If your eyes constantly feel dry, itchy, or as if there’s sand trapped in them, you may have more than just temporary irritation – you may be living with dry eye syndrome. This common condition affects millions of Americans, and for many, it’s a daily struggle that impacts work, hobbies, and overall quality of life.
Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or when the tears they do produce lack the right balance of oil, water, and mucus to keep your eyes lubricated. Without proper treatment, symptoms can worsen over time, leading to inflammation, blurred vision, and even damage to the surface of your eyes.
Common Causes of Dry Eye in Bergen County
Dry eye can stem from a variety of factors, and identifying the cause is essential for effective treatment.
Some of the most common contributors include:
- Prolonged screen use – Reduces blink rate, allowing tears to evaporate faster.
- Contact lens wear – Can interfere with tear film stability.
- Aging – Tear production often decreases with age, especially in women after menopause.
- Environmental factors – Dry indoor heating, air conditioning, and windy conditions.
- Certain medications – Antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications.
- Underlying medical conditions – Autoimmune diseases, thyroid disorders, and eyelid inflammation.
Advanced Dry Eye Solutions at James Tracey Eye Care
At our Midland Park, Woodcliff Lake, and Wyckoff locations, we take a personalized approach to diagnosing and treating dry eye. We use advanced testing to determine whether your symptoms are caused by insufficient tear production, poor tear quality, or both.
LipiFlow® Thermal Pulsation
This in-office treatment addresses blockages in the meibomian glands – the oil-producing glands in your eyelids. By applying gentle heat and massage, LipiFlow restores healthy oil flow, helping your tears stay on your eyes longer.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy
IPL uses pulses of gentle light applied to the skin around the eyes to reduce inflammation, improve gland function, and target abnormal blood vessels that contribute to dry eye symptoms. It’s especially effective for patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and ocular rosacea.
Punctal Plugs
Tiny, biocompatible devices inserted into the tear ducts to slow tear drainage, keeping moisture on the eyes for longer periods.
Prescription Eye Drops
Medications like cyclosporine or lifitegrast can reduce inflammation and improve tear production over time.
Lifestyle Habits to Help Manage Dry Eye
While professional treatments can provide lasting relief, everyday habits also play an important role in keeping your eyes comfortable.
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule.
When working on a computer or reading, take a 20-second break every 20 minutes to look at something at least 20 feet away. This helps reduce strain and supports a healthier blink rate. - Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet.
Drinking enough water and including omega-3 fatty acids from foods like salmon, flaxseed, and walnuts may help improve tear quality. - Adjust your environment.
Using a humidifier in dry indoor spaces, avoiding direct airflow from fans or vents, and wearing wraparound sunglasses outdoors can help protect your eyes from moisture loss. - Be mindful with contact lenses.
If you wear contacts, follow your optometrist’s care instructions closely. Consider daily disposable lenses or specialty lenses designed for dry eye sufferers.
Why Bergen County Chooses James Tracey Eye Care for Dry Eye Relief
Our team understands that dry eye isn’t just a minor annoyance – it’s a chronic condition that can disrupt daily life. We combine advanced technology with a personalized care plan to help patients achieve real, lasting relief.
Patients trust our Midland Park, Woodcliff Lake, and Wyckoff locations because we offer:
- Comprehensive diagnostics to pinpoint the root cause of symptoms
- Cutting-edge in-office treatments like LipiFlow for long-term results
- Tailored treatment plans that fit your lifestyle and address your unique needs
- Ongoing support to adjust your plan as your eyes and environment change
Chronic dry eye doesn’t have to control your day. Whether your symptoms are linked to screen time, contact lens wear, aging, or medical conditions, we can help you find a treatment that works.
Request an appointment with James Tracey Eye Care to start your personalized dry eye treatment plan today.