Living with chronic dry eye can be frustrating. If your eyes often feel gritty, watery, irritated, or tired, you’re not alone. Millions of people suffer from this condition, and while over-the-counter (OTC) lubricating drops may offer temporary relief, they often fail to address the root cause. At Summit Eye Care, we specialize in advanced solutions designed to provide lasting relief and improve your quality of life.
Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the quality of tears is poor. Healthy tears are made up of three layers - oil, water, and mucus. If the oil glands in your eyelids (meibomian glands) are blocked or not functioning properly, tears evaporate too quickly, leading to irritation, redness, and discomfort.
• Stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation
• Feeling like something is in your eye
• Redness and sensitivity to light
• Blurred vision or eye fatigue
• Excessive tearing
If you’ve tried OTC drops and still experience these symptoms, it may be time to explore advanced treatment options.
Lubricating drops may temporarily soothe dryness, but they don’t correct the underlying gland dysfunction that causes chronic dry eye. Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), one of the leading causes of dry eye, occurs when the tiny oil glands along the eyelid margins become blocked or produce poor-quality oil. Without a healthy oil layer, tears evaporate too quickly, leaving the eyes irritated and unstable. Targeted therapies that restore gland function, improve oil flow, and reduce inflammation are essential for achieving long-term tear stability and comfort.
We offer a comprehensive range of leading therapies tailored to your individual needs:
• Prescription Eye Drops (Restasis®, Xiidra®): Medications that reduce inflammation and increase tear production.
• Dietary Supplements: Omega-3 and other essential nutrients can help support overall eye health and tear production.
• Lipiflow Thermal Pulsation: Gently heats and massages the eyelids to unblock meibomian glands and restore natural oil flow.
• Intense Pulse Light (IPL): Reduces eyelid inflammation and improves gland function for healthier tears.
• Blephex: A professional deep cleaning of the eyelids to remove debris and bacteria that contribute to dry eye.
• Meibomian Gland Probing: Opens blocked glands to restore oil production and improve comfort.
• Punctal Occlusion: Tiny plugs are inserted into the tear ducts to slow tear drainage and keep the eyes moist longer.
• Amniotic Membrane Therapy: Provides powerful healing for severe dry eye cases by repairing damaged tissue.
• Autologous Serum: Customized drops made from your own blood components to promote natural healing in advanced cases.
Chronic dry eye can significantly impact daily life, but with today’s advanced therapies, lasting relief is possible. At Summit Eye Care, we focus on treating the underlying cause to help you see and feel your best.
If you’ve been struggling with dry, irritated eyes, schedule a dry eye evaluation at Summit Eye Care for a personalized treatment plan to bring you lasting comfort and clarity. Contact our office in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, by calling (336) 765-0960 to book an appointment today.