Dry Eye Disease

Levin Eyecare simplifies the treatment of dry eye disease.
With 10 locations in the Baltimore area and a variety of
treatment options, our team of experts will tailor your plan
to your unique lifestyle and needs, ensuring long-term relief
and clear vision.

Our Holistic Approach to Dry Eye

At Levin Eyecare, our approach to dry eye is comprehensive, because we understand the research and we’ve helped other patients just like you. Our treatment plans involve comprehensive changes, which often include lifestyle changes to accompany the eye doctor’s treatments.

20 Million Cases and Counting

Annually, 20 million Americans face dry eye disease, a number that’s on the rise. Levin Eyecare meets this growing demand with expertise and advanced technology, ensuring our patients achieve comfortable and clear vision.
20M
Americans
Affected
woman suffer from dry eye

What is Dry Eye?

Dry eye disease is a condition where the tears do not lubricate the eyes, and the eye surface dries out. As a result, the eye and its surrounding tissue can become inflamed. The inflammation and irritation can create further symptoms — and in some cases, the surface of the eye can be damaged.
woman suffer from dry eye
grey eyes close up at Levin Eyecare

Dry Eye Symptoms

Dry eye symptoms cause constant irritation and make work, school, and hobbies more challenging. If you are suffering from the following symptoms, you should consider making an appointment with your eye doctor:

  • Itchiness
  • Difficulty driving at night
  • Sensitivity to light
  • A stinging or scratchy sensation
  • Blurry vision
  • Difficulty wearing soft contacts
  • Overly watery eyes
  • Redness

Treatment Options

Artificial Tears

Artificial tears lubricate the eyes and moisturize the surface, which helps temporarily relieve some symptoms, including irritation and discomfort.

Artificial tears at Levin Eyecare

Lid Scrubs

Lid scrubs help remove dust, dirt, and bacteria, which can help reduce inflammation and prevent gunk buildup.

Eye Lid Scrub Treatment at Levin Eyecare

Warm Compresses

Artificial tears lubricate the eyes and moisturize the surface, which helps temporarily relieve some symptoms, including irritation and discomfort.

warm compress at Levin Eyecare

Prescription Eyedrops

Prescription eyedrops, such as anti-inflammatory medications or those that stimulate tear production, may be recommended to manage mild to moderate dry eye symptoms.

Prescription Eye drops at Levin Eyecare

Omega-3s

Omega-3 supplements may help alleviate dry eye symptoms by reducing inflammation in the eyes and promoting the production of tears through a healthier lipid composition.

Omega-3 supplements at Levin Eyecare

Lifestyle Changes

Simple lifestyle changes such as staying hydrated, reducing screen time, and maintaining a nutrient-rich, balanced diet can reduce dry eye symptoms and improve responses to other treatments.

maintaining a nutrient-rich, balanced diet at Levin Eyecare

Why Trust Us for Dry Eye Treatment?

At Levin Eyecare, our team is uniquely qualified to offer customized dry eye care that gets at the root causes behind your condition. Our expert team has a wide range of high-tech solutions to identify your condition and its causes and will provide you with a plan that works. When you think about effective dry eye treatment, we want you to think about us.

DOCTORS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the meibomian glands?

Meibomian glands are tiny glands along your eyelids that produce oils to keep your tears stable and prevent them from evaporating too quickly. When these glands don’t work as well as they should, you might experience dry eye symptoms like irritation and blurry vision.

Does Levin prescribe the best eye drops or ointments for dry eyes?

There is no single best eye drop that works for everyone, because everyone’s eyes are different, and the causes of their condition will vary. Our optometrists know your eyes better than anyone else, so the eye drop recommendations we make will be tailored to your specific dry eye needs. We consider all factors that affect your vision, like age, underlying causes, lifestyle, environmental conditions, and more.

Are strained eyes a symptom of dry eyes?

Yes, strained eyes can indicate dry eye syndrome, as the eyes may overcompensate for insufficient tear production or poor tear quality. Symptoms of eye strain, including discomfort, redness, and sensitivity to light, often overlap with those of dry eye.

How do dry eyes and contacts interact? Can I wear them?

More severe cases of dry eye can make the eyes too dry and sensitive to wear traditional contact lenses. However, with proper care and management, or certain specialty lenses, some people with dry eye can wear contact lenses. We can offer you guidance on lens selection, care routines, and eye drops optimized for your comfort and eye health.

What are the causes of dry eye syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome can stem from various factors, including aging, hormonal changes, environmental conditions (such as low humidity or air pollution), medications (such as antihistamines or birth control pills), systemic diseases (like Sjögren’s syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis), and prolonged screen use, which can reduce blink frequency and exacerbate symptoms.

Can I use warm compresses for dry or strained eyes?

Yes, warm compresses can provide relief by gently heating the area around your eyes, which can help improve meibomian gland function. This improves the secretion of oils necessary for a healthy tear film, which can reduce symptoms such as dryness, irritation, and discomfort. Please contact your optometrist to ensure a safe and effective application of the compress.