Dry Eye Treatment
Comfort, clarity, and a personalized path to healthier eyes.
Most insurance plans accepted
Dry Eyes Deserve More Than Drops
Dry eye is often a symptom, not the whole story.
Scratchy, tired, watery, or irritated eyes can come from different causes. When those causes are left untreated, dryness can become more frequent, more uncomfortable, and harder to calm down.
We look closely at the tear film, oil glands, and eyelid health so treatment is aimed at the problem itself, not just temporary relief.
What We Check
Oil Gland Function: When the oil glands are not working well, tears can evaporate too quickly.
Tear Production: Some eyes do not produce enough of the watery layer of tears.
Eyelid Health: Inflammation, buildup, or debris can irritate the eyes and worsen dryness.
Daily Triggers: Screens, allergies, fans, heat, air conditioning, and dry environments can all play a role.
Looking for What Gets Missed
Dry eye is often not about a simple lack of tears. Many patients are drying out because the tears they do have are evaporating too quickly.
That can happen when the oil glands along the eyelids are not doing their job well. We look closely at those glands, the tear film, and the surface of the eye to understand what is actually causing the discomfort.
When needed, we can also image the oil glands and monitor them over time, giving your doctor a clearer picture of what is healthy, what has changed, and whether treatment is helping.
When Dry Eye Needs a Closer Look
Drops Are Not Enough
If you keep reaching for drops but the relief does not last, there may be an underlying cause that needs attention.
Symptoms Keep Returning
Dryness, watering, burning, redness, or a gritty feeling that keeps coming back should not be brushed off as normal.
Vision Feels Unstable
Dry eye can make vision blur, fluctuate, or feel less clear throughout the day, especially during reading, driving, or screen use.
Contacts Feel Harder to Wear
If your lenses feel dry, irritating, or uncomfortable before the day is over, your tear film may need a closer look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use artificial tears for dry eyes?
Yes, artificial tears can be helpful, especially for mild or occasional dryness. The key is choosing the right type of drop and making sure symptoms are not being temporarily soothed while the underlying cause continues.
We generally recommend lubricating artificial tears from trusted brands. Avoid using eye drops that claim to “get the red out,” unless your doctor specifically recommends them.
Can dry eye get worse if it's not treated?
Yes, some forms of dry eye can become more persistent over time. In many cases, dryness is related to tear quality, oil gland function, eyelid inflammation, or environmental triggers, not just a lack of moisture.
A dry eye evaluation helps us understand what is causing your symptoms so treatment is aimed at the source, not just the surface discomfort.
How long does a dry eye evaluation take?
Most initial dry eye evaluations take about 20 minutes. The testing is typically quick, comfortable, and straightforward, but we also take time to explain what we find and what the next steps should be.
Do you accept insurance for dry eye evaluations?
Yes. Dry eye evaluations are typically billed through medical insurance, not vision insurance. Our team can help review your expected benefits and copays before your visit whenever possible, so you have a clearer understanding of your coverage.
Which locations offer dry eye evaluations?
Dry eye evaluations are available at both our Herndon and Oakton locations. We regularly care for patients from Reston, Fairfax, Vienna, Tysons, Chantilly, and surrounding Northern Virginia communities.
Relief That Starts With the Cause
Find lasting comfort with dry eye care that looks beyond temporary relief and builds treatment around what your eyes actually need.
Most insurance plans accepted