vision Care that are trusted by eye care professionals.
4. Avoid Direct Air Flow to the Eyes
Heaters, air conditioners, and fans, especially in Texas homes and cars, can dry out your eyes. Redirect vents and avoid sitting directly in the airflow. During allergy season, using a humidifier can also reduce dryness caused by pollen or indoor irritants.
5. Take Regular Breaks from Screens
Staring at screens reduces how often you blink, which can dry out your tear film. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This helps refresh your tear film and reduce eye strain during work or study.
6. Manage Underlying Health Conditions
Dry eye is often associated with broader health issues, such as autoimmune diseases, hormone imbalances, or side effects of certain medications. Talk to your optometrist at Aspire Vision Care about how chronic conditions and prescriptions may be affecting your eye health.
Professional Treatment Options for Chronic Dry Eye
If you’ve tried over-the-counter drops or home remedies and your symptoms persist, it’s time to take a closer look. At Aspire Vision Care, we offer tailored dry eye treatment plans that go beyond short-term relief to address the underlying cause of your dry eye symptoms.
- Personalized Dry Eye Evaluations: Our eye doctors use advanced diagnostic tools to assess your tear film, measure inflammation, and check for signs of meibomian gland dysfunction, a common issue where oil glands become blocked and lead to increased tear evaporation.
- In-Office ZEST Treatment for Blocked Oil Glands: If your dry eyes are caused by oil buildup along the eyelids, our in-office ZEST treatment can help. ZEST is a gentle lid-cleansing procedure that removes debris and bacteria, allowing your meibomian glands to function properly again.
- Prescription Eye Drops and Long-Term Solutions: Depending on the severity of your symptoms, we may recommend prescription eye drops to reduce inflammation or increase natural tear production. In some cases, we’ll insert punctal plugs—tiny devices placed in the tear ducts—to help retain moisture on the eye’s surface.
- Integrated Care for Lasting Comfort: Dry eye disease is often a chronic condition, which means consistent care matters. We’ll help you understand the causes of dry eyes in your unique case, track your symptoms, and adapt your treatment plan as needed.
Feel Comfortable Again with Dry Eye Care in Round Rock, TX
You don’t have to live with discomfort, blurred vision, or endless drops that never seem to help. At Aspire Vision Care, we combine advanced technology with personalized care to treat chronic dry eye syndrome from the inside out.
If you’re tired of eye discomfort and want a real plan for lasting relief, schedule a dry eye consultation with our experienced team in Round Rock.
Chronic Dry Eye FAQs
Why are my eyes so dry, even when I use drops?
If over-the-counter drops don’t help, the issue may be related to blocked oil glands, inflammation, or poor tear quality. Our eye doctors can pinpoint the cause and recommend long-term treatment options to address it.
Can dry eyes cause blindness?
Yes, in extreme cases. Untreated dry eye can lead to corneal scarring, which may result in permanent vision loss. Early treatment helps prevent serious complications.
Are contact lenses safe for dry eyes?
It depends on your lens type and how well your eyes are managed. Some lenses can worsen the symptoms of dry eye, but others are designed for dryness. We offer custom solutions to keep your eyes comfortable and clear.