Dry eye syndrome affects millions of people and is often overlooked or untreated. At Holly Springs Eye Associates, we specialize in diagnosing and treating dry eye at the source—helping you finally find long-term relief with advanced, personalized care.
What Is It & What Causes It?
What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears—or when tears evaporate too quickly. One common cause is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), where the oil glands in your eyelids stop working properly. This disrupts your tear film and leaves your eyes unprotected and uncomfortable.
You May Have Dry Eye If You Notice:
Gritty, sandy sensation
Burning or stinging
Red, tired, or watery eyes
Blurred or fluctuating vision
Contact lens discomfort
Watery eyes (we know, it's odd!)
Eyes that look or feel dull
Triggers of Dry Eye.
Reduced blink rate caused by long periods of time in front of a screen
Certain medications, including antihistamines
LASIK or cataract removal surgery
Wearing contact lenses
Living in a dry climate
Aging
⚠️ Left untreated, dry eye can lead to chronic discomfort, a higher risk of infection, and even long-term vision damage.
Treatment Options
1
STAGE 1
Early Treatment Stage
2
STAGE 2
Advanced Treatment Stage
Early State Treatments
For mild or moderate dry eye, we begin with conservative therapies that support tear production and reduce surface irritation.
Early options include:
Warm compresses
Moisture-sealing sleep masks
Omega-3 fish oil supplements
Artificial tears
Prescription anti-inflammatory or tear-stimulating drops
Looking for more relief? See how we can help below
Advanced Treatment Options
Punctual Plugs
Punctal plugs are tiny, comfortable inserts placed in your tear ducts to slow drainage and help your natural tears stay on the eye longer.
Fast, in-office procedure
No recovery time
Temporary and long-term options available
Ideal for low tear volume or persistent dryness
Radiofrequency (RF) Therapy
RF uses gentle, targeted heat to warm the eyelids and stimulate the oil glands. This helps clear blockages and encourages natural oil flow to stabilize your tear film.
Feels like a warm massage
Non-invasive
Improves gland health and tear quality
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy
IPL uses precise pulses of light to reduce inflammation, shrink abnormal vessels, and restore function to the meibomian glands—making your tear film more stable and your eyes more comfortable.
Reduces inflammation
Improves oil production
Comfortable and quick in-office treatment
Ready to Feel Real Relief?
Send a message to Dr. Vito directly and let him know you’re interested in exploring dry eye relief. A team member will call you back to schedule a dry eye evaluation.
Dry Eye Form
(919) 577-3937 608 Holly Springs Rd. Holly Springs, NC 27540
