Dry Eye Disease

Name: Dry Eye Disease
Brand: Boling Vision Center

Dry eye disease is one of the most common and most undertreated eye conditions; at Boling Vision Center's Cornea & Ocular Surface Center, we take it seriously and treat it thoroughly.

More Than Just Dry Eyes

Dry eye disease is far more than occasional discomfort or a minor inconvenience. For many guests, it's a chronic condition that affects comfort, vision quality, and quality of life daily. Burning, stinging, fluctuating vision, sensitivity to light, and the paradoxical symptom of excessive tearing are all hallmarks of a condition that deserves real attention and real treatment. At Boling Vision Center's Cornea & Ocular Surface Center, we approach dry eye with the same depth and commitment we bring to every aspect of care. Schedule an evaluation today and let's find out what's driving your symptoms and what we can do about it.

Understanding Dry Eye Disease

Dry eye disease occurs when the eye's tear film is insufficient to keep the ocular surface properly lubricated, protected, and nourished. This can happen because the eye isn't producing enough tears. After all, the tears that are produced evaporate too quickly, or because the composition of the tear film itself is compromised.

The tear film is made up of three distinct layers: an outer lipid layer that slows evaporation, a middle aqueous layer that provides lubrication and nutrients, and an inner mucin layer that helps the tear film adhere to the eye's surface. A problem in any one of these layers can disrupt the entire system.

The Two Primary Types of Dry Eye

Aqueous-deficient dry eye occurs when the lacrimal glands don't produce enough of the watery component of tears. This form is less common but can be associated with autoimmune conditions like Sjögren's syndrome.

Evaporative dry eye is by far the more prevalent form, accounting for the majority of dry eye cases. It occurs when tears evaporate too quickly from the ocular surface, most commonly due to dysfunction of the meibomian glands, which are responsible for producing the lipid layer that seals in moisture.

Schedule A Consultation

What Causes Dry Eye Disease?

Dry eye has many contributing factors, and understanding what's driving your symptoms is essential to treating them effectively.

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: Meibomian gland dysfunction, or MGD, is the single most common cause of dry eye disease. These small glands line the upper and lower eyelids and are responsible for secreting the oils that form the tear film's protective outer layer. When they become blocked or their secretions change in quality, the lipid layer breaks down, and tears evaporate too quickly.
Age and Hormonal Changes: Tear production naturally decreases with age, and hormonal changes associated with menopause can significantly accelerate dry eye symptoms in women. Dry eye is notably more common in women over 50.
Contact Lens Wear: Long-term contact lens wear can disrupt the ocular surface and contribute to dry eye, particularly with certain lens types and wearing schedules.
Medications: A wide range of medications can reduce tear production or affect tear film quality, including antihistamines, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and hormone therapies. If you take any of these regularly and experience dry eye symptoms, it's worth discussing with your provider.
Systemic and Autoimmune Conditions: Conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Sjögren's syndrome, and thyroid disorders can all affect the tear-producing glands and the health of the ocular surface.
Environmental Factors: Prolonged screen time, air conditioning, heating, wind, and dry climates all contribute to tear film instability and evaporation. Digital eye strain and reduced blink rate during screen use are increasingly recognized as significant drivers of dry eye symptoms.

Symptoms of Dry Eye Disease

Dry eye symptoms vary from guest to guest and can range from mildly annoying to genuinely debilitating. Common symptoms include a persistent burning or stinging sensation, a gritty or sandy feeling in the eye, redness, light sensitivity, blurred or fluctuating vision, and excessive tearing that occurs as a reflex response to irritation. Many guests are surprised to learn that watery eyes can actually be a sign of dry eye disease rather than a contradictory symptom. When the eye is chronically irritated, it triggers a flooding response that overwhelms the drainage system without actually addressing the underlying problem.

“All of the assistants were friendly and professional in their discussions and tests during my medical exams. My Doctor did an excellent job explaining my vision problem.”

Roger Neal

How Dry Eye Is Diagnosed

Accurate dry eye diagnosis requires more than a symptom questionnaire. At Boling Vision Center, our Cornea & Ocular Surface Center uses advanced diagnostic tools to evaluate tear production, tear film stability, meibomian gland health, and the condition of the ocular surface itself.

