Dry Eye Relief: From Self-Care to Cutting-Edge Treatments for Long-Term Comfort

Living in Dallas means dealing with everything from dry, windy days to long hours in front of screens. If you’ve been struggling with stinging, burning, or gritty sensations, you might be dealing with dry eye disease. This common condition affects thousands of people across North Texas, but relief is possible. With the right combination of self-care and advanced treatments, you can enjoy clearer, more comfortable vision.
 

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye, or dry eye disease, occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the quality of your tears is poor. Healthy tears are essential for keeping your eyes lubricated, nourished, and free of dust or debris. When this balance is disrupted, it can lead to symptoms such as:

• Burning or stinging sensations

• Redness and irritation

• A gritty or sandy feeling

• Blurry vision that improves with blinking

• Excessive tearing
   

Common Causes of Dry Eye

Dry eye can result from a wide range of factors, including:

• Aging: Tear production naturally decreases with age

• Environment: Wind, dry air, and smoke can evaporate moisture from your eyes

• Digital Device Use: Reduced blinking while using screens leads to dryness

• Medications: Certain antihistamines, decongestants, or antidepressants can affect tear production

• Health Conditions: Autoimmune disorders like Sjögren’s syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis

• Contact Lenses: Prolonged use can interfere with the tear film
   

What You Can Do at Home

Mild cases of dry eye can often be managed with at-home remedies and daily habits:

• Use Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can offer temporary relief

• Take Screen Breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support tear production

• Use a Humidifier: Adding moisture to the air can help protect your tear film

• Wear Sunglasses: Wrap-around styles protect your eyes from wind and sun exposure
   

When to See Your Eye Doctor

If your symptoms persist or worsen despite self-care efforts, it’s time to see an eye care professional. At our office, we can perform a comprehensive eye exam and evaluate your tear film to determine the root cause of your dry eye. Through diagnostic tools such as tear breakup time and imaging of your meibomian glands, we can provide a targeted treatment plan tailored to your needs.
 

Advanced Treatment for Long-Term Comfort

Lisa Calaway-Batky, O.D. offers the latest in dry eye therapies that go beyond temporary symptom relief to target the root causes of the condition. Each treatment plan is personalized to meet your unique needs and address the underlying issues contributing to your discomfort.
 

Treatment options may include prescription eye drops to help reduce inflammation and increase tear production. Additionally, Dr. Calaway-Batky may recommend nutritional support, such as omega-3 supplements, to help reduce inflammation and support long-term tear stability.
 

Take Control of Your Dry Eye Symptoms with Lisa Calaway-Batky, O.D. 

Dry eye doesn’t have to be something you simply tolerate. With the right care, you can find lasting relief and enjoy clearer, more comfortable vision every day. Whether your symptoms are mild or more advanced, taking action now can protect your eye health and improve your quality of life.
 

If you're ready to stop living with dry, irritated eyes, schedule a consultation with Lisa Calaway-Batky, O.D. and discover a personalized treatment plan that works for you. Visit our office in Dallas, Texas, or call (214) 956-7800 to book an appointment today.