Dry Eye Treatment

If you’re experiencing burning, redness, fluctuating vision, or a gritty sensation in your eyes, you may be dealing with dry eye disease. At Rieger Eyecare Group, we provide comprehensive dry eye treatment in Bloomington-Normal, IL, using advanced diagnostics and targeted therapies to address the root cause of your symptoms.

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye disease occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears, or when the tears evaporate too quickly or lack proper quality. Healthy tears are made up of three layers - oil, water, and mucus - that work together to keep the surface of the eye smooth, nourished, and protected. When one or more of these layers is disrupted, dryness, irritation, and inflammation can develop. Dry eye can be a temporary condition for some patients, but for many, it is a chronic issue that requires ongoing care and customized treatment.

Common Causes of Dry Eye

Dry eye disease can develop for many reasons, and it is often caused by a combination of factors. Common causes include:
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• Aging, which naturally reduces tear production

• Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), a leading cause of evaporative dry eye

• Blepharitis, or inflammation of the eyelids

• Eye surgery, such as LASIK or cataract surgery

• Contact lens use, especially with long wear times

• Allergies, which can destabilize the tear film

• Medications, including antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications

• Medical conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, diabetes, or thyroid disorders
  
  

Because dry eye has many possible causes, accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment.

Comprehensive Dry Eye Diagnostics

At Rieger Eyecare Group, dry eye care begins with comprehensive diagnostics designed to identify the root cause of your symptoms. Our diagnostic process allows us to determine whether your dry eye is primarily caused by tear deficiency, excessive evaporation, inflammation, gland dysfunction, or a combination of factors.

During a dry eye evaluation, our doctors in Bloomington-Normal may assess:
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• Tear quality and stability

• Tear production levels

• Signs of inflammation on the ocular surface

• Eyelid health and debris along the lash line

• How quickly tears evaporate
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Because Meibomian Gland Dysfunction is one of the most common causes of dry eye, we place special emphasis on evaluating the meibomian glands. When they become blocked or dysfunctional, dry eye symptoms can worsen significantly. Identifying gland health allows us to recommend treatments that restore proper oil flow and improve long-term comfort.

Dry Eye Treatment in Bloomington-Normal, IL

Dry eye treatment at Rieger Eyecare Group is customized based on your diagnosis and symptom severity. Depending on the underlying cause, your treatment plan may include one or more of the following options:

Prescription Eye Drops

Prescription eye drops can help reduce inflammation, improve tear quality, and stimulate natural tear production. These are often recommended for patients with inflammatory dry eye or chronic symptoms that do not respond to over-the-counter options.

Punctal Plugs

Punctal plugs are small, comfortable devices placed in the tear drainage ducts to help tears stay on the surface of the eye longer. This treatment is especially helpful for patients with low tear production and can significantly improve eye hydration and comfort.

BlephEx

BlephEx is an in-office treatment used to gently remove bacterial buildup, biofilm, and debris from the eyelids and lash line. This is particularly beneficial for patients with blepharitis and inflammation contributing to dry eye symptoms.

​​​​​​​LipiFlow

LipiFlow is an advanced thermal pulsation treatment designed to treat Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. By applying controlled heat and gentle pressure, LipiFlow helps unclog blocked glands and restore healthy oil flow, leading to improved tear stability and long-lasting relief.