Dry Eye Treatment Services in Mantua, VA

An ophthalmologist is the primary medical doctor who specializes in treating dry eyes. These physicians are experts in eye and vision care, trained to diagnose the full spectrum of eye diseases, including the various causes of dry eye syndrome. They can perform comprehensive exams, prescribe medicated eye drops (like Restasis or Xiidra), and recommend advanced procedures. For complex cases, you might see a corneal specialist, a sub-specialist within ophthalmology focused on the eye's front surface. For general management, an optometrist can also provide initial diagnosis, recommend over-the-counter lubricants, and manage routine care. For a detailed overview of modern treatment options, please refer to our internal article Dry Eye Treatment.

The 20-20-20 rule is a widely recommended practice to help reduce digital eye strain and alleviate dry eye symptoms. It states that for every 20 minutes spent looking at a screen, you should take a 20-second break and look at something at least 20 feet away. This simple habit combats the primary causes of screen-related dry eyes: reduced blink rate and prolonged focus on a near distance. When you stare at a screen, you blink less frequently, which allows the tear film to evaporate more quickly. Looking into the distance helps relax the focusing muscles in your eyes. Consistently following this rule helps maintain better tear film stability and provides necessary rest for your visual system, making it a cornerstone of modern eye ergonomics.

For chronic or severe dry eye, consulting an ophthalmologist is generally recommended. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors (MDs or DOs) who specialize in eye diseases and can diagnose complex underlying conditions, prescribe a wider range of medications, and perform surgical procedures if necessary. An optometrist (OD) is an excellent first point of contact for initial diagnosis and management of mild to moderate dry eye, often providing routine care like prescribing lubricants and recommending lifestyle changes. For persistent symptoms that don't improve with basic treatment, a referral to an ophthalmologist, particularly one specializing in cornea or external disease, is advisable. A comprehensive evaluation is key, and you can learn more about advanced management options in our detailed resource, Dry Eye Treatment.

A dry eye specialist is typically an ophthalmologist who has additional training and focus in ocular surface diseases, specifically dry eye syndrome. These medical doctors are experts in diagnosing and treating complex dry eye conditions, which can involve inflammation, meibomian gland dysfunction, and autoimmune factors. They utilize advanced diagnostic tools to assess tear film quality and quantity. While optometrists also manage many dry eye cases, a specialist ophthalmologist handles more severe or complicated situations, often providing treatments like prescription medications, punctal plugs, intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, or other advanced procedures. For comprehensive care, seeking a professional with a dedicated dry eye clinic is recommended.