Your eyes burn. They feel gritty. You keep reaching for eye drops, but the relief never lasts. If chronic dry eyes control your daily life, you’re looking for real answers, not temporary fixes.

Here’s the truth: most dry eye disease is chronic. There isn’t a single cure that works forever for everyone. But long-term relief is possible. With the right diagnosis and treatment plan, you can get your comfort back and keep it.

What Causes Dry Eyes?

Dry eye happens when your tears don’t properly protect your eyes. This can occur for several reasons:

Not enough tears: Your tear glands don’t produce enough moisture.

Tears evaporate too fast: Your tears dry up before they can do their job.

Unstable tear film: The layers of your tears don’t work together correctly.

Your tears have three layers. The outer oily layer prevents evaporation. The middle watery layer provides moisture. The inner mucus layer spreads tears evenly across your eye. When any layer fails, dry eye results.

Common causes include:

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD): The tiny oil glands along your eyelids get blocked. Without enough oil, tears evaporate too quickly. This is the most common cause of dry eye.

Aging: Tear production decreases as you get older. People over 65 have a higher risk.

Medical conditions: Diabetes, thyroid problems, and autoimmune diseases like Sjögren’s syndrome can cause dry eyes.

Medications: Some drugs reduce tear production. These include antihistamines, blood pressure medications, antidepressants, and hormone therapy.

Screen time: Staring at computers and phones reduces your blink rate. Less blinking means less moisture.

Environmental factors: Wind, smoke, dry air, and air conditioning dry out your eyes.

Contact lenses: Wearing contact lenses for long periods can worsen symptoms.

Can Dry Eyes Be Cured Permanently?

The honest answer is that most dry eye disease is chronic. A one-time fix doesn’t exist for most people.

But here’s what matters: you can achieve lasting control of your symptoms. Treatment targets the cause of your dryness, whether that’s blocked oil glands, inflammation, or reduced tear production.

Permanent relief means:

• Eyes that feel comfortable throughout the day
• Clearer, more stable vision
• Less burning, stinging, and irritation
• Freedom from constantly using drops
• Better focus when reading or working

The goal is management, not just masking symptoms. With the right eye care plan, many patients experience dramatic, long-term improvement.

Dry Eye Symptoms to Watch For

Dry eye symptoms can vary from person to person. Common signs include:

• Burning or stinging sensation
• Gritty or sandy feeling, like something is stuck in your eye
• Red, irritated eyes
• Blurry vision or vision that fluctuates
• Sensitivity to light
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses
• Watery eyes (yes, this seems odd but is very common)
• Eye fatigue
• Mucus around your eyes

Watery eyes confuse many people. When your oil glands don’t work right, your tears evaporate too fast. Your body responds by making more water. This doesn’t solve the underlying problem.

If you experience these symptoms regularly, schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Early diagnosis leads to better outcomes.

Permanent Treatment Options for Dry Eyes

Effective dry eye treatment matches your specific cause. Here are proven long-term solutions:

Prescription Eye Drops

Anti-inflammatory drops reduce surface inflammation that keeps symptoms returning. Common options include:

Cyclosporine drops decrease inflammation and help your eyes produce more natural tears.

Lifitegrast drops block inflammation signals on the eye surface.

Short-term steroid drops may be used during flare-ups when inflammation is severe.

These work differently than over-the-counter artificial tears. They treat the cause, not just the symptoms.

Punctal Plugs

Punctal plugs are tiny devices inserted into your tear ducts. They block drainage so tears stay on your eye longer.

Your optometrist can place temporary plugs first to see if they help. If successful, permanent plugs may be an option.

Plugs work well for people who don’t produce enough tears. They’re less helpful if blocked oil glands are your main problem.

Warm Compresses and Lid Hygiene

Regular warm compresses help open blocked oil glands. The heat melts the thick oil so it flows normally again.

Use a clean, warm compress on closed eyelids for 10 minutes daily. Follow with gentle lid massage to express the oils.

Proper eyelid cleaning removes debris and bacteria. Use a preservative-free eyelid cleanser or diluted baby shampoo. Clean both upper and lower lids, especially near the lash line.

This simple routine makes a big difference when done consistently.

Omega-3 Supplements

Omega-3 fatty acids support healthy tear production and reduce inflammation. They improve oil gland function.

