Dry eye disease is a chronic condition that occurs when the eyes cannot maintain a healthy tear film. Left untreated, it can lead to ongoing irritation and vision problems. At Roosevelt Vision, our eye doctors in Seattle, WA provide thorough dry eye evaluations and customized treatment plans to help patients find lasting comfort and clarity.

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough quality tears or when tears evaporate too quickly. Healthy tears are essential for keeping the eyes comfortable, clear, and protected. When the tear film becomes unstable, it can lead to inflammation, irritation, and blurred vision.

Common Causes of Dry Eye

Dry eye is a complex condition that frequently involves more than one underlying cause. Some of the most common contributors include:

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD): MGD is a leading cause of dry eye. The meibomian glands along the eyelids produce oils that prevent tears from evaporating too quickly. When these glands become blocked or inflamed, tears evaporate faster than they should, leading to dryness and irritation.
Blepharitis: Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids, often caused by bacteria or skin conditions. It can disrupt tear quality and worsen dry eye symptoms if left untreated.

Factors That Can Trigger Dry Eye

Several everyday and medical factors can trigger or worsen dry eye, including:

Eye surgery (such as LASIK or cataract surgery)
Contact lens use
Seasonal or environmental allergies
Certain medications (antihistamines, antidepressants, blood pressure medications)
Medical conditions such as autoimmune diseases, diabetes, or thyroid disorders

Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye symptoms can vary in severity and may affect one or both eyes. Common symptoms include:

Burning, stinging, or scratchy sensations
Redness or irritation
Blurry or fluctuating vision
Watery eyes
Light sensitivity
Eye fatigue, especially after screen use
Discomfort with contact lenses

If these symptoms are persistent, it’s important to seek professional care rather than relying solely on over-the-counter drops.

How Dry Eye Is Diagnosed

At Roosevelt Vision, our eye doctors in Seattle, WA focus on identifying the root cause of your dry eye so treatment can be targeted and effective.

During a dry eye evaluation, our optometrists may assess:

Tear quantity and tear quality
Meibomian gland function
Eyelid health and signs of blepharitis
Tear film stability and evaporation rate
Inflammation on the surface of the eye
Environmental and lifestyle factors contributing to symptoms

By pinpointing the source of your dry eye, we’re able to create a treatment plan that goes beyond temporary fixes and supports lasting eye comfort.

Dry Eye Treatment Options

Dry eye treatment in Seattle depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Our optometrists create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Treatment options may include:

Advanced dry eye therapies to improve meibomian gland function
Prescription or specialty eye drops
Eyelid hygiene and inflammation management
Lifestyle and environmental recommendations
Nutritional guidance to support tear health

Whether symptoms are mild or severe, our goal is to restore comfort, protect eye health, and improve quality of life.

Schedule Your Dry Eye Evaluation in Seattle, WA

Managing dry eye effectively requires a comprehensive, individualized approach. At Roosevelt Vision, we combine clinical expertise with advanced diagnostic tools to identify the source of dry eye and provide treatment focused on long-term relief.

If you’re experiencing dry, irritated eyes, schedule your dry eye consultation at Roosevelt Vision today and get personalized care from trusted eye doctors in Seattle, WA.