Dry Eye Doctors in Washington, D.C., Chevy Chase, MD, & Arlington, VA
At Washington Eye Doctors, our dry eye specialists can get down to the underlying cause of your condition to find a solution that delivers lasting relief. Our goal is for you to love what you see — and that starts with seeing comfortably!
Do You Suffer from Dry Eye Disease?
Are you suffering from itchy, burning dry eye symptoms? Do your eyes feel irritated and gritty throughout the day or after working at your computer? While dry eye disease is a common issue, we don’t underestimate how uncomfortable it can be: Washington Eye Doctors is here to help. We’ll develop a customized plan for your case from one or several of our industry-leading treatment options.
What is Dry Eye Disease?
Dry eye disease is a common condition that occurs when your eyes are not sufficiently hydrated by your tears. There are two main types of dry eye — aqueous (not enough tears) and evaporative (tears that disappear quickly) — which are caused by deficiencies in one of tears’ three components: oil, mucus, and water. Each of these elements work together to keep your eyes hydrated, but when the balance is off, it can leave your eyes out to dry. If left untreated, this can lead to inflammation, corneal surface abrasions, corneal ulcers, and other issues.
What Are Symptoms of Dry Eye?
- Itchy, stinging, or burning eyes
- Sensation of something in your eye
- Tired, fatigued eyes
- Red eyes
- Watery eyes
- Blurry vision
- Light sensitivity
- Difficulty reading and driving
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
- Discomfort after computer use
What Are the Causes of Dry Eye?
- Meibomian gland dysfunction (clogged oil glands resulting in a lack of lipid in tears)
- Nutritional deficiencies, including dehydration
- Hormonal causes (menopause, aging)
- Certain medications and medical conditions
- Allergies
- Unhygienic contact lens use
Why Choose Washington Eye Doctors for Dry Eye Management?
It’s important to understand that without accounting for the root cause, dry eye remedies and treatments only provide temporary relief. At Washington Eye Doctors, we’ll work with you to find the specific underlying cause of your case so we can prescribe effective, lasting solutions. Our team is experienced in customizing treatments to create a well-rounded action plan so you can get back to focusing on your life.
Start Your Dry Eye Treatment with Washington Eye Doctors
Leaving dry eye disease untreated can lead to unpleasant complications, but the right combination of treatments can keep your vision clear and comfortable. We’ve curated a number of advanced solutions to address your unique case.
LipiFlow®
LipiFlow® is an excellent option for those whose tears lack oil due to the common condition, meibomian gland dysfunction. LipiFlow® utilizes temperature-sensitive pads that warm and massage your eyelids, freeing up oil blockages and improving the quality of your tears in appointments as short as 12 minutes.
Eye Drops & Artificial Tears
Eye drops and artificial tears are an excellent option to restore moisture to the eyes: generally, these provide temporary but immediate relief and pair well with other solutions. Depending on your case, we often recommend either over-the-counter lubricating drops, prescription tear stimulation drops, or both.
Medical Solutions
Our medical treatments range from omega-3 supplements to steroid/NSAID or antibiotic prescriptions. We also recommend self-care including lid hygiene and at-home practices like warm compresses. For more severe cases, we may recommend punctal plugs, which help tears stay on the eye, as well as protective, restorative amniotic membranes.
Convenient Eye Care Close to You
Our Chevy Chase office allows us to bring our exceptional eye care to the D.C. suburbs. We’re here to help the people of Bethesda, North Bethesda, Potomac, Somerset, Friendship Heights, Friendship Village, Westgate, Glen Echo, Wood Acres, Kensington, Takoma Park, Cabin John, Adelphi, and Silver Spring love what they see with incredible vision services and customized eyewear.
Our Patients Trust Us &
Love What They See
Dry Eye Care Conveniently Near You
Washington Eye Doctors is here to help you and your whole family tackle dry eye disease. Come in during work at our downtown location in Washington D.C. or bring the kids in at our convenient suburban offices in Chevy Chase or Arlington: you’ll always have access to comprehensive dry eye care from our compassionate team, as well as customized, curated eyewear that’s appropriate for your condition.
Washington, DC Location
Located 2 Blocks from the White House
