Dry Eye and Optometry Care from an Optometrist Near You in Falmouth, MA
Dry eye happens when your eyes don’t make enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly. This can leave your eyes feeling gritty, irritated, or tired. It’s a common condition, and it tends to linger unless treated properly. The good news is we at Advanced Eyecare Specialists, your eye doctor in Falmouth, MA, are here to help.
What Causes It?
There are a few main reasons:
• Tear production naturally decreases with age.
• Screen use reduces how often you blink.
• Certain medications or health conditions can affect your tear glands.
• Dry or windy environments pull moisture away from the eyes.
• Contact lenses and eye surgeries can also play a role.
Common Symptoms
Dry eye feels different for everyone, but some signs to watch for include:
• Stinging or burning
• A scratchy or sandy feeling
• Blurred vision that comes and goes
• Sensitivity to light
• Redness or excess tearing (yes, watery eyes can still mean dryness—the body tries to compensate)
How Is It Diagnosed?
At Advanced Eyecare Specialists, we do a full exam. We may check tear volume and how quickly your tears evaporate. We also look at the surface of the eye under a special light. All of this helps us figure out what kind of dry eye you have because the treatment we use depends on the cause.
Treatment Options
There’s no one-size-fits-all fix. Some common approaches include:
• Artificial tears: over-the-counter drops for mild dryness
• Prescription drops: reduce inflammation and help your eyes produce more natural tears
• Warm compresses: help unclog blocked oil glands
• Lifestyle changes: taking screen breaks, using a humidifier, staying hydrated
In more advanced cases, we might recommend in-office treatments to improve tear film quality.
Everyday Care
Managing dry eye often means building small habits:
• Blink more, especially when using screens
• Wear sunglasses outside to protect against wind and sun
• Avoid smoke and direct air from fans or vents
• Keep your eyes clean—gently wash the lids if oil buildup is a problem
Get Eyeglasses, Dry Eye Contacts, an Eye Exam, Optometry Care, Dry Eye Treatment, and Eye Doctor Services from an Optometrist Near You
Dry eye is more than just a nuisance—it can affect how clearly you see and how comfortable your eyes feel day to day. At Advanced Eyecare Specialists, your eye doctor in Falmouth, MA, we’ll help you understand the cause and guide you to relief that works. Your eyes shouldn’t feel like they’re always running on empty. Call us at (508) 444-8691 for eyeglasses, dry eye contracts, an eye exam, optometry care, dry eye treatment, and eye doctor services from an optometrist near you.