Fichte, Endl & Elmer Eyecare evaluates dry, irritated, burning, gritty, fluctuating, or watery eyes at its Amherst and Niagara Falls offices. Dry eye can result from reduced tear production, rapid evaporation, eyelid-gland dysfunction, inflammation, contact lenses, medications, environment, systemic health conditions, or several factors at once. Watery eyes can also be a dry-eye symptom because irritation may trigger reflex tears that do not create a stable tear film. Treatment is selected after an examination identifies the most likely contributors rather than relying on one product or device for every patient.
How Dry Eye Is Evaluated
The evaluation may review symptom patterns, screen use, contact lenses, medications, allergies, prior eye surgery, autoimmune or thyroid disease, and environmental triggers. Examination may include the eyelids, blink pattern, tear-film stability, corneal staining, tear production, tear meniscus, and meibomian-gland function. Additional imaging or tests may be used when the result would change management.
Common Dry Eye Symptoms
- Burning, stinging, grittiness, or a foreign-body sensation
- Fluctuating or intermittently blurred vision
- Redness, light sensitivity, or contact-lens discomfort
- Watery eyes or tears spilling over the eyelids
- Eyelid crusting, heaviness, or symptoms that worsen during screen use
- Discomfort in wind, heating, air conditioning, smoke, or low humidity
Treatment May Include
- Lubricating drops, gels, or ointments selected for symptom pattern and frequency
- Warm compresses and eyelid hygiene when gland dysfunction or eyelid inflammation contributes
- Changes to screen habits, blink frequency, airflow, humidity, contact lenses, or environmental exposure
- Prescription anti-inflammatory or tear-supporting medications when appropriate
- Punctal occlusion in selected patients after inflammation and tearing are considered
- In-office gland or ocular-surface treatment matched to examination findings
- Specialty contact lenses or coordination with another clinician for severe or systemic disease
See the Dry Eye Diagnosis and Treatment Pathway for a step-by-step explanation of testing and treatment escalation.
Over-the-Counter Products
Artificial tears and other nonprescription products vary in viscosity, preservatives, ingredients, and intended use. Frequent use, contact lenses, allergies, nighttime symptoms, and the type of dry eye can affect product selection. Patients with persistent symptoms should be examined instead of repeatedly changing products without a diagnosis.
View over-the-counter dry-eye products
Steps That May Reduce Symptoms
- Take regular screen breaks and blink fully
- Avoid direct airflow from fans, vents, and hair dryers
- Use a humidifier when indoor air is very dry
- Wear protective glasses outdoors in wind or bright sun
- Follow contact-lens wear, replacement, and hygiene instructions
- Discuss medications or systemic conditions that may contribute without stopping prescribed treatment on your own
When to Seek Prompt Care
Sudden vision loss, severe pain, marked light sensitivity, injury, chemical exposure, a very red eye, or a painful red eye in a contact-lens wearer requires prompt evaluation. These findings may indicate infection, inflammation, or another condition that is not routine dry eye.
Schedule a Dry Eye Evaluation
Call 1-800-309-2020 or request an appointment at the Amherst or Niagara Falls office. Patients may also meet the optometrists who participate in medical and routine eye care.
