Are Your Eye Drops Making Dry Eye Worse?

If you suffer from dry, irritated eyes, reaching for over-the-counter eye drops might seem like the simplest solution. But what if those drops aren’t really helping and could even be making your symptoms worse? At Eyes of East Sacramento, we see many patients who are frustrated that eye drops only provide temporary relief or, in some cases, actually aggravate their discomfort.

Understanding Dry Eye

Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This leads to inflammation, redness, blurred vision, and that persistent feeling of dryness. Common causes include age, screen time, contact lens use, medications, and environmental factors.

Why Eye Drops Sometimes Fall Short

Many people turn to over-the-counter artificial tears for relief, and while they can provide temporary comfort, they rarely address the underlying causes of dry eye. In fact, some eye drops (especially those with preservatives) can actually make symptoms worse with frequent use. Relying solely on drops may mask the problem and delay proper treatment, allowing the condition to progress.
 

How Eye Drops Can Make Symptoms Worse

• Preservatives: Many drops contain preservatives that can irritate the eye surface with frequent use.

• No Long-Term Solution: Artificial tears don’t treat inflammation, meibomian gland dysfunction, or other root causes of dry eye.

• Masking Symptoms: Regular use might mask a more serious condition, causing you to put off seeing an eye doctor.

At Eyes of East Sacramento, we offer advanced, evidence-based solutions that target the underlying causes of dry eye, rather than just providing short-term relief.

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)

IPL therapy uses gentle pulses of light to target inflammation and improve the function of the meibomian glands, which are responsible for producing the oily layer of your tears. This treatment can reduce redness, relieve discomfort, and help restore healthy tear production - without the need for constant eye drops.

OCuSOFT® Thermal 1-Touch™

The OCuSOFT® Thermal 1-Touch™ is a state-of-the-art device that delivers controlled heat and gentle massage to the eyelids. This helps unblock oil glands and improve the quality of your tears. Patients often notice lasting relief after just a few sessions.

Experience True Relief from Dry Eye

Don’t let over-the-counter drops become a crutch or, worse, a contributor to your ongoing discomfort. Advanced treatments like IPL and OCuSOFT® Thermal 1-Touch™ address the real causes of dry eye, offering longer-lasting relief and better eye health.

If you’re ready to experience dry eye relief that lasts, schedule a consultation with Eyes of East Sacramento and find out which advanced treatment is right for you. Contact our office in Sacramento, California, by calling (916) 915-0500 to book an appointment today.