If your eyes frequently feel gritty, burn, water excessively, or become red and irritated, you may be dealing with dry eye syndrome. It’s one of the most common reasons patients visit us at Overlake EyeCare, and the good news is that effective treatments are available. The key is finding the right approach for your specific type of dry eye.
At our Bellevue and Kirkland locations, we offer a range of dry eye treatments, from prescription eye drops to in-office therapies like Mibo Thermoflo. This guide explains the different types of dry eye, what causes them, and the treatment options available to help you find lasting relief.
Key Takeaways
- Dry eye syndrome has two main types: aqueous deficiency (not enough tears) and evaporative (tears evaporate too quickly).
- Most chronic dry eye is caused by Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), which affects the oil layer of your tears.
- Treatment options range from artificial tears to prescription drops (Restasis, Xiidra) to in-office procedures.
- Mibo Thermoflo is an in-office treatment that addresses MGD by gently warming and expressing blocked oil glands.
- Overlake EyeCare offers comprehensive dry eye evaluation and treatment at both Bellevue and Kirkland locations.
1. What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or when the tears you produce don’t have the right composition to keep your eyes properly lubricated. Your tear film is actually made up of three layers: an outer oil layer, a middle water layer, and an inner mucus layer. Problems with any of these layers can lead to dry eye symptoms.
Dry eye is more than just an annoyance. Left untreated, chronic dry eye can lead to inflammation, corneal damage, and reduced quality of life. Many patients find that dry eye affects their ability to work at a computer, read, drive, or wear contact lenses comfortably.
Common Symptoms of Dry Eye:
- Stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation
- Stringy mucus in or around your eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Eye redness
- Feeling like something is in your eye
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
- Watery eyes (a reflex response to irritation)
- Blurred vision or eye fatigue
2. Types of Dry Eye: Understanding the Cause
Effective dry eye treatment starts with understanding which type you have. The two main categories are:
Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye
This type occurs when your lacrimal glands don’t produce enough of the watery component of tears. It’s less common and is sometimes associated with autoimmune conditions like Sjogren’s syndrome. Treatment often focuses on increasing tear production or supplementing with artificial tears.
Evaporative Dry Eye (Most Common)
This type accounts for the majority of dry eye cases. It happens when the oil-producing Meibomian glands in your eyelids become blocked or don’t function properly, a condition called Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). Without enough oil in your tear film, tears evaporate too quickly, leaving your eyes dry and irritated.
Comparing Dry Eye Types
| Aqueous Deficient | Evaporative (MGD) |
|---|---|
| Cause Not enough tear production |
Tears evaporate too quickly due to oil layer deficiency |
| Prevalence Less common (about 10-15%) |
Most common (about 85%) |
| Key Issue Lacrimal gland underproduction |
Meibomian gland dysfunction |
| Treatment Focus Increase tear production (Restasis, Xiidra) |
Restore oil gland function (warm compresses, Mibo Thermoflo) |
3. At-Home and Over-the-Counter Options
For mild dry eye, at-home treatments may provide relief:
- Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter lubricating drops can supplement your natural tears. For frequent use, preservative-free formulas are gentler on the eyes.
- Warm Compresses: Applying a warm, moist cloth to closed eyelids for 5-10 minutes can help soften blocked oil in the Meibomian glands.
- Lid Hygiene: Gently cleaning your eyelids can help remove debris and bacteria that contribute to gland blockage.
- Omega-3 Supplements: Fish oil or flaxseed oil supplements may help improve the quality of the oil layer in your tears.
- Blinking Exercises: If you spend a lot of time looking at screens, consciously blinking more often can help spread tears across your eyes.
4. Prescription Dry Eye Treatments
When over-the-counter options aren’t enough, prescription medications can help address the underlying causes of dry eye:
Restasis (Cyclosporine)
Restasis is a prescription eye drop that helps your eyes produce more of their own tears. It works by reducing inflammation that can suppress tear production. Restasis is typically used twice daily and may take several weeks to months to show full effect.
Xiidra (Lifitegrast)
Xiidra is another prescription drop that targets inflammation associated with dry eye. It works differently than Restasis by blocking certain proteins involved in the inflammatory process. Some patients notice improvement within a few weeks.
Other Prescription Options
Depending on your specific condition, your eye doctor may also recommend steroid eye drops for short-term inflammation control, antibiotic drops or ointments if there’s an infection component, or punctal plugs to help your eyes retain more natural tears.