Good sources include:

• Fatty fish like salmon and tuna
• Fish oil supplements
• Flax seeds and chia seeds
• Walnuts

Talk to your optometrist about the right dosage for your needs.

Specialty Contact Lenses

If you wear contacts, switching to the right type can help. Specialty lenses designed for dry eyes include:

Scleral lenses rest on the white part of your eye and create a fluid reservoir over your cornea. This keeps your eye moist all day.

High-water-content soft lenses or daily disposable lenses reduce irritation.

Dr. Barnes specializes in fitting hard-to-fit contact lenses for patients with dry eye and other challenges.

Home Remedies That Support Lasting Relief

Medical treatments work best when combined with daily habits that support eye health.

Stay Hydrated

Drink eight to 10 glasses of water daily. Proper hydration helps your body produce healthy tears.

Blink More Often

Make a conscious effort to blink fully and frequently, especially during screen time. Every 20 minutes, close your eyes and blink slowly 10 times.

Follow the 20-20-20 Rule

Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This gives your eyes a break from close focus.

Adjust Your Environment

Control the air around you:

• Use a humidifier in dry rooms
• Position air vents away from your face
• Wear wraparound eyeglasses outdoors on windy days
• Avoid smoke and other irritants

Eat a Balanced Diet

Vitamins A, D, and B12 support eye health. Good food sources include:

• Leafy greens
• Citrus fruits
• Dairy products
• Eggs
• Nuts
• Fatty fish

Get Enough Sleep

Lack of sleep reduces tear production. Most adults need seven to eight hours nightly. Your eyes replenish moisture while you sleep.

Choose the Right Eye Drops

Use preservative-free artificial tears if you need drops more than four times daily. Preservatives can irritate your eyes with frequent use.

Avoid drops that simply reduce redness. They can make dry eye worse over time.

Advanced Dry Eye Diagnostics at Barnes Talero Eyecare

Finding the right treatment starts with accurate diagnosis. Dr. Maria Barnes uses advanced tools to identify what’s causing your symptoms.

Our diagnostic process includes:

Tear film evaluation to check the quality and stability of your tears.

Meibomian gland assessment to see if oil glands are blocked or not working correctly.

Tear production testing to measure how much moisture your eyes produce.

Eye surface examination to check for inflammation, damage, or other conditions.

We look at your complete health picture. Your medications, medical conditions, work habits, and environment all affect your eyes.

With over 40 years of experience, Dr. Barnes understands the complex causes of chronic dry eye. She creates personalized treatment plans based on your specific needs.

Why Choose Barnes Talero Eyecare for Dry Eye Treatment in Nashville

Experience You Can Trust

Dr. Maria Barnes has spent four decades helping patients manage complex eye conditions. She trained in optometry and orthoptics at top institutions in Colombia and Switzerland. Her expertise in medical eye care makes her uniquely qualified to treat chronic dry eye.

Bilingual Care

Our entire team is fluent in English and Spanish. Discuss your symptoms, understand your diagnosis, and learn about treatments in the language you prefer. No barriers. No confusion.

¡Se habla español! Ofrecemos atención completa para ojos secos crónicos.

Personalized Treatment Plans

We don’t offer cookie-cutter solutions. Your dry eye treatment plan is built around your specific needs, lifestyle, and goals. We take time to explain your options and answer all your questions.

Independent Practice

As an independent, locally owned clinic, we make decisions based on what’s best for you. Your appointments aren’t rushed. Dr. Barnes takes the time you need to get real answers.

Comprehensive Care

We treat more than just your dry eyes. Our practice offers complete eye exams, vision therapy, contact lens fittings, and medical eye care. We’re your partner in long-term eye health.

We serve Nashville, South Nashville, Antioch, Brentwood, and nearby Tennessee communities. We accept most major vision and medical insurance plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Schedule Your Dry Eye Evaluation Today

You don’t have to live with burning, irritated eyes. Lasting relief is possible with the right diagnosis and treatment plan.

Barnes Talero Eyecare offers expert dry eye care for Nashville families. Dr. Barnes will identify what’s causing your symptoms and create a personalized plan to get you comfortable again.

Call (615) 485-6251 to book your dry eye consultation. You can also register online. Our office is located at 390 Harding Place, Suite 104, Nashville, TN 37211.

We serve Nashville, Antioch, Brentwood, and nearby communities. Hablamos español. Your eyes deserve relief. Let us help you feel better.