This thorough evaluation allows our providers to identify the specific type and underlying drivers of your dry eye before recommending treatment, ensuring your care plan addresses the root cause rather than just managing symptoms.

Treatment Options for Dry Eyes

Dry eye treatment at Boling Vision Center is personalized, progressive, and built around the specific drivers of each guest's condition. Below is an overview of the treatment options available, several of which have their own dedicated pages for guests who want to explore further.

Targeted Dry Eye Therapies

A range of prescription and therapeutic options are available to address dry eye at its source, from medications that reduce inflammation to treatments that support tear production. Learn more.

Meibomian Gland Treatment with iLux

iLux is an in-office treatment that applies gentle heat and compression to the eyelids to unclog blocked meibomian glands and restore healthy oil secretion to the tear film. It's a highly effective option for guests whose dry eye is driven primarily by MGD. Learn more.

Celluma Light Therapy

Celluma uses low-level light energy to reduce inflammation and support cellular health in the tissues around the eye, offering a gentle, non-invasive complement to other dry eye treatments. Learn more.

Inflammation Control

Chronic inflammation is both a cause and a consequence of dry eye disease. Targeted anti-inflammatory treatments help break this cycle and restore a healthier ocular surface environment. Learn more.

Tear Film Stabilization

Treatments focused on stabilizing the tear film address the evaporative component of dry eye, helping tears last longer and protect the ocular surface more effectively. Learn more.

Eyelid Health with BlephEx

BlephEx is an in-office eyelid cleaning procedure that removes buildup from the lid margins, reducing bacterial load and inflammation that can contribute to both dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction. Learn more.

Specialty Contact Lenses

For guests with significant ocular surface disease, specialty contact lenses, including scleral lenses, can provide a reservoir of moisture over the eye's surface, offering meaningful relief when other treatments haven't been sufficient. Learn more.

Medical and Procedural Options

For more advanced or complex cases, medical and procedural interventions may be appropriate as part of a comprehensive dry eye care plan. Learn more.

Why Choose Boling Vision Center?

Boling Vision Center's Cornea & Ocular Surface Center takes a genuinely comprehensive approach to dry eye disease; one that starts with accurate diagnosis, addresses root causes rather than just symptoms, and draws from a full range of treatment options to build a care plan that works for each guest.

Dry eye is a chronic condition, and managing it well requires a team that stays engaged over time. Our providers build long-term relationships with dry eye guests, adjusting care as the condition evolves and new options become available. With four Northern Indiana locations and over 65 years of trusted community care, Boling is the practice guests turn to when they're ready for real relief. Amazing happens here.

Dry Eye Disease Frequently Asked Questions

Can dry eye disease be cured?

Dry eye is most often a chronic condition that can be effectively managed rather than permanently cured. With the right combination of treatments and ongoing care, most guests achieve meaningful and lasting relief from their symptoms. The goal is to address the underlying drivers of the condition and maintain a healthy ocular surface over the long term.

Is dry eye disease serious?

Dry eye can range from mildly uncomfortable to significantly debilitating. Beyond comfort, chronic dry eye can affect vision quality and, in severe cases, cause damage to the ocular surface over time. Taking it seriously and seeking proper treatment is always worthwhile, particularly when symptoms are persistent or affecting daily life.

How long does it take for dry eye treatment to work?

This varies depending on the treatment and the severity of the condition. Some treatments provide relatively quick relief; others, particularly those targeting the underlying causes of dry eye, take several weeks to show their full effect. Your provider will set realistic expectations for your specific care plan.

Can screen time really cause dry eye?

Yes. Studies consistently show that blink rate decreases significantly during screen use, which accelerates tear film evaporation and contributes to dry eye symptoms. Taking regular breaks, practicing conscious blinking, and optimizing your screen environment can all help, though they may not be sufficient on their own for guests with established dry eye disease.

I've tried over-the-counter drops, and they don't help much. What else can be done?

Over-the-counter artificial tears address symptoms temporarily but don't treat the underlying condition. If drops aren't providing adequate relief, it's a strong signal that a proper evaluation is needed to identify what's driving your dry eye and develop a more targeted treatment plan.