What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome (also called Ocular Surface Disease) occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly. Healthy tears are essential for eye lubrication, providing nutrients, and keeping vision clear.



When your tear film isn’t working properly, it leads to chronic discomfort, irritation, and even vision problems.

Common Symptoms of Dry Eye

If you have dry eye syndrome, you might experience:

✔ Dryness – A scratchy or gritty sensation
✔ Burning or stinging – A painful, irritated feeling
✔ Redness – Inflamed, bloodshot eyes
✔ Light sensitivity – Difficulty with bright lights
✔ Blurred vision – Fluctuating vision clarity
✔ Excessive tearing – Paradoxically, your eyes may water as a response to irritation
✔ Feeling of something in the eye – A sensation like dust or an eyelash stuck in your eye

While mild dry eye may cause occasional discomfort, severe or untreated cases can lead to corneal damage and long-term vision problems.

Common Causes of Dry Eye

Dry eye syndrome can develop due to multiple factors, including:

1. Environmental Conditions

• Wind, smoke, or dry air can cause tears to evaporate faster.
• Air conditioning and heating systems reduce indoor humidity, worsening symptoms.
• Extended screen time leads to reduced blinking, which affects tear distribution.

2. Aging & Hormonal Changes

• Tear production naturally decreases as we get older, especially in people over 50.
• Women may develop dry eye due to hormonal changes from pregnancy, menopause, or birth control use.

3. Medical Conditions

Dry eye is linked to several autoimmune and systemic diseases, including:

• Sjogren’s syndrome (immune system attacks tear glands)
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Lupus
• Diabetes
• Thyroid disorders

4. Medications That Trigger Dry Eye

Certain prescription and over-the-counter medications can reduce tear production, such as:

• Antihistamines & decongestants
• Antidepressants
• Blood pressure medications
• Acne treatments (like Accutane)
• Hormone therapy

5. Contact Lens Use

Long-term contact lens wear can irritate the eyes and contribute to dry eye symptoms.

How Dry Eye Is Diagnosed at Frame Bar. Co

At Frame Bar. Co, we offer a comprehensive dry eye evaluation to determine the root cause of your symptoms. Our process includes:

1. Medical History & Symptom Assessment

We start with a detailed questionnaire to assess your symptoms, lifestyle, and any underlying health conditions.

2. Tear Production & Quality Tests

• Schirmer’s Test – Measures the amount of tears your eyes produce.
• Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT) Test – Evaluates how quickly your tears evaporate.

3. Ocular Surface Examination

Using specialized imaging and dyes, we check for inflammation, corneal damage, and tear film abnormalities.

Once we diagnose the cause of your dry eye, we create a customized treatment plan to restore your eye health.

Treatment Options for Dry Eye

Depending on the severity of your condition, treatment options may include:

1. Artificial Tears & Lubricants

For mild cases, over-the-counter artificial tears can help relieve dryness. However, not all eye drops are the same—some contain preservatives that can worsen symptoms. We help you choose the right products.

2. Prescription Eye Drops

For moderate to severe dry eye, prescription medications like Restasis or Xiidra can help increase natural tear production and reduce inflammation.

3. In-Office Dry Eye Treatments at Frame Bar. Co

At Frame Bar. Co, we offer advanced treatments such as:

• Meibomian Gland Expression – Unclogs blocked oil glands to improve tear stability.
• Punctal Plugs – Tiny biocompatible inserts placed in the tear ducts to retain moisture.
• LipiFlow® Thermal Pulsation – A cutting-edge procedure that uses gentle heat and pressure to restore normal oil production in the eyes.

4. Lifestyle Adjustments & Home Remedies

Simple changes can help manage symptoms:

✅ Take frequent screen breaks to encourage blinking.
✅ Use a humidifier to prevent dry indoor air.
✅ Wear wraparound sunglasses to protect from wind and sun.
✅ Stay hydrated to support tear production.
✅ Increase Omega-3 intake (found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts) to improve tear quality.

Why Choose Frame Bar. Co for Dry Eye Treatment?

✅ Expert Team & Personalized Care

Our specialists take a customized approach to treating dry eye, ensuring you get the best solution for your specific symptoms.

✅ Advanced Diagnostic Tools

We use state-of-the-art imaging and testing to accurately diagnose dry eye and create targeted treatment plans.

✅ Comprehensive Optometry & Aesthetic Care

We offer both medical and aesthetic treatments, ensuring healthy, comfortable, and beautiful eyes.

Book Your Dry Eye Consultation Today

If you’re experiencing dry eye symptoms, don’t wait for them to worsen. Early treatment can prevent complications and restore comfort.

At Frame Bar. Co in Oceanside, NY, our team is dedicated to providing effective, personalized dry eye treatment to help you feel your best.

📅 Take the first step toward relief!

📞 Call us at (516) 888-1038 or Book an Appointment Online today!