Dry Eye in Wyoming, MI

Dry eye disease occurs when the eyes do not produce enough healthy tears or when the tear film does not remain stable long enough to protect and lubricate the ocular surface. The result can be burning, irritation, fluctuating vision, redness, watering, or the persistent feeling that something is in the eye.

At Restoration Eye Care in Wyoming, MI, Dr. Trevor A. Smith evaluates dry eye symptoms for patients throughout the greater Grand Rapids area. Because dry eye can have several contributing causes, a thorough examination is an important first step toward choosing the right treatment.

Common Symptoms of Dry Eye

• Burning, stinging, or scratchy eyes
• Redness or irritation
• A gritty or foreign-body sensation
• Fluctuating or blurry vision
• Light sensitivity
• Eye fatigue
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses
• Excessive watering or tearing

Watery eyes can seem inconsistent with dry eye, but irritation of the ocular surface can trigger reflex tearing that does not necessarily provide the balanced lubrication the eye needs.

What Causes Dry Eye?

Dry eye can develop for many reasons, and more than one factor may be present at the same time. Contributing factors may include age, hormonal changes, certain medications, prolonged screen use, contact lens wear, environmental exposure, eyelid or tear-gland problems, previous eye surgery, and medical conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or Sjögren’s syndrome.

How Is Dry Eye Evaluated?

Your evaluation may include a discussion of your symptoms and medications along with examination of the eyelids, tear film, cornea, and other structures of the ocular surface. Additional testing may be recommended depending on your symptoms and examination findings.

The goal is to identify the factors contributing to your symptoms rather than treating every case of dry eye the same way.

Dry Eye Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the type and severity of dry eye. Recommendations may include changes to your environment or visual habits, lubricating eye drops or ointments, treatment of eyelid inflammation, prescription therapy, tear-conservation strategies such as punctal plugs, or other office-based treatment when appropriate.

For selected patients with more significant ocular surface inflammation or injury, Dr. Smith may also discuss advanced biologic options designed to support healing. Restoration Eye Care offers CAM360 amniotic membrane therapy and Prokera for appropriate cases.

When Should You See an Eye Doctor for Dry Eye?

Occasional mild dryness may improve with simple measures, but persistent pain, redness, light sensitivity, recurrent blurry vision, difficulty wearing contacts, or symptoms that do not respond to over-the-counter drops deserve an eye examination. Similar symptoms can also occur with other eye conditions, so an accurate diagnosis matters.

Dry Eye Care in Wyoming and Grand Rapids, MI

If dry, irritated, or watery eyes are affecting your day, Restoration Eye Care can help identify the cause and discuss treatment options tailored to your eye health.

Schedule a dry eye evaluation or call (616) 323-2002.