Dry eyes can make ordinary moments surprisingly uncomfortable. A long day at the computer, contact lenses that suddenly feel irritating, or an evening spent reading can leave your eyes burning, watering, or feeling gritty.
At Newton Optometry Clinic, our optometrists take a closer look at what may be driving the symptoms of dry eye. Our approach to dry eye treatment in Surrey, British Columbia starts with the individual, because lasting relief depends on matching care to the factors affecting your tear film.
Why Dry Eye Treatment Is Not One-Size-Fits-All
Dry eye disease can develop when your eyes produce too few tears, when tears evaporate too quickly, or through a combination of factors. Similar symptoms can have different causes, so the right treatment option varies from person to person.
Our optometrists consider your symptoms, eye health, and daily habits before recommending eye treatment. Factors such as screen time, contact lenses, age-related tear changes, and certain medications can all affect which approach may improve symptoms.
Finding the Cause Behind Your Dry Eye Symptoms
Dry eye symptoms can come from several sources, and multiple factors may contribute at the same time. Our optometrists consider the eye's surface, your tear film, symptoms, and daily routine to identify likely triggers.
Tear Production
Your eyes need enough tears to keep their surface comfortable and protected. Age, certain medications, and some health conditions can affect tear production, leaving the eyes feeling dry, gritty, or irritated.
Tear Evaporation
Tiny oil glands along the eyelids help produce the oily layer of your tear film. When that layer becomes disrupted, tears can evaporate too quickly and contribute to dry eye symptoms.
Screen Time
Hours spent on computers, phones, and tablets can affect how often and how fully you blink. For students and working professionals in Surrey, regular screen use may contribute to tired, dry, or irritated eyes.
Contact Lens Wear
Contact lenses interact directly with the tear film. Changes in tear quality, lens fit, or wearing habits can contribute to dryness and discomfort, especially after several hours of wear.
Environment and Daily Habits
Indoor heating, air conditioning, wind, and dry air can increase tear evaporation. Looking at these everyday factors gives our optometrists a clearer picture of what may be contributing to your symptoms.
Which Dry Eye Treatments Actually Work?
The right dry eye treatment depends on what’s contributing to your symptoms. For patients with dry eye, our optometrists can recommend a care plan that supports the tear film and fits comfortably into everyday life.
Treatment may include:
- Preservative-free eye drops: Artificial tears such as Thealoz Duo, Thealoz Gel, Hyabak, and Systane can add moisture and soothe the eye's surface.
- Warm compresses: Gentle heat can support the oil glands that help slow tear evaporation.
- Omega-3 products: Our optometrists may discuss products containing omega-3 fatty acids when they fit your broader care plan.
- Eyelid care: Products such as Blephaclean and Blephadex wipes can support eyelid hygiene when it contributes to irritation.
- Daily habit changes: Screen breaks, full blinking, and avoiding environmental triggers may help improve symptoms.
Long-term dry eye management often works best when care addresses the factors affecting your eyes rather than relying on a single eye drop or product.
Come See Our Optometrists in Surrey for Dry Eye Relief
Comfort starts with figuring out what your eyes need. At Newton Optometry Clinic, our optometrists provide personalized dry eye care backed by decades of experience serving local families. If burning, gritty, watery, or tired eyes keep getting in the way of your day, request an eye care appointment with our team in Surrey.
Dry Eye Treatment FAQs
Can Screen Time Cause Dry Eyes?
Long periods of screen use can contribute to dry eye symptoms because people tend to blink less often while looking at digital devices. Regular breaks and complete blinking may help improve symptoms.
Why Do My Eyes Water When They Feel Dry?
Dryness on the eye's surface can trigger watery tears. These tears may lack the water-to-oil balance needed to keep your eyes comfortable for long periods.
Can Contact Lenses Make Dry Eyes Worse?
Contact lenses can contribute to dryness or discomfort for some people. Our optometrists can assess your tear film, eye health, and contact lens fit to determine the right next step.