Dry Eye Syndrome at Havre Optometric Clinic in Havre MT

Dry, burning, or watery eyes can make simple tasks feel hard. Dry Eye Syndrome happens when your eyes don’t get enough moisture or the right tear balance. At Havre Optometric Clinic, we check your tear film, eyelids, and overall eye health to understand your needs. We offer gentle, effective care that helps restore everyday comfort.

What Dry Eye Syndrome Is and Why It Happens?

Dry Eye Syndrome occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears you make do not function properly. Tears play an essential role: they keep your eyes moist, smooth, and protected, and help you see clearly by maintaining a healthy eye surface. When tear production or quality is poor, your eyes may feel dry, irritated, or tired.

Small glands around your eyes create tears made up of three layers: oil, water, and mucus. These layers must work together to keep tears stable on the eye’s surface. If one layer is not working correctly, tears may evaporate too quickly or fail to spread evenly.

Several factors can contribute to dry eye, including age, screen use, allergies, and certain medications. Environmental conditions such as wind, heat, or dry air can also worsen symptoms. Some people experience occasional discomfort, while others struggle with it daily.

Although dry eye has no cure, many treatments can provide relief. With proper care, most people can manage their symptoms and protect their eyes. Understanding the causes is the first step toward finding the best way to feel better.

Common Signs You May Be Experiencing Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry Eye Syndrome can show up in different ways, and some symptoms may not seem directly related to dryness. Recognizing early signs can help prevent irritation from getting worse.

Common clues that you may be dealing with dry eye include:

Scratchy, burning, or stinging sensations
Eyes that water excessively due to irritation
Blurry or fluctuating vision throughout the day
A feeling of sand or grit in the eye
Redness or discomfort after screen use
Difficulty wearing contact lenses comfortably

These symptoms often intensify in certain situations. Long hours on phones or computers can cause tears to evaporate more quickly, leaving eyes tired and sore. Air conditioning, windy weather, or heated rooms can also worsen discomfort. Some people notice symptoms more at night when the eyes become especially sensitive.

Dry eye can also affect vision. Blurriness may occur during reading or when focusing for prolonged periods. While rubbing your eyes might feel like temporary relief, it often increases irritation. If these signs persist for several days or weeks, it’s important to have your eyes checked. Dry eye often improves with simple treatments, but the right care plan is essential to protect your eyes and maintain comfort.

What to Expect During a Dry Eye Evaluation

A dry eye evaluation is designed to identify why your eyes feel irritated and how to relieve the irritation. The visit usually begins with questions about your daily habits. Screen use, medications, health history, and work environment can all affect tear quality, so these details help the doctor identify possible causes.

The optometrist then examines the surface of your eyes with a special light to see how tears spread and how quickly they evaporate. They may also check your eyelids and the glands that produce tears, since blocked glands often contribute to dryness.

In some cases, dye drops are used to highlight dry spots. These drops are safe and painless, making it easier to measure how well tears protect the eye’s surface. Another test may assess how much moisture your eyes naturally produce.

After reviewing the results, the doctor explains the type of dry eye you have and recommends treatments tailored to your needs. At the end of your visit, the team at Havre Optometric Clinic will guide you through your results and outline the options that can provide the most relief.

Treatment Options

While there is no cure for Dry Eye Syndrome, the right treatment plan can significantly reduce symptoms.

Common Treatment Options:

Artificial Tears: Lubricating drops to replace missing moisture.
Prescription Drops: Medications that reduce inflammation and increase tear production.
Punctal Plugs: Tiny, painless devices that block tear drainage ducts, keeping natural tears on your eyes longer.
Warm Compresses: Help unblock oil glands and improve tear quality.
Nutritional Support: Omega-3 supplements can support healthier tear production from the inside out.