Dry Eye

Dry eye is a common condition that happens when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Healthy tears are essential for keeping the eyes comfortable, clear, and protected. When the tear film becomes unstable, patients may experience ongoing irritation, fluctuating vision, and discomfort that affects daily life.

At Dr. Deborah Valido, we provide personalized dry eye care in Cincinnati, OH by identifying the root cause of symptoms and creating targeted treatment plans for lasting relief.

What Causes Dry Eye?

Dry eye can develop for many reasons, and in many cases, more than one factor is involved. Common causes include aging, meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), and blepharitis. It may also be linked to previous eye surgery, contact lens use, allergies, certain medications, and medical conditions that affect tear production or inflammation.

Because dry eye is not the same for every patient, successful treatment starts with understanding what is contributing to the problem. A targeted approach can improve both comfort and long-term eye surface health.

Common Dry Eye Symptoms

Dry eye symptoms can range from mild irritation to ongoing discomfort that interferes with reading, driving, screen use, and other everyday activities.

Common symptoms include:

• Burning, stinging, or scratchy eyes

• Redness or irritation

• Blurry or fluctuating vision

• Watery eyes

• Light sensitivity

• A gritty or foreign body sensation

• Eye fatigue

• Discomfort with contact lenses

How We Diagnose Dry Eye

A proper dry eye diagnosis goes beyond confirming symptoms. Dr. Deborah Valido focuses on identifying the root cause so treatment can be more precise and effective. This is especially important for patients with MGD, blepharitis, inflammatory dry eye, or multiple overlapping causes.

We use the Antares by CSO, an advanced diagnostic platform that provides a detailed view of the eye surface, tear film, and structures involved in dry eye disease. This technology helps us evaluate tear film stability, examine the eyelids and meibomian glands, and identify signs of inflammation or ocular surface damage that may be contributing to symptoms. With high-quality imaging and in-depth analysis, the Antares gives us a clearer understanding of what is causing your dry eye so we can recommend treatment with greater precision.

Advanced Treatment Options for Dry Eye

Some patients need to improve gland function, while others need to reduce inflammation or address evaporative dry eye more directly. At Dr. Deborah Valido, treatment options may include OptiLight Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy and OptiPlus dual frequency radiofrequency (RF).

• OptiLight IPL - OptiLight is a light-based treatment for dry eye disease associated with meibomian gland dysfunction. It uses precise intense pulsed light to help reduce inflammation and improve meibomian gland function, which supports a more stable and healthier tear film.

• OptiPlus RF - OptiPlus is a dual-frequency radiofrequency treatment that uses controlled heat to support meibomian gland function and promote collagen production in the treated tissues. This can help improve eyelid health and tear film stability.

Depending on the cause of your dry eye, these advanced treatment options may be recommended as part of a personalized care plan, especially when symptoms have not improved with traditional treatment. In some cases, OptiLight IPL and OptiPlus RF can also be combined to address multiple contributing factors and provide a more comprehensive approach to dry eye treatment.

Personalized Dry Eye Care in Cincinnati, OH

Dry eye can have a real impact on comfort, vision, and quality of life, but the right diagnosis and treatment plan can make a meaningful difference. Dr. Valido provides personalized dry eye care in Cincinnati and and surrounding areas with attention to each patient’s symptoms, tear film health, and underlying causes.

​​​​​​​Schedule a consultation with Dr. Deborah Valido to explore advanced dry eye diagnostics and personalized treatment options tailored to your needs.