Dry Eye Treatment in Grand Rapids, MI

Dry eye is a very common eye condition in Grand Rapids and across West Michigan, especially with our cold, dry winters and frequent indoor heating. It occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough quality tears, or when your tears evaporate too quickly, leading to irritation, burning, and blurred vision.

Local eye doctors in Grand Rapids—including ophthalmologists and optometrists affiliated with Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health—see dry eye syndrome every day and offer a range of treatments to help manage symptoms.

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye happens when the tear film that coats the front of your eye (the cornea) is not working properly. This tear film has three important layers:

  • Top oily layer (lipid layer) – Helps prevent your tears from evaporating too quickly, especially in dry indoor air or cold, windy Michigan weather.
  • Middle watery layer (aqueous layer) – The thickest layer, providing moisture, oxygen, and nutrients to the surface of the eye.
  • Bottom sticky layer (mucin layer) – Helps the tear film spread evenly and stick to the surface of the eye.

When any of these layers are out of balance, the tear film becomes unstable. Tears can break up or evaporate too quickly, causing dryness, irritation, and inflammation of the cornea.

Who Gets Dry Eye in Grand Rapids?

Anyone can develop dry eye, but certain factors make it more likely—many of which are common in West Michigan:

  • Age: Tear production naturally decreases as we get older, so dry eye is more common in adults over 40.
  • Gender and menopause: Hormonal changes, especially during and after menopause, increase dry eye risk.
  • Medications:
    • Oral contraceptives
    • Antidepressants
    • Antihistamines (often used for seasonal allergies in Michigan)
    • Diuretics
    • Beta-blockers and some blood pressure medications
  • Medical conditions:
    • Arthritis and other autoimmune diseases
    • Thyroid disease
    • Diabetes (also common in Michigan)
  • Environmental and lifestyle factors in Grand Rapids:
    • Long Michigan winters with forced-air heating that dries the air
    • Air-conditioned offices, hospitals, and schools
    • Windy conditions off Lake Michigan
    • Indoor allergens, dust, and cigarette smoke
    • Long periods of screen time (computer, phone, tablets)
    • Infrequent or incomplete blinking (often while reading or using digital devices)

There is no permanent cure for dry eye, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, most people in Grand Rapids can manage their symptoms effectively.

Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye symptoms can range from mild to quite bothersome. Common signs include:

  • Red, scratchy, sore, or itchy eyes
  • Burning or stinging sensations
  • A feeling like there is sand or something in your eye
  • Watery eyes (paradoxically, dryness can trigger “reflex” tearing)
  • Sensitivity to light (especially to bright winter glare off snow)
  • Crusty eyes or excessive “sleep” in the corners of the eye
  • Blurred vision that improves after blinking
  • Tired, heavy, or fatigued eyes
  • Difficulty wearing contact lenses comfortably
  • Trouble driving at night due to fluctuating vision

If you notice these symptoms regularly, schedule an eye exam with a Grand Rapids optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Causes of Dry Eye

Dry eye is often multifactorial, meaning several issues can be happening at once. Common causes include:

  • Tear production naturally slows as we age.
  • Tear quality may decline, especially the oily layer, leading to faster evaporation.

Hormonal Factors

  • Menopause and hormonal changes can affect tear production and stability.

Medical Conditions

  • Arthritis (including rheumatoid arthritis)
  • Autoimmune conditions (e.g., Sjögren’s syndrome)
  • Thyroid disease
  • Diabetes

Medications

Certain medications commonly prescribed in Michigan can contribute to dry eye:

  • Oral contraceptives
  • Antidepressants
  • Antihistamines (for allergies)
  • Diuretics (water pills)
  • Beta-blockers and some heart medications

Environmental and Lifestyle Factors

  • Dry indoor air from heating systems during Grand Rapids winters
  • Air conditioning in summer
  • Windy or cold outdoor conditions
  • Exposure to smoke, dust, or chemical irritants (e.g., in industrial or manufacturing settings around West Michigan)
  • Long periods of computer or phone use without breaks
  • Infrequent or incomplete blinking
  • Contact lens wear

Eye Procedures and Trauma

  • Laser eye surgery (LASIK)
  • Cataract surgery
  • Any trauma or burn to the eye

Complications of Untreated Dry Eye

If dry eye is not treated, it can lead to:

  • Persistent eye discomfort, which can be quite debilitating for some people
  • Fluctuating or blurred vision
  • Damage to the surface of the eye (cornea)
  • In severe cases, corneal scarring, which may cause permanent vision changes

Because of these risks, it’s important to seek care from a local eye specialist in Grand Rapids if your symptoms are ongoing.

