Do your eyes ever feel gritty, heavy, or like they won’t stay comfortable no matter what you do? Those early signs of dryness might seem minor at first, but over time, they can significantly impact your comfort, focus, and quality of life. With the right dry eye treatment in Bristol and a few simple habits, you can keep your eyes comfortable and your vision clear.
Chronic eye conditions can be prevented with early care
Dry eye disease often starts gradually. If ignored, it can lead to chronic irritation, inflammation, or damage to the surface of the eye.
A comprehensive eye exam allows our eye doctor to identify the underlying causes, whether that’s poor tear quality, meibomian gland dysfunction, or lifestyle-related triggers. We can then develop a personalized treatment plan before symptoms become more serious.
Over-the-counter eye drops may not be enough
Not all dry eye symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter eye drops. Professional care offers options designed to treat the source of discomfort. For example, our team of experts provides the following treatment options for dry eyes:
- ZEST treatment gently clears blocked oil glands along the eyelids, improving the stability of your tear film.
- IPL and radiofrequency treatment use light and heat to reduce inflammation and restore healthier tear production.
By addressing the root cause instead of just symptoms, these treatments help prevent dry eyes from developing into a chronic condition.
Contact lenses may need adjustments
Dryness can be even more frustrating for contact lens wearers. Lenses that once felt comfortable may suddenly cause irritation or blurry vision if your eyes aren’t producing enough healthy tears.
During a contact lens exam, our optometrist can check for changes and recommend lenses designed for dry eyes. Just because you have dry eye doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the convenience of contact lenses. Our experts will consider the cause and symptoms of your dry eyes and help you decide on the best contacts to try.
Lifestyle changes for dry eye prevention
You can also reduce dry eye symptoms by adjusting your lifestyle. Even small changes to your routine can bring noticeable relief:
- Stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule when using screens. Every 20 minutes, stare at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Use a humidifier in dry environments.
- Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect against wind and UV rays.
When combined with professional care, these adjustments help keep your eyes comfortable in the long run.
Protecting your comfort and vision for the future
Managing dry eyes goes beyond temporary relief; it’s about making sure your eyes stay comfortable, and your vision stays clear long term. Regular visits with an eye doctor ensure that any changes are caught early and that you always have the right treatment plan in place.
At Family Eye Care, our experienced eye doctors specialize in dry eye treatment and offer advanced in-office options like ZEST, IPL, and radiofrequency therapy to address the root cause of your symptoms. With personalized care, we can help you find lasting relief so you can read, work, and live more comfortably.
Schedule your appointment today and let our experts help you see and feel your best.