Dry eye is one of the most common conditions our board-certified ophthalmologists evaluate at Eastside Eye Physicians, and for good reason: it affects millions of adults and tends to become more frequent and more bothersome with age. Whether you are experiencing persistent irritation, a gritty or burning sensation, or vision that fluctuates throughout the day, understanding what causes dry eye, how it is diagnosed, and which treatment options are available can help you have a more informed conversation with your physician. This page is designed as a genuine resource for patients who are in research mode. If you are ready to speak with a specialist now, we welcome you to call for details or request an appointment with our ophthalmology team.
What Causes Dry Eye and Who Is Most at Risk
The Tear Film and Why It Matters
Your eyes are coated by a three-layer tear film that keeps the surface of each eye lubricated, clear, and protected. When any layer of that film is insufficient or unstable, dry eye can develop. The two primary forms are aqueous-deficient dry eye, in which the lacrimal glands do not produce enough watery fluid, and evaporative dry eye, which is more common and occurs when the meibomian glands in the eyelids fail to produce enough lipid to slow tear evaporation.
Common Contributing Factors
Age is among the most significant risk factors. Tear production naturally decreases over time, which is one reason dry eye is especially prevalent in patients over 50. Hormonal changes, particularly in women after menopause, can further reduce tear volume. Certain systemic medications, including antihistamines, diuretics, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications, are known to affect tear production as a side effect. Environmental factors, including low humidity, wind, prolonged screen time, and air conditioning, accelerate tear evaporation. Systemic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, thyroid disease, and diabetes are also associated with dry eye. Patients who have had cataract surgery may sometimes experience temporary or, in some cases, longer-lasting changes in tear film stability, a topic our physicians are well-equipped to address. You can learn more about the relationship between your eye health and systemic conditions through our eye disease management services.
Recognizing Dry Eye Symptoms and Getting an Accurate Diagnosis
Symptoms That May Indicate Dry Eye
Dry eye symptoms can range from mildly inconvenient to significantly disruptive. Patients commonly describe a burning, stinging, or gritty sensation, as though something is in the eye. Redness, light sensitivity, and a feeling of eye fatigue, particularly after reading or using a screen, are also frequently reported. Somewhat counterintuitively, excessive tearing or watery eyes can also be a sign of dry eye: the ocular surface becomes so irritated that it triggers a reflex overflow of tears, though these reflex tears do not provide the sustained lubrication the eye needs. Some patients notice blurred vision that clears temporarily with blinking. If any of these symptoms sound familiar, it is worth having them evaluated.
How Dry Eye Is Diagnosed
At Eastside Eye Physicians, dry eye is assessed as part of a comprehensive medical eye exam. Our physicians use slit-lamp evaluation to examine the health of the ocular surface and eyelid margins, along with tear film testing to assess stability and volume. Meibomian gland function may also be evaluated when evaporative dry eye is suspected. An accurate diagnosis matters because the most effective treatment depends on identifying the underlying mechanism. Self-treating with over-the-counter artificial tears may provide temporary comfort, but it does not address the root cause. A medical eye exam in St. Clair Shores or Shelby Township is the appropriate starting point for anyone experiencing persistent or worsening symptoms. Early evaluation also ensures that other conditions contributing to ocular surface discomfort are not overlooked.
Dry Eye Treatment Options: What to Expect
Conservative and At-Home Strategies
For many patients, the initial approach to managing dry eye includes a combination of environmental modifications and over-the-counter lubricating drops. Preservative-free artificial tears are generally preferred for frequent use, as preservatives can sometimes worsen ocular surface irritation. Warm compresses applied to the eyelids for several minutes daily may help loosen blockages in the meibomian glands and improve the lipid layer of the tear film. Staying well hydrated, using a humidifier in dry indoor environments, and taking periodic breaks during screen use, sometimes called the 20-20-20 rule, can also reduce symptom frequency. Protective eyewear, including quality sunglasses with wraparound coverage, may help reduce wind and UV exposure that accelerates tear evaporation outdoors.
