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What Causes Dry Eye and How To Treat It at Domiano Eye Care

Dry Eye Asian Man

Ever feel like your eyes are constantly tired, gritty, or burning – even if you’ve had a good night’s sleep?

If so, you’re not alone. Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common reasons people visit their eye doctor, and it’s more than just a nuisance. It can affect your comfort, concentration, and even your ability to enjoy simple tasks like reading, using a screen, or driving at night.

At Domiano Eye Care, we help patients from Old Forge, Clarks Summit, and surrounding areas get real relief from dry eye symptoms. Whether your dryness is mild or severe, occasional or constant, the right diagnosis and care plan can bring noticeable improvement – and in many cases, full symptom resolution.

What Causes Dry Eye?

Dry eye syndrome happens when your tears don’t do their job properly.

This can be due to:

  • Insufficient tear production
  • Poor tear quality (the tears evaporate too quickly)
  • Inflammation in the eye or eyelid
  • Environmental triggers like dry air, wind, or screen time

Some of the most common causes include:

  • Aging (especially in adults over 50)
  • Long hours in front of computers or devices
  • Contact lens wear
  • Certain medications, like antihistamines or antidepressants
  • Medical conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome or thyroid disease
  • Hormonal changes, especially during menopause

Even weather and heating systems can affect tear production. And many people experience flare-ups in the winter or while indoors with air conditioning.

Common Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye symptoms can range from subtle to severe – and they often get worse by the end of the day.

You might notice:

  • Burning or stinging
  • Redness
  • A gritty, sandy, or foreign body sensation
  • Blurry vision that improves with blinking
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Watery eyes (a sign your eyes are overcompensating)

Many patients assume their symptoms are caused by fatigue or allergies – and they delay seeing a doctor. But dry eye is a progressive condition. Left untreated, it can damage the surface of your eye and lead to more serious issues.

How We Treat Dry Eye in Old Forge and Clarks Summit

The good news? Dry eye can be treated – and often managed long-term with the right combination of care.

At Domiano Eye Care, we start by identifying the root cause. A thorough dry eye evaluation helps us understand whether your symptoms are due to inflammation, tear imbalance, or something else entirely. From there, we tailor a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and needs.

Some of the most common and effective treatments include:

  • Lubricating eye drops: Also known as artificial tears, these can provide quick, temporary relief and are a great option for mild cases.
  • Prescription drops: Medications like cyclosporine or lifitegrast help reduce inflammation and improve tear production over time.
  • Warm compresses and lid hygiene: Simple at-home routines can reduce eyelid inflammation and improve the quality of your tears.
  • Punctal plugs: These tiny, biocompatible inserts block tear drainage and help your natural tears stay on the eye longer.
  • In-office procedures: For patients with moderate to severe dry eye, advanced treatments like meibomian gland expression or thermal therapies may be recommended.

Dry eye isn’t one-size-fits-all – and neither is the solution. Our team works closely with each patient to find the most effective, comfortable path to lasting relief.

Dry Eye Treatment in Old Forge and Clarks Summit

You don’t have to live with scratchy, irritated eyes. At Domiano Eye Care, we’ve helped hundreds of patients in NEPA feel better, see more clearly, and get back to the activities they love – without constant eye discomfort.

If you’ve been searching for dry eye treatment in Old Forge or need a trusted eye doctor in Clarks Summit, our doors are open. We’ll help you understand your symptoms, walk you through treatment options, and guide you toward long-term comfort.

Relief starts with a visit. Call our offices or request an appointment today – and give your eyes the care they deserve.