If your eyes constantly feel tired, gritty, or irritated, you might be dealing with more than just a long day or too much screen time. Dry eye is one of the most common and most misunderstood eye conditions affecting adults today. At Alderwood Optical and Canyon Park Vision Clinic, we help patients in Lynnwood and Bothell, find real answers and long-term relief through personalized care and thoughtful treatment.
Whether it’s a persistent itch, burning sensation, or blurry vision that comes and goes, these symptoms aren’t just inconvenient — they’re your eyes telling you it’s time for expert care. That’s what we’re here for.
What Is Dry Eye and Why Does It Happen
Dry eye occurs when your tear film, the protective layer that coats your eyes, becomes unstable. Healthy tears are made of three parts: oil, water, and mucus. If one part is out of balance, your eyes can't stay properly hydrated.
Common causes of dry eye include:
- Prolonged screen use or infrequent blinking
- Contact lens wear
- Natural aging, especially after age 40
- Blocked oil glands (also known as meibomian gland dysfunction)
- Dry indoor air and HVAC exposure
- Certain medications or underlying health conditions
It’s not just about how many tears you produce. What matters is whether your tears are doing their job.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Dry Eye
Dry eye can look different for everyone, but most patients notice at least one of the following:
- A burning or stinging sensation
- Gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes
- Redness or irritation, especially later in the day
- Blurry or fluctuating vision
- Excessive tearing (a reflex when the eye is too dry)
- Light sensitivity
- Discomfort while reading, driving, or using screens
Because symptoms often come on slowly, many people brush them off as normal. But at Alderwood Optical and Canyon Park Vision Clinic, we take them seriously, and we’ll help you understand what’s really going on.
How Alderwood Optical and Canyon Park Vision Clinic Diagnoses Dry Eye Problems
At Alderwood Optical and Canyon Park Vision Clinic, we begin every dry eye consultation with a comprehensive eye exam. Your doctor will evaluate the quality of your tear film, ask about your environment and habits, and check for signs of gland dysfunction or inflammation.
We use modern diagnostic tools and a personal, one-on-one approach. Our goal is to give you a clear picture of what’s causing your symptoms and a treatment plan that fits your life.
Effective Dry Eye Treatments Available at Alderwood Optical and Canyon Park Vision Clinic
If over-the-counter eye drops haven’t helped, it may be time to try a more targeted approach. Our optometrists offer several options designed to improve comfort and support long-term tear function.
Your treatment plan may include:
- Lubricating or preservative-free eye drops
- Warm compresses to clear blocked oil glands
- Eyelid hygiene routines using wipes or foams
- Blink exercises to combat screen fatigue
- Coaching on screen use strategies and eye-friendly habits
- In-office procedures or referral-based care when necessary
We’re here to reduce your symptoms, protect your long-term eye health, and help you feel more like yourself — clearly and comfortably.
Tips for Managing Dry Eye at Home
You can do a lot outside the exam room to reduce dry eye symptoms. These simple strategies often make a substantial difference:
- Blink more often when using screens
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds
- Stay hydrated
- Use a humidifier at home, especially during winter
- Wear sunglasses outside to protect from wind and UV exposure
- Clean your eyelids regularly, especially if you wear makeup or contacts
These small adjustments can support the care you receive in the office and help prevent symptoms from returning.
Find Dry Eye Relief in Lynnwood and Bothell, WA with Alderwood Optical and Canyon Park Vision Clinic
Dry, tired eyes may feel like a normal part of life, especially with so much time spent on screens, but they’re not something you have to live with. At Alderwood Optical and Canyon Park Vision Clinic, we take the time to understand your symptoms, uncover the root cause, and create a care plan that works for you.
You deserve to see comfortably, clearly, and without distraction.
Let our Lynnwood or Bothell team help you get back to feeling like yourself again.
Not sure if it’s dry eye? Let’s find out together.
Schedule your exam today and start your path to lasting relief.
