How to Recognize the Early Signs of Dry Eye Disease

Have your eyes been feeling gritty or irritated lately? Do they water excessively, yet still feel dry? These could be early signs of dry eye disease—an increasingly common condition that affects many people in New Orleans. At Lakefront Eyecare, we’re here to help you understand what dry eye disease is, what causes it, and how you can take action before it worsens.
 

What Is Dry Eye Disease?

Dry eye disease occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough quality tears to keep them properly lubricated. This can lead to discomfort, inflammation, and potential damage to the eye’s surface. There are two main types of dry eye disease:

• Evaporative Dry Eye (EDE): The most common type, caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), where the oil glands in your eyelids become clogged or inflamed, leading to rapid tear evaporation.

• Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye (ADDE): Less common, this occurs when your tear glands don’t produce enough watery tears to keep the eyes hydrated.
   

Some people experience a combination of both, making proper diagnosis essential for effective treatment.
 

What Causes Dry Eye?

Dry eye can stem from a variety of factors, including:

• Screen time – Staring at digital devices reduces blinking, leading to tear evaporation.

• Aging – Tear production naturally decreases with age, especially in those over 50.

• Hormonal changes – Women going through pregnancy, menopause, or using birth control may experience dry eye symptoms.

• Environmental factors – Dry, windy, or smoky conditions can exacerbate symptoms.

• Contact lens wear – Long-term contact lens use can contribute to dryness.

• Medications – Antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications can reduce tear production.
   

Early Signs and Symptoms of Dry Eye Disease

Dry eye symptoms often start subtly and worsen over time. If you experience any of the following, don’t ignore them:

• A gritty, sandy, or burning sensation in your eyes

• Excessive tearing, despite the eyes feeling dry

• Blurred vision that comes and goes

• Light sensitivity, especially in bright environments

• Red, irritated, or swollen eyelids

• A feeling of something stuck in your eye

• Difficulty wearing contact lenses
   

If these symptoms sound familiar, it’s time to get checked out with Dr. Dugan. The longer dry eye is left untreated, the more it can impact your vision and quality of life.
 

Why an Early Diagnosis Matters

Many people assume dry eye is just an occasional annoyance, but when left untreated, it can lead to chronic inflammation, damage to the cornea, and even vision loss in severe cases. Identifying the cause of your dry eye is the first step in finding the right treatment—whether it’s simple lifestyle changes, prescription eye drops, or advanced in-office treatments.
 

How IPL Therapy Can Help

One of the most effective treatments for dry eye, particularly evaporative dry eye caused by MGD, is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy.
 

IPL is a non-invasive treatment that uses gentle pulses of light to:

• Reduce inflammation in the eyelids

• Unclog and restore function to the meibomian glands

• Improve the quality of your tears for long-term relief
   

Many patients notice an improvement in symptoms after just a few treatments, and the best part is that it does not require daily drops or medications.
 

Take Control of Your Eye Health at Lakefront Eyecare Today

Dry eye disease doesn’t have to be something you just live with. The sooner you recognize the early signs, the better your chances of preventing long-term discomfort and damage.
 

If you’ve been experiencing dry eye symptoms, schedule a consultation with Lakefront Eyecare, and let’s find the best treatment plan to keep your eyes feeling comfortable and refreshed. Visit our office in New Orleans, Louisiana, or call (504) 565-2900 to book an appointment today.