Burning, grittiness, blurry vision, or eyes that seem to water constantly can all point to dry eye. The condition develops when the eyes do not produce enough quality tears or when tears evaporate too quickly. Although dry eye may sound like a minor irritation, persistent symptoms can interfere with reading, screen use, contact lens wear, and overall visual comfort.
At Siepser Eyecare in Wayne, PA, Michele Pendrak Bush, O.D., serves as the practice’s dry eye specialist and has extensive experience treating the challenging causes of dry eye. Her background in ocular disease management and comprehensive eye care allows treatment to focus on what is actually disrupting the tear film rather than simply masking symptoms. This is especially important for patients preparing for or recovering from vision correction procedures, since a healthy ocular surface can support clearer, more comfortable vision.
What Is Dry Eye?
Dry eye occurs when the tear film that coats and protects the eye’s surface becomes unstable. Healthy tears contain a balance of water, oils, and mucus that help keep the eyes lubricated and vision clear.
If the eyes do not produce enough tears, or if the oily layer of the tear film is not functioning properly, moisture can evaporate too quickly. This can irritate and inflame the surface of the eye.
Dry eye may affect one or both eyes and can range from occasional discomfort to more persistent symptoms that require ongoing treatment.
What Are the Symptoms of Dry Eye?
Dry eye can feel different from patient to patient. Some people notice obvious dryness, while others experience symptoms that may not seem related to dryness at first.
Common signs include:
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Burning or stinging
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A gritty or sandy feeling
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Redness
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Blurry or fluctuating vision
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Sensitivity to light
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Eye fatigue
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Difficulty wearing contact lenses
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Stringy mucus around the eyes
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Excessive tearing
Watery eyes can actually be a sign of dry eye. When the eye surface becomes irritated, it may produce reflex tears that are watery but do not provide lasting lubrication.
What Causes Dry Eye?
Dry eye can have several causes, and more than one factor may be involved at the same time.
Age-related changes, certain medications, contact lens wear, prolonged screen use, hormonal changes, and environmental conditions can all contribute. Dry eye may also occur when the meibomian glands along the eyelids do not release enough oil into the tear film, causing tears to evaporate more quickly.
Other eye conditions, previous surgery, and certain medical conditions may also affect tear production or quality. Identifying the cause helps determine which treatment is most likely to provide relief.
How Is Dry Eye Diagnosed?
A dry eye evaluation looks beyond symptoms alone. The eye doctor may assess the eye surface, tear production, tear quality, eyelids, and the function of the oil-producing glands.
The goal is to determine whether symptoms stem primarily from reduced tear production, excessive evaporation, inflammation, eyelid gland dysfunction, or a combination of factors.
Because dry eye can also cause fluctuating vision, evaluation may be especially important before measurements for procedures such as LASIK or cataract surgery.
How Is Dry Eye Treated?
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the condition. Mild cases may improve with lubricating eye drops or changes to daily habits, while more persistent dry eye may require targeted treatment.
Options may include:
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Artificial tears or prescription eye drops
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Warm compresses and eyelid care
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Treatment for meibomian gland dysfunction
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Changes to contact lens use
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Strategies to reduce tear evaporation
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Management of inflammation
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Adjustments to screen habits or environmental triggers
Treatment may also be recommended before and after vision correction procedures to improve ocular surface health and support visual quality.
Why Choose Siepser Eyecare for Dry Eye?
Dry eye can have several underlying causes, so effective care depends on identifying what is disrupting the tear film. Michele Pendrak Bush, O.D., is Siepser Eyecare’s dry eye specialist and has more than 12 years of diverse eye care experience, including extensive work with challenging dry eye cases and ocular disease management.
Her role also connects dry eye treatment with the broader patient journey at Siepser Eyecare. Patients considering LASIK, PRK, cataract surgery, or other vision correction procedures can address ocular surface concerns before treatment and have them monitored afterward, as needed. This coordinated approach supports comfort and visual quality while allowing care to adjust as symptoms and eye health change.
Find Relief From Dry Eye in Wayne, PA
Dry eye can affect more than comfort, especially when symptoms begin interfering with vision or everyday activities. Siepser Eyecare provides personalized dry eye evaluation and treatment for patients in Wayne, PA, including care before and after vision correction procedures. Call Siepser Eyecare at (610) 265-2020 to schedule a consultation and find out what may be causing your dry eye symptoms.