Dry Eye Treatment in Vienna, Virginia

Signs you may have dry eye

• Burning, stinging, or a gritty, sandy feeling
• Red or irritated eyes
• Blurry vision that clears for a moment when you blink
• Watery eyes (eyes can make extra tears when they are dry)
• Tired eyes by the end of the day, especially after screen time
• Contact lenses that feel uncomfortable or that you can't wear as long as you used to
• Sensitivity to light or wind

If you use eye drops every day and your eyes still don't feel right, it's time for an evaluation.

What causes dry eye in Northern Virginia

Healthy eyes are covered by a thin layer of tears made of water, oil and mucus. Dry eye happens when your eyes don't make enough tears, or when your tears evaporate too quickly. Common causes and triggers include:

• Screen time. People blink less when looking at computers and phones, so tears evaporate faster.
• Contact lens wear.
• Seasonal allergies. Spring tree pollen and fall ragweed in Northern Virginia can leave eyes red, itchy and dry.
• Dry indoor air from winter heating and summer air conditioning.
• Blocked oil glands in the eyelids, called meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). This is one of the most common causes of dry eye.
• Age and hormonal changes, including menopause.
• Some medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, some antidepressants and some blood pressure medicines.
• Health conditions such as Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease and diabetes.
• Past eye surgery, including LASIK.

Dry eye and eye allergies can feel alike, and they often happen together. Dr. Goudarzi checks for both, because each one needs a different treatment.

What happens at your dry eye evaluation

1. Your symptoms and history. We talk about your symptoms, health, medications, screen habits and contact lens use.
2. A close look at your eyes. Dr. Goudarzi examines your eyelids, lashes and the front surface of your eyes with a slit-lamp microscope.
3. Tear film evaluation. We check the quality and amount of your tears and how quickly they evaporate.
4. Your treatment plan. Dr. Goudarzi explains what she found and recommends a plan for your eyes.

How we treat dry eye

Dry eye usually can't be cured, but it can be managed well. Your plan depends on what is causing your symptoms. It may include:

Prescription eye drops

Prescription drops treat an underlying problem, such as inflammation on the surface of the eye, rather than only adding moisture. Dr. Goudarzi explains how to use them and follows up to see how they are working.

Punctal plugs

Punctal plugs are tiny plugs placed in the small drainage openings in your eyelids. They help your own tears stay on the surface of your eyes longer. Placing them is a quick, in-office procedure.

We'll see you for follow-up visits to check how your eyes are responding and adjust your plan if needed.

Insurance and cost

Dry eye evaluation and treatment are usually billed to your medical insurance, not your vision plan. Coverage depends on your plan and the care you need, so call us at 703-255-1502 to verify your benefits. We accept most major medical plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, and we welcome out-of-network patients.

When to book

Book a dry eye evaluation if your eyes feel dry, gritty or tired most days, if over-the-counter drops aren't helping, or if your contact lenses have become uncomfortable. If you have a serious eye injury, a chemical in your eye, or a sudden loss of vision, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.