Dry Eye Treatment in Fort Myers, Florida

What Is Dry Eye Disease?

Dry eye disease is a chronic condition that develops when your tears cannot properly protect and lubricate the surface of your eyes. Some people do not produce enough tears, while others produce tears that evaporate too quickly because the tear film is unstable.

One of the most common causes of dry eye is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). The meibomian glands along your eyelids produce the oil layer of your tears. When these glands become blocked or stop functioning properly, tears evaporate much faster than they should.

Why Is Dry Eye So Common in Southwest Florida?

Our warm, sunny climate can make dry eye symptoms more noticeable throughout the year. Time spent outdoors in the sun and wind, combined with frequent indoor air conditioning, can cause tears to evaporate more quickly. Long hours on computers and other digital devices also reduces how often you blink and can worsen dry eye symptoms.

Other factors, including age, hormonal changes, contact lens wear, certain medications, and underlying health conditions, can also contribute to dry eye.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Dry eye affects everyone differently. Your symptoms may come and go or gradually become more persistent over time.

Common symptoms include:

• Burning or stinging eyes
• Dryness or irritation
• Excessive tearing
• Blurred or fluctuating vision
• Red eyes
• A gritty or sandy sensation
• Light sensitivity
• Eye fatigue
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses

If these symptoms interfere with your daily routine, it may be time for a professional evaluation.

A Comprehensive Dry Eye Evaluation

Rather than treating every patient the same way, we work to identify the specific type of dry eye affecting your eyes. This allows us to recommend treatments that target the underlying cause instead of simply masking symptoms.

During your evaluation, we may perform specialized testing such as:

• Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT) to evaluate tear stability
• Schirmer testing to measure tear production
• Meibomian gland evaluation
• Eyelid and ocular surface assessment
• Inflammation assessment
• Review of your medical history, medications, and lifestyle factors

Personalized Treatment for Lasting Relief

Treatment options we may recommend depending on your diagnosis include:

Prescription Medications

Prescription eye drops and other medications can help reduce inflammation, improve tear production, and support healthier tear film function.

Punctal Plugs

For patients who produce tears but lose them too quickly, punctal plugs may be recommended.

These tiny, comfortable devices are placed in the tear drainage ducts to help your natural tears remain on the surface of your eyes longer. The procedure is quick, performed in our office, and requires little to no downtime.

Lumecca Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

For many patients with meibomian gland dysfunction, inflammation around the eyelids prevents healthy tear production.
Lumecca IPL is used to:

• Reduce inflammation
• Improve meibomian gland function
• Decrease abnormal blood vessels around the eyelids
• Reduce bacteria and mites that contribute to eyelid disease

As inflammation decreases, the oil layer of your tears becomes healthier, allowing tears to remain on the eye longer.

Forma Radiofrequency (RF)

Riverside Family Eye Care utilizes the Envision by InMode platform to deliver advanced radiofrequency treatment for dry eye.

Forma RF gently warms the eyelids, helping to soften and release hardened oils trapped inside the meibomian glands. Restoring healthy oil flow helps stabilize the tear film and reduces tear evaporation.

Amniotic Membrane

When dry eye has caused significant damage to the surface of the eye, amniotic membrane therapy may be recommended.

This advanced treatment promotes healing, reduces inflammation, and protects the cornea while damaged tissue recovers. It is typically reserved for more severe cases of dry eye or persistent ocular surface disease.

Enjoy Dry Eye Care Beyond the Basics

If your eyes feel dry, irritated, or inconsistent most days, it is time for a more focused approach. A comprehensive dry eye evaluation can give you clear answers and a treatment plan that fits your condition.