Conditions We Treat
Evaporative Dry Eye
Dry eye is one of the most common reasons patients see an eye doctor — and the most common form is evaporative dry eye, caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). The tiny oil glands in your eyelids become blocked, so the protective oily layer of your tears breaks down and your tears evaporate too quickly. The result is a stinging, gritty, fluctuating discomfort that can be surprisingly disruptive to everyday life.
What is evaporative dry eye?
A healthy tear film has three layers: a mucus layer, a watery layer, and an outer oil (lipid) layer made by the meibomian glands along the edge of your eyelids. That oil keeps your tears from evaporating between blinks. In MGD, the glands clog with thickened oil, the lipid layer thins, tears evaporate, and the surface of the eye becomes inflamed. Left untreated, the glands can shrink and permanently stop working — so early treatment matters.
Common symptoms
- Burning, stinging, or a gritty "something in my eye" feeling
- Vision that blurs and then clears when you blink
- Watery eyes — a reflex response to dryness
- Red, irritated, or tired eyes, often worse later in the day or with screen use
- Crusting or a heavy feeling along the eyelid margins
TearCare® — treating the cause, not just the symptoms
Artificial tears can soothe symptoms, but they don't clear the blocked glands that cause evaporative dry eye. TearCare is an in-office treatment that targets the root problem. Small, flexible devices are gently placed on your eyelids and deliver precise, controlled warmth while you blink naturally for about 15 minutes. The heat softens and liquefies the hardened oils trapped inside the meibomian glands.
Immediately afterward, your doctor performs a gentle clearance of each gland at the microscope, expressing the softened oil and reopening the blocked glands. Restoring healthy oil flow improves the tear film and relieves symptoms. The procedure is comfortable, done right in our office, and requires no incisions or downtime. Many patients notice meaningful, lasting improvement, and treatment can be repeated as needed.
A complete dry eye plan
Evaporative dry eye is best managed with a plan tailored to your exam. Depending on what we find, we may combine TearCare with measures such as:
- Warm compresses and eyelid hygiene at home
- Omega-3 nutrition guidance
- Prescription anti-inflammatory drops when inflammation is significant
- Treating related conditions such as Demodex blepharitis or blepharitis
If your eyes burn, water, or feel gritty — or your vision fluctuates through the day — an evaluation can determine whether MGD is the cause and whether TearCare is right for you.
This page is for general education and is not medical advice. If you have symptoms or concerns, please request an appointment for an evaluation.