Dry Eye Treatment

​​​​​​​Dry eye is a common condition that affects millions of people, making it difficult to stay comfortable and maintain clear vision throughout the day. While occasional dryness may not seem like a big deal, chronic dry eye can interfere with daily activities like reading, driving, or wearing contact lenses. At Family Eye Associates, we provide advanced care to help patients in Turnersville and surrounding areas find lasting relief.

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Healthy tears keep the eyes moist, wash away debris, and protect against infection. Without a stable tear film, irritation, blurred vision, and discomfort can become persistent.

Common Causes of Dry Eye

There are many reasons why dry eye may develop, including:

• Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) - When the glands in the eyelids fail to produce enough protective oils, tears evaporate too quickly.

• Aging - Tear production naturally decreases with age.

• Blepharitis - Eyelid inflammation that disrupts tear stability.

• Eye Surgery - Procedures like LASIK can temporarily or permanently affect tear production.

• Contact Lens Use - Long-term wear can reduce tear quality and comfort.

• Allergies - Seasonal or environmental allergies can trigger inflammation and dryness.

• Medications - Certain prescriptions, such as antihistamines or blood pressure medications, can decrease tear production.

• Medical Conditions - Autoimmune diseases (like Sjögren’s syndrome), diabetes, or thyroid disorders may increase the risk of dry eye.
  
  

Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye symptoms can vary, but the most common include:

• Burning, stinging, or scratchy sensations

• Redness or irritation

• Sensitivity to light

• Blurred or fluctuating vision

• Difficulty wearing contact lenses

• Watery eyes
  
  

If left untreated, dry eye can lead to eye infections or even damage to the cornea.

Identifying the Underlying Cause of Dry Eye

At Family Eye Associates, our doctors use advanced diagnostic tools to identify the underlying cause of your dry eye. By evaluating tear quality, tear production, eyelid health, and corneal surface integrity, we can pinpoint whether your dryness is caused by meibomian gland dysfunction, inflammation, or another factor. Identifying the root cause allows us to recommend a personalized and effective treatment plan.

Treatment Options for Dry Eye

Because dry eye can be caused by multiple factors, treatment is tailored to your specific needs. Options may include:

• Eyelid Hygiene - Gentle cleaning to remove debris and improve eyelid health.

• Artificial Tears - Over-the-counter lubricating drops to provide temporary relief.

• Prescription Eye Drops - Medications to reduce inflammation and increase natural tear production.

• Nutritional Supplements - Omega-3 fatty acids may help improve tear quality.

• Punctal Plugs - Tiny devices inserted into tear ducts to conserve natural tears.

• OptiLight Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy - A non-invasive treatment that targets inflammation and improves the function of the meibomian glands, offering long-term relief for many patients.
  
  

Find Dry Eye Relief in Turnersville, NJ

If you’re experiencing the discomfort of dry eye, you don’t have to suffer in silence. We’re dedicated to finding solutions that address the root cause of your symptoms, not just the effects. Our advanced diagnostic tools and treatments, including OptiLight IPL therapy, help patients achieve healthier, more comfortable eyes.

Schedule your consultation at Family Eye Associates in Turnersville, NJ, today and discover customized solutions for dry eye