Located near Market District by Giant Eagle Supermarket at the corner of Sawmill Parkway and Powell Road

Dry Eye Relief in Powell

woman in white blazer crying while holding a pair of glasses

Burning, watery, or gritty eyes are not just an inconvenience. At Powell Vision Center, we offer evidence-based treatments to help restore comfort and clarity to your vision.

Why Do My Eyes Feel Gritty or Sandy?

That scratchy or gritty feeling usually means the eyes aren’t staying properly lubricated. Instead of smoothing across the cornea, tears evaporate too quickly—leaving the eye’s surface exposed and irritated.

Why Are My Eyes Watering If They’re “Dry”?

It seems like the opposite of dry, but this kind of tearing is your eyes trying to protect themselves. These “reflex tears” aren’t effective. They don’t contain the oils needed to prevent evaporation, so the cycle of discomfort continues.

Common Symptoms of Dry Eye

  • Redness or inflammation
  • Burning or stinging
  • Blurred or fluctuating vision
  • Light sensitivity
  • Excessive tearing
  • Gritty or foreign body sensation

What Causes Dry Eye?

Dry eye can develop for several reasons:

  • Reduced blinking during screen time
  • Hormonal changes
  • Age-related tear production decline
  • Environmental factors (wind, heating, air conditioning)
  • Meibomian gland dysfunction
  • Use of certain medications or contact lenses

At Powell Vision Center, we use advanced diagnostic technology to determine the exact cause of your symptoms and develop a targeted care plan.

What Treatment Options Are Available?

At Powell Vision Center, we take a progressive, step-by-step approach. Your plan may include:

  • Artificial tears or lubricating eye drops
  • Warm compresses and lid hygiene
  • Prescription drops (e.g., Restasis®, Xiidra®)
  • Steroid eye drops (short-term use)
  • In-office treatments, such as IPL for meibomian gland dysfunction

Our optometrists tailor each plan to the individual needs of the patient—because every case of dry eye is different.

Your First Step Toward Relief

If these symptoms sound familiar, the best next step is a comprehensive eye exam. At Powell Vision Center in Powell, we start with a routine exam (20–30 minutes) and, if needed, follow up with a dry eye evaluation to pinpoint the cause and create your treatment plan.