Chronic eye irritation, blurry vision, and a gritty sensation are more than just annoyances—they may be signs of dry eye disease. At our Columbus eye care center, we offer modern, personalized dry eye treatment in Columbus that goes beyond temporary relief. Whether you’re experiencing mild discomfort or severe symptoms linked to underlying conditions, our expert optometric team is here to help.
From high-tech diagnostics to advanced therapies like IPL therapy for dry eye, we’re committed to restoring your comfort and visual clarity with compassionate, custom care.
What Is Dry Eye?
Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or when the quality of your tears is poor. Healthy tears are essential to keeping your eyes lubricated, clear, and protected from debris and infection. When tear production is disrupted, your eyes can become inflamed, irritated, and more vulnerable to damage—including complications like corneal abrasion if left untreated.
Dry eye is a common condition, but it often requires professional care for lasting relief.
Common Dry Eye Symptoms
If you’re dealing with dry eye, you might experience:
- Burning or stinging sensation
- Gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes
- Blurry vision, especially after screen use
- Eye redness or fatigue
- Excessive tearing (as a response to dryness)
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
- Sensitivity to light
If you notice persistent discomfort, it’s time to schedule a visit with a dry eye doctor in Columbus to get to the root of the problem.
What Causes Dry Eye?
Dry eye can be triggered by a variety of lifestyle, environmental, and medical factors. Common causes include:
- Prolonged screen time
- Aging (especially postmenopausal women)
- Contact lens wear
- Autoimmune conditions (like Sjögren’s syndrome)
- LASIK or eye surgery for dry eyes and other procedures
- Certain medications (antihistamines, antidepressants)
- Environmental factors like dry air or wind
Understanding the cause helps your doctor develop the most effective treatment plan tailored to your situation.
Diagnosing Dry Eye in Columbus
Our approach to dry eye care in Columbus begins with a comprehensive evaluation. We use advanced imaging and tear testing to assess the quantity and quality of your tear film. This allows us to pinpoint the cause of your symptoms and determine whether inflammation, gland dysfunction, or other factors are contributing to your discomfort.
Dry Eye Treatment Options
No two dry eye cases are the same—which is why we offer a range of treatment options to address your specific needs. Our services include:
- Prescription eye drops to reduce inflammation and boost tear production
- Punctal plugs to conserve natural tears
- Eyelid hygiene therapy for meibomian gland dysfunction
- Specialty contact lenses for severe cases
- Dry eye light treatment (IPL therapy) – Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) reduces inflammation and stimulates oil gland function to improve tear quality
- Nutritional supplements and lifestyle coaching
IPL therapy for dry eye is a game-changer for many patients, offering a non-invasive, drug-free solution with lasting effects. It’s especially effective for individuals with inflammation-driven dry eye.
Prevention Tips
In addition to in-office treatment, we’ll help you protect your eyes from future irritation with simple preventive strategies:
- Use a humidifier in dry environments
- Wear sunglasses outdoors to shield from wind and UV
- Stay hydrated and eat a diet rich in omega-3s
- Maintain good eyelid hygiene
These steps, combined with regular checkups, can keep your eyes healthy and reduce the risk of flare-ups.
Find Relief with Dry Eye Experts in Columbus
You don’t have to live with daily eye irritation. Our experienced team delivers dry eye care in Columbus designed for long-term relief—not just temporary fixes. Whether you’re exploring dry eye light treatment, need help managing complications like corneal abrasion, or are considering eye surgery for dry eyes, we’re here to guide your care with precision and compassion.
Ready to see and feel better? Book your dry eye consultation today and take the first step toward clearer, more comfortable vision.