Prescription and In-Office Treatments
When conservative measures do not provide adequate relief, a range of prescription and procedural options may be appropriate. Cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion and lifitegrast are FDA-approved prescription eye drops that may help reduce inflammation on the ocular surface, which can play a role in aqueous-deficient dry eye. Punctal plugs, tiny devices placed in the tear drainage ducts, may help retain natural tears on the eye’s surface for longer periods. In-office treatments targeting meibomian gland dysfunction, including thermal expression procedures, may also be considered for eligible patients. Our physicians take the time to explain each option clearly and recommend a treatment approach based on the specific type and severity of your condition. Individual results may vary, and what works well for one patient may not be the right fit for another.
Why Choose Eastside Eye Physicians for Dry Eye Care
Eastside Eye Physicians has been serving the Detroit metropolitan community since 1955, and that depth of experience shapes every aspect of how we approach patient care. Our board-certified ophthalmologists are trained at prestigious institutions including the Kresge Eye Institute and Wayne State University. We are not a corporate chain. We are a practice built on relationships, with families now in their third and fourth generations of care with us. Patients throughout Grosse Pointe, St. Clair Shores, Shelby Township, and the surrounding communities trust us because we take the time to listen and explain.
Dry eye often coexists with other conditions that benefit from specialist-level attention, including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and cataract-related changes. Having a practice that can evaluate and manage all of these conditions in one place means nothing falls through the cracks. If you are ready to be seen by a physician who will treat you as a patient, not a number, we encourage you to contact Eastside Eye Physicians to schedule your medical eye exam.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dry Eye
Is dry eye a serious condition, or can I manage it on my own?
Dry eye ranges from mild and manageable to moderate or severe and potentially affecting daily function and vision quality. While mild cases may respond to over-the-counter lubricating drops and lifestyle adjustments, persistent or worsening symptoms warrant evaluation by a board-certified ophthalmologist. Left unaddressed, chronic dry eye can sometimes contribute to ocular surface damage. We recommend scheduling a medical eye exam if your symptoms are ongoing, interfering with daily activities, or not improving with self-care.
Can cataract surgery cause or worsen dry eye?
Some patients notice changes in tear film stability following cataract surgery, which may be related to the surgical incision affecting corneal nerves. For most patients, these effects are temporary and resolve within weeks to months. In some cases, pre-existing dry eye may require attention before or after surgery for the best possible outcome. Our physicians factor ocular surface health into the planning process for all surgical patients. You can learn more through our laser cataract surgery information page.
Do you see patients specifically for dry eye, or only for surgery?
Eastside Eye Physicians provides comprehensive medical eye care well beyond surgical services. Dry eye evaluation and management is a routine part of our practice. Our board-certified ophthalmologists see patients for the full spectrum of eye health needs, from preventative care and medical eye exams to condition-specific treatment. You do not need a referral or a prior surgical procedure to be seen for dry eye concerns. We welcome patients from Grosse Pointe, St. Clair Shores, Shelby Township, and the broader Detroit metro area.
Are prescription dry eye drops covered by insurance?
Coverage for prescription dry eye medications varies depending on your specific insurance plan, including whether you carry vision or medical insurance. Dry eye treatment, when diagnosed as a medical condition by a board-certified ophthalmologist, may be covered under medical insurance rather than vision benefits. Our team is happy to help you understand your coverage before your appointment. You can also review general information about insurance and payment through our vision insurance and policies page. We encourage you to call for specific benefit details.
How do I know if my symptoms are dry eye or something else?
Symptoms such as burning, redness, irritation, and fluctuating vision can be associated with dry eye, but they can also signal other conditions, including allergy-related eye disease, blepharitis, or in some cases, early changes related to glaucoma or other diagnoses. That is precisely why a thorough medical eye exam is the appropriate first step rather than self-diagnosis. Our physicians take a systematic approach to ocular surface evaluation to ensure an accurate diagnosis and the most appropriate course of treatment for your individual situation.
If dry eye symptoms are affecting your comfort, your vision, or your daily routine, the board-certified ophthalmologists at Eastside Eye Physicians are here to help. Serving patients throughout St. Clair Shores, Shelby Township, Grosse Pointe, and the greater Detroit area, our practice brings decades of experience to every medical eye exam. Call for details or request your appointment online today.