Do your eyes often feel gritty, irritated, or watery, even after using artificial tears? You may be dealing with chronic dry eye. If eye drops only provide temporary relief, it’s because they soothe symptoms on the surface but don’t address the real issue underneath. With advanced dry eye treatment in Baton Rouge and Plaquemine, our experienced eye doctors focus on treating the root causes so you can enjoy lasting relief.
In this blog, we’ll explore why eye drops often fall short, which in-office treatments can help, and lifestyle tips to keep your eyes feeling their best.
Why eye drops are not helping with dry eye
Artificial tears can add moisture, but they usually only provide short-term relief. Many cases of dry eye are linked to:
- Inflammation of the eyelids or glands
- Poor-quality tears that evaporate too quickly
- Blocked oil glands (meibomian gland dysfunction)
Eye drops don’t resolve these underlying problems, which is why discomfort often returns shortly after using them. If this sounds familiar, it may be time to schedule a comprehensive eye exam to uncover the real cause.
How to get rid of dry eyes without eye drops
At Southern Eye Centers in Baton Rouge and Plaquemine, we offer proven therapies that go beyond surface relief to improve tear quality and eye comfort. Treatments include:
OptiLight IPL therapy
OptiLight uses gentle pulses of light to reduce inflammation and improve the function of oil glands in your eyelids. It works particularly well on patients with rosacea and meibomian gland dysfunction, as it helps keep tears in place for longer periods.
MiBo Thermoflo
This treatment uses controlled heat and gentle massage to melt away blockages in the eyelid glands. By restoring healthy oil flow, MiBo Thermoflo helps stabilize your tear film and reduce burning, watering, and irritation.
LidPro
LidPro is a comfortable in-office treatment that deeply cleanses the eyelid margins, removing debris and bacteria that can worsen dry eye symptoms. It also supports healthier gland function and reduces inflammation.
Lifestyle changes to alleviate dry eye discomfort
Professional treatment is important, but small daily habits can also support your eye comfort:
- Take regular screen breaks to encourage natural blinking
- Drink 8–10 glasses of water each day to stay hydrated and support tear production
- Get 7–8 hours of sleep each night so your eyes can recharge
- Use a humidifier if the air in your home feels dry
- Wear wraparound sunglasses when spending time outdoors
- Avoid smoke, wind, or direct air from fans and AC when possible
These lifestyle adjustments, combined with professional care, can ease irritation and help keep your eyes feeling comfortable every day.
Why you shouldn’t wait to seek professional care
Many people put off treatment, relying on stronger eye drops and hoping symptoms improve on their own. Unfortunately, untreated dry eye often worsens with time and can impact your vision quality.
If dryness interferes with activities like reading, working on the computer, or wearing contact lenses, it’s worth considering professional care.
Our experienced eye doctors also provide contact lens exams and may recommend specialty options, such as scleral lenses. These lenses create a protective moisture layer over the eyes and are ideal for those with severe dry eye.
Lasting comfort is possible
With today’s advanced treatments and personalized care, living with constant dryness, burning, and irritation doesn’t have to be your reality. Our experienced team will create a plan tailored to your symptoms, addressing the underlying causes and providing lasting relief.
Schedule your appointment today in Plaquemine or Baton Rouge and get the relief you deserve.
