Dry Eye
Dry eye diagnosis & treatment
In short
Dry eye happens when your eyes don't make enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly, leaving the surface of the eye irritated. Symptoms include burning, grittiness, redness, fluctuating vision, and — surprisingly — watery eyes. Treatment is tailored to the cause and often combines several approaches.
- Common causes
- Aging, screen use, eyelid gland dysfunction, contact lenses, medications, hormonal changes, some autoimmune conditions
- Treatments
- Artificial tears, prescription drops, eyelid care, lifestyle changes, and additional therapies when needed
- Offered at
- Falls Church · Fairfax · Alexandria
What are the symptoms of dry eye?
- Burning or stinging
- Redness or irritation
- Blurry vision that changes with blinking
- Light sensitivity
- A gritty or sandy feeling
- Excess tearing as a reflex to dryness
- Discomfort with contact lenses or screens
What causes dry eye?
Tears are a balance of oil, water, and mucus. Problems with any layer — most commonly blocked oil glands along the eyelid margin (meibomian gland dysfunction) — can cause dry eye. Screen time reduces blinking, and dry indoor air, contact lenses, certain medications, and eyelid or autoimmune conditions can contribute.
How is dry eye treated?
Dry eye is often chronic. A clear plan and follow-up visits help you find what works for your eyes.
- Lubricating eye drops or artificial tears, preferably preservative-free for frequent use
- Prescription anti-inflammatory eye drops
- Warm compresses and eyelid hygiene
- Environmental changes, such as humidifiers and screen breaks
- Additional in-office or prescription therapies when first-line care is not enough
Why does dry eye matter before eye surgery?
An unstable tear film can distort the measurements used to plan cataract surgery, RLE, and LASIK. Treating dry eye first leads to more accurate lens calculations and a more comfortable recovery.
Frequently asked questions
Why are my eyes watery if I have dry eye?
When the eye surface is irritated, it can trigger a flood of reflex tears. These tears are mostly water and don't lubricate well, so the dryness continues.
Can screens cause dry eye?
Yes. People blink less when looking at screens, so tears evaporate faster. Try the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Is dry eye permanent?
For many people dry eye is a long-term condition, but symptoms can usually be controlled well with the right combination of treatments.
Doctors who provide this care
Catherine S. Vu-Gia, O.D.
Comprehensive eye exams and specialty contact lenses
- Contact Lenses
- Comprehensive
Related care
Comprehensive Eye Exams
Check your vision and screen for silent eye disease.
Contact Lens Fittings
Comfortable, healthy contacts — including specialty lenses.
Cataract Surgery & Lens Replacement
Replace a cloudy lens and choose the vision you want afterward.
This page is for general education and is not a substitute for an exam. Call 911 for a medical emergency.
Ready to schedule?
Request an appointment online or call the office closest to you.
- Falls Church(703) 534-3900
- Fairfax(703) 620-2701
- Alexandria(703) 922-0906