· Domiano Eye Care
What Causes Dry Eye?
Dry eye syndrome happens when your tears don't do their job properly — because of insufficient tear production, poor tear quality (tears that evaporate too quickly), inflammation in the eye or eyelid, or environmental triggers like dry air, wind, and screen time. Some of the most common underlying causes include:
- Aging, especially in adults over 50
- Long hours in front of computers or devices
- Contact lens wear
- Certain medications, such as antihistamines or antidepressants
- Medical conditions such as Sjögren's syndrome or thyroid disease
- Hormonal changes, especially during menopause
Weather, Heating, and Seasonal Flare-Ups
Even the weather and your heating system can affect tear production. Many people in Northeastern Pennsylvania notice flare-ups in the winter, when indoor heat dries the air, or while spending long stretches indoors with air conditioning.
Common Symptoms of Dry Eye
Symptoms 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
Why You Shouldn't Wait It Out
Many patients assume their symptoms are caused by fatigue or allergies and 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 problems.
How We Treat Dry Eye in Old Forge and Clarks Summit
The good news is that dry eye can be treated and, with the right combination of care, managed long-term. At Domiano Eye Care we start by identifying the root cause. A thorough dry eye evaluation — including tear osmolarity testing to measure and grade your tears — tells us whether your symptoms come from inflammation, a tear imbalance, or something else. From there we tailor a plan to your lifestyle. Common, effective options include:
- Lubricating eye drops: Artificial tears provide quick, temporary relief and work well for mild cases.
- Prescription drops: Medications like cyclosporine or lifitegrast reduce inflammation and improve tear production over time.
- Warm compresses and lid hygiene: Simple at-home routines reduce eyelid inflammation and improve the quality of your tears.
- Punctal plugs: Tiny, biocompatible inserts block tear drainage so your natural tears stay on the eye longer.
- In-office procedures: For moderate to severe dry eye, treatments such as meibomian gland expression, BlephEx lid cleaning, Blephasteam, and Optima IPL target the cause rather than the symptoms.
Relief Starts With a Visit
Dry eye isn't one-size-fits-all, and neither is the solution. Our team has helped many patients across NEPA feel better, see more clearly, and get back to the activities they love without constant discomfort. If you've been searching for dry eye treatment in Old Forge or a trusted eye doctor in Clarks Summit, request an appointment and let us help you understand your symptoms and your options.
Frequently asked questions
- Is dry eye a serious condition?
- It can be. Dry eye is progressive, and left untreated it can damage the surface of the eye. Early evaluation and treatment prevent that and restore comfort.
- Why do my eyes water if they're dry?
- Watery eyes are often a sign of overcompensation: the eye floods with reflex tears that don't lubricate well, so the surface stays irritated.
- Which medications can cause dry eye?
- Antihistamines and antidepressants are common culprits. Hormonal changes and conditions like Sjögren's syndrome or thyroid disease can also contribute.
Ready when you are
Book a visit at either office
Request an appointment online, or call the office closest to you — we're happy to help with insurance questions before your visit.