Using artificial tears is often the first step people take when dealing with dry, itchy, or irritated eyes. But if your symptoms keep coming back, or never fully go away, you might be dealing with something more than simple dryness. Chronic dry eye is a complex condition that often requires targeted treatment beyond just moisturizing drops. By exploring the underlying causes, our eye doctor can provide dry eye treatment in the Upper Miami Valley region that offers more lasting relief. 

Why eye drops are not working for dry eyes

You might assume that any eye drop will provide relief, but not all drops are created equal. Some eye drops contain preservatives that can cause irritation with frequent use. Others may only offer temporary hydration without addressing the real issue. 

Here are a few reasons why your eye drops might not be helping: 

• The wrong type of eye drops: If you have evaporative dry eye rather than aqueous-deficient dry eye, you may need lubricating eye drops with lipid- or oil-based ingredients. 
• Preservatives in the formula: Some eye drops include ingredients that can worsen symptoms over time if used too often. 
• Incorrect usage: Using drops too infrequently or not applying them properly can limit their effectiveness. 
• Not treating the underlying cause: Dry eye disease is often caused by inflammation, poor tear quality, or blocked oil glands. If your eye drops don’t address the cause, they won’t provide lasting relief. 

How to fix dry eyes without eye drops

If you’re using eye drops frequently with little to no relief, it’s time to see our dry eye specialists in Troy, Sidney, or Fort Loramie. During an exam, we’ll assess the health of your tear film, check for signs of inflammation, and identify any gland dysfunction. 

Depending on what we find, treatment may include: 

• Prescription eye drops to ease inflammation 
• Lid hygiene routines to reduce bacteria and irritation 
• Advanced in-office treatments such as intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy combined with low level light therapy (LLLT) 
• Lifestyle or environmental changes to reduce triggers 
• Scleral contact lenses for continuous hydration 
• Amniotic membranes to help the surface of the eye heal naturally 

Personalized dry eye care 

We know how frustrating it is to deal with dry eyes day after day and not find relief. At Primary EyeCare Associates, we take the time to listen to your symptoms, evaluate your eye health, and create a treatment plan that works for you. 

Don’t settle for temporary fixes. Call your nearest Primary EyeCare Associates location to schedule an appointment or fill out our appointment request form.