Dry Eye Center in Yonkers, NY

Dry Eye Treatment

Dry eye can happen when the tear film is unstable, the ocular surface is irritated, or inflammation disrupts the way the eyes stay comfortable and protected. While many people think dry eye is only a lack of tears, it is often more complex. The goal of dry eye treatment is to identify what is driving the symptoms so care can be targeted, not generic. At Westchester Eyes, we evaluate dry eye with a root-cause approach. By looking at the tear film, eyelids, meibomian glands, and ocular surface, our doctors can better understand whether inflammation, gland dysfunction, tear imbalance, or another factor is contributing to discomfort.

What Causes Dry Eye?

Dry eye can develop for many reasons, and more than one cause may be involved. Common causes include aging, ocular surface disease, meibomian gland dysfunction, blepharitis, previous eye surgery, contact lens use, allergies, certain medications, and medical conditions. When the underlying cause is not identified, symptoms may continue even with over-the-counter drops. A detailed dry eye evaluation helps determine what is affecting the tear film and what type of treatment may be most appropriate.

Common Symptoms Of Dry Eye

Dry eye symptoms can vary from mild irritation to ongoing discomfort that affects daily activities. Patients may notice:

  • Burning, stinging, redness, or irritation

  • Watery eyes or fluctuating vision

  • Gritty, sandy, or foreign body sensation

  • Light sensitivity or eye fatigue

  • Discomfort with contact lenses

  • Symptoms that worsen with screens, wind, or dry environments

Identifying The Root Cause

Dry eye treatment begins with a careful diagnostic process. Our doctors look for signs of tear film stress, ocular surface inflammation, eyelid inflammation, gland blockage, gland loss, and poor tear quality. These details help guide a more targeted treatment plan.

Diagnostic testing may include MMP-9 testing to detect inflammatory markers on the ocular surface. This helps identify whether inflammation is contributing to irritation, redness, or ongoing discomfort.

Osmolarity testing may also be used to evaluate tear film stress and instability. When the tears are out of balance, the ocular surface may become inflamed and uncomfortable.

Meibography allows our doctors to assess the structure and health of the meibomian glands. Since these glands produce the oil layer of the tear film, meibography helps determine whether gland dysfunction is affecting tear quality and evaporation.

Advanced Dry Eye Treatment Options

Treatment depends on what is causing the symptoms. For some patients, dry eye treatment may focus on reducing inflammation. For others, care may involve improving meibomian gland function, supporting the ocular surface, or addressing eyelid-related inflammation. We offer advanced treatment options that may include Espansione IPL, LLLT, and AMT.

  • Espansione IPL - Designed to target inflammation and vascular changes that can contribute to dry eye symptoms. This treatment may be recommended when redness, irritation, eyelid inflammation, or meibomian gland dysfunction are affecting the tear film and ocular surface comfort.

  • LLLT - Uses Light Modulation low-level light therapy to support eyelid health and meibomian gland function. By helping improve gland performance and oil flow, LLLT may support better tear quality and reduce evaporation-related dryness.

  • AMT - Amniotic membrane therapy that may be recommended when the ocular surface needs additional support for healing and comfort. AMT can help protect the surface of the eye, support tissue recovery, and provide relief when inflammation or irritation has affected the ocular surface.

Targeted Care For Dry Eye

Dry eye treatment should be based on the reason symptoms are happening. By identifying the source of inflammation, tear instability, gland dysfunction, or ocular surface irritation, we can recommend care that fits your eyes and your needs. Schedule a consultation with Westchester Eyes to learn more about dry eye treatment. Contact a location most convenient for you:

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