If your eyes constantly feel dry, itchy, or gritty, you’re not alone. Millions of Americans live with dry eye disease, and many try to manage it with over-the-counter drops. While these may provide temporary relief, they often don’t address the root cause – and the problem can worsen over time.
At Newcomer Eye Associates, we help patients understand what’s behind their discomfort and offer treatments that go beyond surface-level relief. Here’s what to look for, why it happens, and when to seek care.
Common Dry Eye Symptoms in Whitehall, PA
Dry eye isn’t always about dryness – sometimes it shows up in ways you wouldn’t expect.
- Stinging or burning sensations
- Excessive tearing
- Gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes
- Redness or irritation
- Blurred vision, especially after reading or screen use
- Eye fatigue
- Sensitivity to light
These symptoms can be mild at first but may become more frequent or intense if untreated.
What Causes Dry Eye?
Dry eye happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears – or the right kind of tears – to keep the surface of the eye healthy and lubricated.
This can be due to:
- Aging
- Long hours on digital devices
- Contact lens wear
- Certain medications (antihistamines, antidepressants, etc.)
- Environmental factors like wind or dry air
- Medical conditions such as autoimmune disorders or eyelid inflammation
Because there’s no single cause, the best treatment plan starts with a thorough evaluation.
Why Professional Diagnosis Matters at Newcomer Eye Associates
Dry eye can have many different causes, and the right treatment depends on knowing exactly what’s going on with your eyes. That’s why professional testing is so important.
At Newcomer Eye Associates, we use Clarifye digital refraction to assess your vision with precision, and Optos retinal imaging to check the health of your eyes in detail. While these tools are known for their role in general eye exams, they also help identify underlying issues that may be contributing to your discomfort.
We can evaluate tear quantity, tear quality, eyelid function, and the overall health of your ocular surface. This allows us to recommend targeted treatments – rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Treatment Options for Dry Eye at Our Eye Clinic
Once we know the cause, we can design a plan that may include:
- Prescription eye drops to improve tear quality and reduce inflammation
- In-office treatments to unblock oil glands in the eyelids
- Nutritional supplements that support healthy tear production
- Lifestyle changes to reduce irritation from screens, contact lenses, or environment
- Guidance on artificial tears that work better than standard store-bought drops
The goal isn’t just to relieve symptoms – it’s to restore long-term comfort and protect your vision.
Dry Eye Care in Whitehall, PA
If you’ve been living with dry eye symptoms, you don’t have to keep pushing through the discomfort. Professional care can help you see clearly and comfortably again.
Newcomer Eye Associates is located inside Lehigh Valley Mall at 265 Lehigh Valley Mall, Whitehall, PA 18052. Call 610-200-6611 or schedule an eye exam online today.
Your eyes deserve more than quick fixes – get the care they need today.