Dry eye syndrome — symptoms, treatment, talk to a doctor online

What is dry eye?

Dry eye disease is when tear quality, quantity, or both are inadequate to keep the eye comfortable. About 16 million US adults have diagnosed dry eye; many more have undiagnosed symptoms.

It's chronic but highly treatable. Modern treatment focuses on the underlying cause — usually meibomian gland dysfunction or inflammation — rather than just adding tears.

Do I have dry eye? Common signs

If most of these describe what you're experiencing, telehealth may be a good next step:

Burning, stinging, or gritty sensation Sensitivity to light Blurry vision that improves with blinking Watery eyes (paradoxically — reflex tearing) Eye fatigue, especially with screens or reading Difficulty wearing contact lenses Strings of mucus in or around the eyes Red eyes

Here's how it actually works

Tell us what's going on5-minute online intake covers your symptoms, history, and any photos.

A clinician reviewsLicensed in your state. Reviews your case and asks anything needed.

Rx to your pharmacyIf treatment is appropriate, the prescription goes to the pharmacy you choose.

What causes it

Decreased tear production (aging, autoimmune like Sjögren's, medications), increased tear evaporation (meibomian gland dysfunction — most common), reduced blink rate (screens), environmental (wind, low humidity, AC), refractive surgery, contact lens use.

Is it contagious?

No.

Most dry eye is actually meibomian gland dysfunction — your eyes make plenty of watery tears but lack the oil layer that keeps them from evaporating. Different treatment.

Can it be treated online?

Routine dry eye is well-suited to telehealth. Severe pain, vision changes, eye trauma, foreign body sensation, or signs of infection need in-person ophthalmology.

How dry eye is treated

Step 1: Artificial tears (preservative-free for >4x/day use): Refresh, Systane Ultra. Step 2: Warm compresses 5–10 min twice daily for MGD. Step 3: Prescription anti-inflammatories: cyclosporine (Restasis, Cequa), lifitegrast (Xiidra). Step 4: Punctal plugs (in-office), short-term steroids, autologous serum drops. Severe cases need ophthalmology.

Self-care while you wait

Blink more — especially with screens
20-20-20 rule: every 20 min, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds
Warm compress + lid massage twice daily
Omega-3 fish oil 1–2g daily
Humidifier at home and office
Reduce ceiling fans/AC blowing toward face
Stay hydrated
Quality preservative-free artificial tears

When to skip telehealth and seek emergency care Sudden severe eye pain, vision loss, light flashes, or floaters with vision change — see ophthalmology urgently. Severe redness with pain and discharge suggests infection rather than dry eye.

How long does it last?

Chronic but very controllable. Most people see meaningful improvement with consistent treatment in 4–8 weeks.

Frequently asked questions

Are over-the-counter drops enough?

For mild dry eye, yes — preservative-free ones are best for frequent use. Moderate-severe cases need prescription anti-inflammatories.

Why do my eyes water if they're dry?

Reflex tearing — irritated eyes signal the lacrimal gland to make watery tears, but those evaporate fast without enough oil layer.

Will contact lenses make it worse?

Usually yes, especially soft lenses worn long hours. Daily disposables help. Switching to glasses during flares helps.

How long for Restasis/Xiidra to work?

Real benefit takes 8–12 weeks of consistent use. Often combined with artificial tears for first 4–6 weeks.

Are punctal plugs permanent?

Most are dissolving (3 months) or semi-permanent (removable). Done in office.

This page is for general information only — not a substitute for individual medical advice. A licensed clinician reviews every intake submitted through PrescriberNow before any prescription is issued. If you're experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Dry eye
(syndrome)