Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome
If your eyes often feel gritty, irritated, or like there's something stuck in them, you're not imagining it. These are classic symptoms of dry eye syndrome, a condition that affects millions of people yet often goes undiagnosed.
Dry eye doesn’t just cause temporary discomfort—it can interfere with daily activities like reading, driving, or using a computer. Left untreated, it may even lead to long-term damage to the surface of your eye.
What Causes Dry Eye?
Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or when your tears lack the right balance of water, oil, and mucus to keep the eye's surface properly lubricated.
Common causes and risk factors include:
- Age (more common after 40)
- Contact lens wear
- Prolonged screen time
- Hormonal changes, especially post-menopause
- Autoimmune or thyroid conditions
When the tear film becomes unstable, your eyes may become dry, inflamed, and sensitive.
Common Symptoms of Dry Eye
Wondering whether you’re experiencing dry eye syndrome? Look for these frequent symptoms:
- Burning, stinging, or scratchy sensation
- Gritty feeling in the eyes
- Fluctuating or blurry vision
- Excessive tearing (paradoxically a sign of dryness)
- Sensitivity to light
- Eye fatigue after reading or screen time
- Redness or persistent irritation
- Trouble wearing contact lenses
If these symptoms occur regularly or aren’t relieved by over-the-counter drops, it’s time to seek a comprehensive evaluation.
Why Proper Diagnosis Is So Important
While occasional dryness might be due to seasonal changes or screen use, ongoing symptoms may point to underlying conditions such as meibomian gland dysfunction or poor tear film quality.
If left untreated, dry eye can lead to:
- Damage to the corneal surface
- Increased risk of infection
- Chronic discomfort
- Vision instability
A professional diagnosis is key to understanding the root cause—and finding a lasting solution.
Advanced Testing and Targeted Treatment Options
Managing dry eye starts with understanding the cause. At Altig Optical, we use advanced diagnostic technology to assess your tear quality, production levels, and overall eye surface health. This detailed evaluation helps us build a treatment plan that’s tailored to your specific symptoms and long-term comfort.
Treatment options may include:
- Prescription eye drops to reduce inflammation and improve natural tear production
- Punctal plugs to retain more moisture by limiting tear drainage
- BlephEx—an in-office procedure that gently removes debris and bacteria from the eyelid margins, helping improve tear quality and reduce irritation
- Nutritional support through guidance on a dry eye-friendly diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids (like salmon, walnuts, or flaxseeds)
We also provide at-home strategies to support your results, such as using humidifiers, following the 20-20-20 rule for screen time, and choosing preservative-free artificial tears for everyday relief.
Why Patients Trust Altig Optical for Dry Eye Relief
The team at Altig Optical brings decades of experience to dry eye treatment, blending compassionate care with the latest technology to deliver results.
Here’s what patients value most:
- Comprehensive eye care for all ages
- Customized treatment plans
- Convenient scheduling and flexible insurance options
- Trusted reputation in the Fort Worth community since 1992
Whether you're newly experiencing symptoms or have struggled with dry eyes for years, we’re here to help you find real, lasting relief.
Get Started with a Dry Eye Evaluation
You don’t have to live with burning, irritated eyes. Relief is possible with the right care and expertise.
Call us at (817) 382-3012 or visit us at 3451 Western Center Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX 76137 to schedule your comprehensive dry eye evaluation today.