
Dry eye is one of the most common eye complaints among adults, and for many people in Bartlett, it goes far beyond mild irritation. If your eyes feel gritty, burn frequently, or water excessively, you may be experiencing chronic dry eye. At Norwood Family Eye Care, we offer advanced dry eye treatment designed to identify the root cause of your symptoms and deliver long-lasting relief.
Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough quality tears to keep the surface properly lubricated. Healthy tears are essential for vision, comfort, and eye health. When tear production is inadequate - or the tear film evaporates too quickly - patients often experience symptoms such as:
• Burning or stinging
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurred vision
• Redness
• Watery eyes
• A gritty or sandy sensation
While over-the-counter lubricating drops may provide temporary comfort, they don’t treat the underlying cause of chronic dry eye.
Dry eye can develop for several reasons, including:
• Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) - The most common cause of dry eye. The meibomian glands in your eyelids become clogged or slow to release oils, causing your tears to evaporate too quickly.
• Blepharitis - Inflammation of the eyelids that disrupts oil gland function and leads to dryness, irritation, and debris along the lash line.
• Hormonal changes
• Environmental factors such as screen time, wind, or air conditioning
• Certain medications
• Age-related changes
• Contact lens wear
Chronic dry eye is typically a progressive condition, especially when linked to MGD or blepharitis. When oil glands are blocked or inflamed, the tear film breaks down faster- creating ongoing irritation that artificial tears can’t fix. Advanced therapies target these glands directly, restoring proper oil flow, reducing inflammation, and rebuilding the quality of your tear film.
This targeted approach helps:
• Improve tear stability
• Reduce redness and irritation
• Decrease dependency on drops
• Prevent further gland damage
At Norwood Family Eye Care in Bartlett, we use a combination of diagnostic tools and advanced therapies to personalize your treatment plan. TearCare is an innovative treatment designed to treat meibomian gland dysfunction. Smart, flexible eyelid devices deliver therapeutic heat to soften hardened oils inside the glands. Afterward, your doctor performs a gentle manual expression to clear blockages and restore normal oil flow.
For patients whose dry eye is caused or worsened by insufficient tear volume, punctal plugs can help. These tiny biocompatible plugs are inserted into the tear drainage ducts, helping your natural tears remain on the eye’s surface longer.
If you’ve tried artificial tears without success, or your dry eye symptoms are interfering with your daily life, we offer the advanced treatment you need. From TearCare to punctal plugs, our eye doctor in Bartlett is equipped to diagnose and treat the underlying causes of your discomfort, helping restore clarity, comfort, and long-term eye health.
Schedule your dry eye evaluation with Norwood Family Eye Care and discover whether advanced treatments like TearCare or punctal plugs are right for you. Visit our office in Bartlett, Tennessee, or call (901) 617-8095 to book an appointment today.