Chronic Dry Eye Isn’t Just Annoying - It’s a Medical Condition That Deserves Real Treatment

If you’re living in Everett, Washington, and constantly battling dry, irritated eyes, it’s more than just a minor nuisance. It could be a sign of chronic dry eye. This common yet often overlooked condition affects many in the Pacific Northwest, especially with our changing weather, indoor heating, and increased screen time. At Silver Lake Eye Care Center, we want you to know that chronic dry eye is a real medical issue, and with the right treatment, lasting relief is possible.

 

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This results in inadequate lubrication on the surface of your eyes, leading to symptoms such as:

•           Burning or stinging sensations

•           Blurred vision

•           Sensitivity to light

•           A feeling of something being in the eye

•           Redness or inflammation

•           Watery eyes

While occasional dryness may be mild and temporary, chronic dry eye persists over time and requires medical attention.

 

Why You Need to See a Doctor

One of the most common underlying causes is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), where blocked oil glands prevent proper tear film stability, allowing tears to evaporate too quickly. If not addressed, MGD and dry eye together can significantly compromise the health of the ocular surface. One of the most serious risks is corneal damage. When the eyes remain dry for extended periods, the corneal surface becomes vulnerable to abrasions, ulcers, and even scarring, which can permanently affect vision.

Another concern is an increased risk of infection. Tears play a vital role in protecting the eyes from harmful bacteria and environmental irritants. Without adequate tear production, the eyes are more susceptible to infections.

Visual disturbances are also common. Many individuals with chronic dry eye experience blurry or fluctuating vision, which can make daily tasks like reading, driving, or working on a computer more difficult. The constant irritation, eye fatigue, and discomfort can interfere with your ability to focus, enjoy hobbies, or even get a good night’s sleep.

 

Treatments That Deliver Real Results

At Silver Lake Eye Care Center, we offer advanced treatments that go beyond eye drops to target the root cause of chronic dry eye.

•          Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy: IPL targets inflammation around the eyes, especially in cases linked to MGD and rosacea. The light pulses help open the meibomian glands, allowing them to function properly again and restoring healthy tear production.

•          Radiofrequency (RF) Therapy: RF therapy uses gentle heat to stimulate collagen production and improve meibomian gland function.

Both IPL and RF treatments are non-invasive, comfortable, and deliver lasting relief for patients struggling with chronic dry eye.

 

Achieve Dry Eye Relief at Silver Lake Eye Care Center

Chronic dry eye is a medical condition that deserves proper attention and care. Ignoring the symptoms can lead to long-term damage and discomfort, but the good news is that effective treatment options are available. We’re committed to helping you find lasting relief. With advanced therapies like IPL and RF, we target the root causes of dry eye to restore comfort and protect your vision.

Don’t wait for your dry eye symptoms to worsen. Contact Silver Lake Eye Care Center to schedule a comprehensive dry eye evaluation and start your journey toward clearer, more comfortable vision. Visit our office in Everett, Washington, or call (425) 338-5400 to book an appointment today.