Understanding and Managing Chronic Dry Eyes

If you’re one of the many people in Kennewick, Washington, struggling with chronic dry eyes, you’re not alone. The persistent itchiness, burning, and blurry vision that come with dry eye disease can make even the simplest tasks—like reading, working on a computer, or enjoying time outdoors—frustrating. At Grand Ridge Eye Clinic, we understand how dry eye can impact your daily life, and we’re here to help you find real relief.

Why Is Dry Eye So Common?

Kennewick’s climate plays a significant role in why so many residents experience dry eye. Our area’s low humidity and frequent wind exposure can cause tears to evaporate more quickly, leaving eyes feeling dry and irritated. But the environment isn’t the only culprit—many people also suffer from Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), one of the leading causes of chronic dry eye.

MGD occurs when the tiny oil glands along your eyelids become blocked or don’t produce enough oil to keep your tears from evaporating too quickly. Without this crucial oil layer, your tears break up too fast, leading to dryness, irritation, and even inflammation. Factors like age, screen time, medications, and even certain health conditions can make MGD worse.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye symptoms can range from mild irritation to persistent discomfort that affects your daily life. Many people experience symptoms such as burning, stinging, itching, redness, and a gritty sensation, as if there’s something stuck in their eyes. Blurry vision, eye fatigue, and sensitivity to light are also common, making it difficult to focus while working on a computer, driving, or reading. If left untreated, chronic dry eye can lead to inflammation, an increased risk of eye infections, and damage to the surface of the eye.

Why You Should See an Eye Doctor for Dry Eye

While it may be tempting to reach for over-the-counter eye drops for quick relief, dry eye is often a complex condition that requires more than just artificial tears. Without proper diagnosis, you may not be treating the root cause of your symptoms. A comprehensive eye exam at Grand Ridge Eye Clinic allows us to determine whether your dry eye is caused by Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), tear evaporation, inflammation, or another underlying condition. With a personalized treatment plan, we can address the source of your discomfort rather than just masking the symptoms. 

Managing Chronic Dry Eye with TempSure Envi

If over-the-counter eye drops or warm compresses haven’t been enough, you might need a more targeted approach. We offer TempSure Envi, an advanced radiofrequency treatment designed to address MGD and provide long-lasting dry eye relief.

TempSure Envi gently warms the eyelids, helping to unclog the meibomian glands and restore their natural function. This not only improves tear stability but also reduces inflammation and irritation. The treatment is quick, comfortable, and requires no downtime, making it a great option for people who want relief without invasive procedures.

Take Control of Your Eye Comfort

Chronic dry eyes don’t have to control your life. Whether you’re struggling to keep your eyes comfortable at work, while driving, or simply enjoying the outdoors, there’s hope for relief. 

If you’re experiencing persistent dry eye symptoms, schedule a consultation with Grand Ridge Eye Clinic to discover if TempSure Envi is the right solution for you. Visit our office in Kennewick, Washington, or call (509) 736-0710 to book an appointment today.