Dry eyes can make everyday tasks uncomfortable, whether you are dealing with burning, fluctuating vision, or a constant gritty feeling. At White Oak Vision Center, we help patients of all ages find lasting relief through precise diagnosis and individualized treatment plans. Our dry eye doctor in Cincinnati uses advanced technology to identify the cause of your symptoms so we can treat the condition, not just the irritation.
What Is Dry Eye?
Dry eye happens when your eyes do not produce enough tears, or when the tears you have do not function the way they should. Healthy tears keep your eyes hydrated, smooth, and protected. When that system breaks down, irritation and vision changes follow.
Many patients experience symptoms for months, or even years, without realizing that effective, personalized dry eye treatment is available.
Common Symptoms of Dry Eye
- Burning or stinging
- Redness or irritation
- Fluctuating or blurry vision
- Feeling like something is in your eye
- Excess tearing
- Light sensitivity
- Eye fatigue, especially with screen use
If these symptoms of dry eye are becoming more frequent or disruptive, a comprehensive evaluation can help determine the cause.
What Causes Dry Eye?
Dry eye can be triggered by environmental, medical, or lifestyle factors. Common contributors include:
- Aging and hormonal changes
- Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)
- Allergies
- Screen time and reduced blinking
- Contact lens wear
- Autoimmune conditions
- Medications that reduce tear production
Understanding the cause is essential because each type of dryness responds best to specific treatments.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)
MGD occurs when the oil glands in your eyelids become clogged or inflamed. These glands produce the protective oil layer of your tears. When they cannot release healthy oils, your tears evaporate too quickly, leaving your eyes dry, irritated, and sensitive.
MGD is one of the most common causes of chronic dry eye relief challenges, and we evaluate for it during every dry eye visit.
How We Diagnose Dry Eye
Getting the right treatment starts with accurate diagnosis. At White Oak Vision Center, our Cincinnati eye care team uses advanced tools that go beyond a standard eye exam. Your evaluation may include:
- Meibomian gland imaging to assess gland health
- Tear break-up time testing to measure tear stability
- Corneal staining to detect dryness-related surface damage
- Tear volume and quality testing
This detailed approach allows us to tailor treatment specifically to your symptoms.
Dry Eye Treatment Options
Because every case of dry eye is different, we customize your treatment plan using a combination of therapies such as:
Lifestyle Support
Hydration strategies, screen-time adjustments, and environmental changes can dramatically improve comfort.
Artificial Tears and Lubricating Drops
We guide you toward the best type of drop for your specific tear imbalance.
Warm Compress and Eyelid Hygiene
Improving oil flow can alleviate irritation and support healthy tear production.
MGD Treatment
For blocked glands, treatment may include warm compress therapy, gland expression, or targeted in-office therapies.
Prescription Eye Drops
Anti-inflammatory medications can calm irritation and protect the ocular surface.
Nutritional Support
Omega-3 supplements may help stabilize your tear film.
Home Care for Long-Term Relief
Consistent home care plays an important role in managing dry eye. We help you build a routine that fits your lifestyle so you can maintain comfort over time.
When to See a Dry Eye Doctor
You should schedule an appointment if you experience:
- Persistent dryness or burning
- Trouble wearing contact lenses
- Frequent redness or tearing
- Fluctuating or unclear vision
- Symptoms that worsen during screen use
Our team is here to provide lasting dry eye relief and restore your everyday comfort.
Get Dry Eye Relief in Cincinnati
Dry eye can interfere with your daily life, but effective treatment starts with a thorough evaluation. At White Oak Vision Center, we take the time to understand your symptoms and deliver solutions that address the cause, not just the discomfort.
Ready for personalized dry eye treatment? Contact our Cincinnati office to schedule your evaluation today.