Dry eye is a common condition that can lead to irritation, blurred vision, and ongoing discomfort. Many patients ask about the best treatment for dry eyes, but the most effective care depends on identifying the underlying cause rather than treating symptoms alone.

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or when the tears you do produce aren’t healthy enough to properly lubricate the surface of the eye. Tears are essential for keeping your eyes comfortable, clear, and protected. When the tear film becomes unstable, the eyes can become irritated and inflamed.

Common symptoms of dry eye include:

• Burning or stinging sensations

• Redness

• A gritty or sandy feeling

• Blurry or fluctuating vision

• Excessive tearing

• Discomfort with screen use or contact lenses

Types of Dry Eye

Dry eye is not a one-size-fits-all condition. There are different types, and many people experience a combination of them.

• Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye: This occurs when the eyes do not produce enough watery tears. Without adequate tear volume, the surface of the eye becomes dry and irritated.

• Evaporative Dry Eye: This is the most common form of dry eye and is often associated with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). The meibomian glands, located in the eyelids, produce oils that help keep tears from evaporating too quickly. When these glands don’t function properly, tears evaporate faster than they should.

Many patients have both reduced tear production and increased tear evaporation, making dry eye more complex and requiring a thoughtful approach to care.

Why Dry Eye Treatment Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All

There is no single best treatment for dry eye because the condition can develop for many different reasons. Factors such as eyelid gland health, tear quality, lifestyle habits, screen time, environment, medications, and underlying health conditions all play a role. As a result, dry eye care may focus on improving tear quality, supporting natural tear production, reducing inflammation, managing eyelid gland dysfunction, or addressing contributing lifestyle and environmental factors.

For example, dry eye caused primarily by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) often requires an approach that focuses on restoring healthy oil flow from the eyelids, while dry eye related to low tear production or environmental stressors may benefit from strategies that support moisture and protect the eye surface. Identifying the underlying cause allows your eye doctor to recommend the most appropriate combination of care options for long-term relief.

Personalized Care Makes the Difference

The most effective dry eye care is personalized. A comprehensive eye exam allows your eye doctor to evaluate your tear film, eyelids, and overall eye health to determine what’s contributing to your symptoms. From there, a customized management plan can be created to address your specific type of dry eye.

Schedule Your Dry Eye Evaluation Today

The best treatment is one that’s tailored to you. Because dry eye has multiple causes and forms, successful management starts with understanding what’s happening on the surface of your eyes and addressing the root of the problem. With the right evaluation and personalized care, dry eye symptoms can often be significantly improved.