Dry Eye Treatment in Boise, Idaho
Relief for chronic dry and irritated eyes.
What Is Dry Eye?
Dry eye occurs when the eyes don't produce enough tears, or when the tear film isn't of sufficient quality to keep the eye surface properly lubricated. Factors affecting tear production and the ocular surface can cause symptoms such as tearing, stinging, burning, and fluctuating vision. When left untreated, severe dry eye can cause inflammation and damage to the ocular surface over time.
Common dry eye triggers include screen use, air conditioning and heating, wind exposure, contact lens wear, aging, some medications (diuretics, antihistamines, and serotonin reuptake inhibitors), and hormonal changes, all things that are especially relevant in the Treasure Valley.
Dry Eye Symptoms
- Burning, stinging, or scratchy sensation in the eyes
- Watery eyes (a reflex response to dryness)
- Blurry vision that clears with blinking
- Sensitivity to light
- Difficulty with extended screen use or reading
- Discomfort or redness at the end of the day
How We Treat Dry Eye
We approach dry eye in a step-wise fashion, starting with the simplest interventions and progressing as needed.
Lifestyle modifications
- Minimize exposure to wind, ceiling fans, and forced air vents
- Use a humidifier at home during cold, dry months
- Make a conscious effort to blink more frequently during screen time
Artificial Tears
We recommend lubricating drops at least four times daily, more if symptoms are significant. Our preferred brands include Systane, Refresh, Blink, Genteal, Freshkote, and TheraTears.
Omega-3 supplementation
Oral omega-3s from both fish-derived and plant-derived sources support healthy tear film production. We recommend 1,000mg from a fish-derived source (fish oil, krill oil, or salmon oil) and 1,000mg from a plant-derived source (flaxseed, evening primrose, or borage oil) taken daily.
Advanced treatments
When conservative measures aren't enough, we offer:
- Restasis and Xiidra: prescription eye drops that help your eyes produce more of their own natural tears
- MiBo ThermaFlo: a gentle heat treatment that unclogs the oil glands along the eyelid margins, restoring a healthy lipid layer to the tear film
- Punctal plugs: tiny inserts that partially or fully close your tear drainage ducts to help retain moisture on the eye surface
- Punctal cautery: a more permanent option for patients who don't respond to plugs
Schedule a Dry Eye Evaluation in Boise
If your eyes are consistently uncomfortable, don't wait for your next routine exam. Call (208) 342-5151 or schedule online at our Meridian or Caldwell office. Our team will evaluate your tear production and ocular surface, identify the underlying cause of your symptoms, and develop a treatment plan tailored to your lifestyle.