Dry Eyes Specialist

Effective Solutions for Lasting Dry Eye Relief

What Causes Dry Eyes?

Perpetual or frequent eye dryness is a common condition that happens when your tears don’t provide enough lubrication. This can result from various factors, including:

Aging
An imbalance in your tear-flow system
Conditions such as collagen vascular diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, blepharitis, and Sjogren’s syndrome
Dry eye syndrome
Exposure to air conditioning or heat
Hormonal shifts associated with menopause
Medications such as antihistamines
Problems that keep your eyelids from closing properly

How Are Dry Eyes Diagnosed?

To determine if your symptoms require treatment, Dr. Levine conducts an exam. He measures the degree of dry eye with the TearLab® Osmolarity System. He may also measure your tear volume with the Schirmer’s test, which uses blotting, and test the quality of your tears using special dyes.

How Are Dry Eyes Treated?

Treatment for dry eyes depends on factors such as the underlying cause and the severity of your symptoms. Possible treatment options include:

Artificial tear drops or ointment
Temporary punctal occlusion, a procedure that closes the duct that drains tears
A more permanent plug in the duct
LipiFlow®, a medical device that unclogs blocked eyelid glands using heat and pressure
Testosterone cream, if the oil glands in your eyelids lack testosterone
Medical drops such as lifitegrast
Dietary changes, such as eating more fish or taking omega-3 supplements

When You Need Medical Dry Eye Treatment

While mild dry eye syndrome may be controlled with over-the-counter drops, medical care is essential if you have:

Blurred vision
Burning irritation
Excessive tearing
Foreign-body or gritty, sand-like sensation
Inflammation
Persistent itching
Redness

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Can Dry Eyes Lead to Complications?

Dry eyes may cause complications over time, such as:

Corneal ulcers
Decreased life quality, due to difficulty reading or sleeping
Eye infections, because tears help prevent infections on the eye’s surface
Eye surface damage, due to abrasion or inflammation
Vision problems

Seeing Dr. Levine for prompt diagnosis and care can minimize these risks.

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Dry Eyes FAQs

Can contact lenses make dry eyes worse?Jessica Lang2025-03-17T17:03:43-04:00

Can contact lenses make dry eyes worse?

Yes, some contact lenses can contribute to dryness, but specialty lenses like scleral lenses can help retain moisture.

Are there prescription treatments for dry eye?Jessica Lang2025-03-19T00:21:29-04:00

Are there prescription treatments for dry eye?

Yes, medications like Restasis, Xiidra, and steroid eye drops can help increase tear production.

How can I prevent dry eye symptoms?Jessica Lang2025-03-19T00:23:38-04:00

How can I prevent dry eye symptoms?

Staying hydrated, using artificial tears, reducing screen time, and avoiding smoke and wind exposure can help.

Can dry eyes be permanently cured?Jessica Lang2025-03-19T00:32:38-04:00

Can dry eyes be permanently cured?

While dry eye is a chronic condition, treatments like LipiFlow and prescription drops can provide long-term relief.

What causes chronic dry eye?Jessica Lang2025-03-19T00:34:06-04:00

What causes chronic dry eye?

Common causes include aging, screen use, environmental factors, autoimmune conditions, and certain medications.

Can I treat dry eyes on my own?Jessica Lang2025-03-19T01:30:06-04:00

Can I treat dry eyes on my own?

Sometimes home care, such as over-the-counter drops, can improve eye dryness on its own or paired with medical treatment. If your symptoms are severe or long-lasting, however, see Dr. Levine.

Get Expert Dry Eye Treatment at Cliffside Eye Center

Persistent dry eye symptoms can be more than just an annoyance—they may indicate an underlying condition that requires professional care. At Cliffside Eye Center, Dr. Richard E. Levine offers comprehensive dry eye treatment to relieve discomfort and restore eye health. As an accredited Dry Eye Treatment Center in Cliffside Park, New Jersey, we provide advanced diagnostic tools and customized solutions to address the root cause of your symptoms. Schedule an appointment today to find the best treatment option for you. Call our office or book online now.

Call Us Now: 201-941-9400

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