Understanding Dry Eye Disease
​Dry Eye Disease occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when your tears do not have the right balance of oils, water, and mucus to keep your eyes comfortable and healthy.
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A healthy tear film is essential for clear vision and protecting the surface of the eye. When the tear film becomes unstable, it can lead to irritation and inflammation, causing symptoms such as burning, stinging, redness, blurry or fluctuating vision, excessive tearing, light sensitivity, and a persistent gritty or "foggy" sensation.

What Causes Dry Eye Disease?
Dry Eye Disease can develop for many reasons, including aging, certain medications, hormonal changes, diabetes, environmental factors, prolonged screen use, and contact lens wear. Medical conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome and thyroid disease can also affect tear production and quality.

As we age, our eyes naturally produce fewer tears, making it harder to keep the eyes properly lubricated. This can lead to irritation, inflammation, and fluctuating vision.

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What Are My Options? 

​While Dry Eye Disease cannot be cured, it can often be successfully managed with the right treatment plan.
Treatment may include lifestyle changes, nutritional support, eyelid hygiene, prescription therapies, or advanced in-office procedures depending on your specific needs.

Explore the treatment options below to learn more. If you're experiencing dry eye symptoms, call our office or schedule an appointment online to meet with Dr. Tahir and find the best solution for your eyes!

• BlephEx - Hygiene

• Punctal Plugs

• Scleral Lens

• Vitamins

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• What Is Blepharitis?
  Blepharitis is a common, chronic condition that causes inflammation of the eyelids, particularly along the base of the eyelashes. It often develops when naturally occurring bacteria, oils, debris, and dead skin cells accumulate along the eyelid margins, leading to irritation and inflammation.
  
  Symptoms may include red, irritated eyelids, crusting or debris on the lashes, burning, itching, tearing, dry eyes, and a gritty sensation. Blepharitis can also contribute to clogged oil glands, poor contact lens comfort, and fluctuating vision.
  
  There are three main types of blepharitis:
  • Bacterial Blepharitis – Often associated with an overgrowth of normal eyelid bacteria, commonly Staphylococcus species.
  • Seborrheic Blepharitis – Related to excess oil production and dandruff-like debris along the eyelids and lashes.
  • Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) – Caused by inflammation or blockage of the oil-producing glands that help maintain a healthy tear film.
  
  Although blepharitis is a chronic condition, proper eyelid hygiene and targeted treatments can significantly improve comfort, reduce inflammation, and help maintain healthy eyes.

  What are Demodex Mites?

  

  Lid Hygine

  After washing your hands and face with warm to hot water (or better yet while in the shower), place 1-2   
  pumps of foam on a clean wash cloth.  

  1. With eyes closed, scrub each lid using side-to-side motion for 15 seconds. 
  2. Be careful not to rub your eye directly as you may scratch the surface.
  3. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
  4. Repeat 2x daily for the first week then 1x daily or as directed by Dr. Tahir.
  5. Call or text the office if you experience any complications.

              Note: Some people are allergic to Tea Tree or Camomile 

  

  After lid cleaning and patting dry, use 1 pump of spray on each eye lid.

  1. Keep eyes closed when using spray.
  2. With your finger gently rub in the spray onto the eye lid margins and let dry.
  3. Use 2x per day.
     Note: Full effect 28-Day– afterwards potency decreases
• 

  Punctal Plugs: The “Little Plug” That Makes a Big Difference
  
  ​If your eyes constantly feel dry, scratchy, or irritated, punctal plugs may be the simplest fix you’ve never heard of. These tiny devices help your eyes hold onto the moisture they already make—so you feel comfortable again.
  
  The Simple Sink Analogy

  • Think of your eye like a sink.
  • Your tears are the water.
  • The puncta are the drains.
    
    

  We place a tiny dissolvable plug in the drain so the “water” stays in longer.
  More moisture. Less irritation. Happier eyes.
  
  Fast Relief, Zero Fuss

  • Quick 5-minute in-office procedure
  • Mild anesthetic, minimal to no discomfort
  • No downtime—walk out feeling the difference
  • ​Plugs naturally dissolve (usually around 6 months)

  
  Why Patients Love Them

  • Keeps natural tears on the eye longer
  • Reduces dryness, redness, burning, and fluctuating vision
  • Low maintenance and long-lasting
  • ​A great alternative to constant eye drops

  
  Years of Experience
  Dr. Tahir has been successfully using punctal plugs for over two decades and recommends them as a natural, gentle, and effective dry eye solution.
  
  Insurance Friendly
  Punctal plugs are covered by most major medical insurance plans.
• How Do  Scleral Lenses Help?

  

  ​Scleral lenses are special, larger contact lenses that gently sit on the white part of your eye instead of the cornea. They hold a layer of soothing moisture between the lens and your eye, keeping it hydrated and comfortable all day. For people with dry eyes, these lenses can bring relief, clearer vision, and long-lasting comfort that regular contacts just can’t provide.