5. In-Office Dry Eye Treatments
For patients with moderate to severe dry eye, especially those with Meibomian gland dysfunction, in-office treatments can provide more significant and lasting relief than drops alone.
Mibo Thermoflo
Mibo Thermoflo is an in-office treatment we offer at Overlake EyeCare for patients with MGD. The device applies consistent, therapeutic heat to the outer eyelids while the provider gently massages the lids to express blocked oil from the Meibomian glands.
The treatment is comfortable and typically takes about 10-12 minutes. Many patients experience improvement after a series of treatments.
Amniotic Membranes
For severe dry eye or corneal damage, amniotic membrane treatment can help promote healing. A small piece of sterilized amniotic tissue is placed on the eye surface, where it acts as a biological bandage and releases growth factors that support healing.
Dry Eye Treatment Options at a Glance
| Treatment | How It Works | Best For | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| Artificial Tears | Supplements natural tears | Mild dry eye | Over-the-counter |
| Restasis | Increases tear production | Aqueous deficiency | Prescription |
| Xiidra | Reduces inflammation | Inflammatory dry eye | Prescription |
| Mibo Thermoflo | Unblocks oil glands | MGD / evaporative | In-office |
| Amniotic Membrane | Promotes healing | Severe dry eye | In-office |
6. Dry Eye Treatment at Overlake EyeCare
At Overlake EyeCare, we take a comprehensive approach to dry eye. Rather than just prescribing drops, we work to identify the underlying cause of your symptoms so we can recommend the most effective treatment plan.
Our dry eye evaluation includes a detailed assessment of your symptoms, tear quality, and Meibomian gland function. Based on our findings, we may recommend a combination of at-home care, prescription medications, and in-office treatments.
Our Dry Eye Services Include:
- Comprehensive dry eye evaluation
- Meibomian gland assessment
- Prescription eye drops (Restasis, Xiidra)
- Mibo Thermoflo treatment
- Amniotic membrane therapy
- Omega-3 supplements (TG Omega-3)
- Heating masks and lid care guidance
- Blinking exercise instruction
We serve patients at our Bellevue and Kirkland locations, providing convenient access to dry eye care for residents throughout the Eastside, including Redmond, Bothell, and Woodinville.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes chronic dry eye?
Chronic dry eye can be caused by aging, hormonal changes, certain medications, autoimmune conditions, environmental factors (dry air, wind, screens), and Meibomian gland dysfunction. A comprehensive evaluation can help identify the specific cause of your dry eye.
What is Mibo Thermoflo and how does it work?
Mibo Thermoflo is an in-office treatment for Meibomian gland dysfunction. It applies therapeutic heat to the eyelids while the provider gently massages the glands to express blocked oil. This helps restore the natural oil layer of your tears and reduce evaporation. Overlake EyeCare offers Mibo Thermoflo at both our Bellevue and Kirkland locations.
Is Restasis or Xiidra better for dry eye?
Both are effective prescription treatments, but they work differently. Restasis helps increase tear production, while Xiidra targets inflammation. The best choice depends on your specific type of dry eye. Your eye doctor can help determine which is right for you.
Are there eye clinics near Kirkland that specialize in dry eye?
Yes. Overlake EyeCare offers comprehensive dry eye evaluation and treatment, including in-office procedures like Mibo Thermoflo, at our Kirkland and Bellevue locations. We serve patients throughout the Eastside.
Can dry eye be cured?
While dry eye is often a chronic condition, it can be effectively managed with the right treatment approach. Many patients find significant relief through a combination of lifestyle changes, prescription medications, and in-office treatments. The goal is to address the underlying cause and reduce symptoms.
Does insurance cover dry eye treatment?
Coverage varies depending on your insurance plan and the specific treatment. Diagnostic evaluations and prescription medications like Restasis and Xiidra are often covered by medical insurance. Some in-office treatments may have out-of-pocket costs. Our team can help you understand your coverage options.
Conclusion: Find Relief from Dry Eye
Dry eye doesn’t have to control your life. With advances in understanding and treatment, most patients can find meaningful relief from their symptoms. The key is getting a proper evaluation to understand what’s causing your dry eye, then working with an experienced eye care team to develop a personalized treatment plan. At Overlake EyeCare, we offer comprehensive dry eye care at our Bellevue and Kirkland locations, from initial evaluation through ongoing management. If you’re tired of living with dry, irritated eyes, we’re here to help.
