What Causes Chronic Dry Eye and How to Treat It

Dry eye happens when your eyes do not produce enough quality tears to stay comfortable and healthy. While occasional dryness can happen after a long day, chronic dry eye tends to return often and may interfere with reading, computer work, driving, or wearing contact lenses.

At The Eye Studio, we take dry eye symptoms seriously because ongoing irritation can affect both comfort and long-term eye health.
 

Common Causes Of Chronic Dry Eye

Chronic dry eye can develop for many reasons. One of the most common causes is meibomian gland dysfunction, which happens when the oil glands in the eyelids do not release enough healthy oil into the tear film. Without this oil layer, tears evaporate too quickly.

Other causes may include aging, hormonal changes, certain medications, allergies, autoimmune conditions, long hours on digital devices, contact lens wear, and environmental factors like wind, smoke, or dry indoor air.
 

Symptoms That May Point To Dry Eye

Dry eye symptoms are not always limited to dryness. Some people experience burning, stinging, redness, watery eyes, blurry vision, or a gritty feeling. Others may notice their eyes feel tired quickly or that their vision fluctuates throughout the day.

Common signs of chronic dry eye include:

• Burning, stinging, or scratchy eyes
• Redness or irritation
• Watery eyes caused by reflex tearing
• Blurry or fluctuating vision
• Light sensitivity
• Discomfort with contact lenses

If these symptoms keep coming back, it may be time for a dry eye evaluation.
 

Why A Personalized Dry Eye Evaluation Matters

There is no single cause of dry eye, which is why treatment should not be one-size-fits-all. During a dry eye evaluation, we look at the tear film, eyelids, oil glands, and overall eye surface to better understand what is causing your symptoms.

This helps us recommend treatment based on the source of the problem, rather than only offering temporary relief. For some patients, that may mean improving tear quality. For others, it may mean addressing inflammation, clogged glands, or eyelid hygiene.
 

Treatment Options For Chronic Dry Eye

Dry eye treatment may include artificial tears, prescription eye drops, warm compresses, eyelid cleansers, lifestyle changes, or in-office therapies. At The Eye Studio, our dry eye clinic offers advanced treatment options such as LipiFlow and Lumenis OptiPLUS Radio Frequency to help address underlying gland function and tear film stability.

The right treatment plan depends on your symptoms, exam findings, and daily habits. Our goal is to help improve comfort, support healthier tears, and reduce how often symptoms return.
 

Daily Habits That Can Support Dry Eye Relief

Small changes can also help manage chronic dry eye. Taking screen breaks, blinking fully, staying hydrated, avoiding direct airflow from fans or vents, and wearing quality sunglasses outdoors may reduce irritation. If you wear contact lenses, we can also evaluate whether your lenses or wearing schedule may be contributing to dryness.

For chronic dry eye treatment in Portland, OR, contact The Eye Studio by calling 503-219-0023. We are located at 339 NW 9th Ave., Portland, OR 97209.