How Dry Eye Is Diagnosed in Grand Rapids

Dry eye is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam. Local optometrists and ophthalmologists may use:

  • Slit lamp biomicroscope exam: A special microscope used to examine the surface of the eye and eyelids.
  • Fluorescein dye test: A drop of yellow dye is placed in the eye to evaluate the tear film and how quickly it breaks up.
  • Tear production test (Schirmer test): Strips of filter paper are placed between the lower eyelid and the eye to measure how many tears you produce.
  • Evaluation of eyelid glands: Checking the oil-producing glands (meibomian glands) in the eyelids to see if they’re blocked or not functioning well.

These tests are commonly available at eye clinics throughout Grand Rapids, including practices affiliated with Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health.

Treatment for Dry Eye in Grand Rapids, MI

While there is no cure, dry eye can usually be managed successfully. Treatment goals include:

  • Increasing tear production
  • Improving tear quality
  • Maintaining tear film volume
  • Preventing excess tear evaporation or loss

Your eye doctor may use one or more of the following:

1. Artificial Tears and Lubricants

  • Eye drops (artificial tears): Used several times a day to lubricate the surface of your eyes.
  • Gels and ointments: Thicker lubricants, often used at bedtime, especially helpful in dry winter months.

2. In-Office Device-Assisted Therapies

Some Grand Rapids eye clinics offer device-assisted treatments to improve the function of the oil-producing glands in your eyelids (meibomian glands). These therapies help restore the oily layer of your tear film and reduce evaporation.

3. Tear Duct Plugs (Punctal Plugs)

  • Special plugs can be inserted into the tear ducts to prevent tears from draining away too quickly, helping keep your eyes moist longer.

4. Lifestyle and Environmental Changes

Your provider may recommend:

  • Using a humidifier at home or work, especially during heating season
  • Taking regular screen breaks and practicing full, intentional blinking
  • Wearing wraparound sunglasses outdoors to protect from wind and cold
  • Avoiding cigarette smoke and other irritants
  • Adjusting contact lens wear or switching to different lens materials

Blepharitis and Dry Eye

Many people with dry eye in Grand Rapids also have blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelids.

What Is Blepharitis?

Blepharitis occurs when bacteria that normally live harmlessly on the skin cause irritation or infection along the eyelid margins. This can lead to:

  • Crusting on the eyelashes or eyelid margins (often worse in the morning)
  • Itchy, irritated eyelids
  • Red, swollen, or tender eyelids if the condition worsens

Blepharitis can disrupt normal tear production and worsen dry eye symptoms.

Treatment for Blepharitis

Although blepharitis is often a chronic, low-grade condition, most cases respond well to consistent care. Typical treatments include:

  • Eyelid hygiene:
    • Gently cleaning around eyelid margins with a cotton bud or clean, warm face cloth
    • Using a recommended eyelid scrub or cleansing solution
  • Warm compresses:
    • Applying a warm, moist cloth to the eyelids to loosen crusts and improve oil flow from the glands
  • Medications:
    • Antibiotic ointments or drops prescribed by your doctor
    • In some cases, oral medications if inflammation is more severe

Managing blepharitis often improves dry eye symptoms at the same time.

When to See a Doctor in Grand Rapids

Contact a local provider if you:

  • Have persistent red, irritated, or painful eyes
  • Notice ongoing blurred or fluctuating vision
  • Struggle to wear contact lenses comfortably
  • Have significant crusting, swelling, or tenderness of the eyelids
  • Experience symptoms that interfere with work, driving, or daily activities

Where to Get Help in Grand Rapids, MI

If you think you have dry eye or blepharitis, you can seek care from:

  • Your primary care physician (GP)
  • Optometrist (eye doctor who provides vision care and many medical eye treatments)
  • Ophthalmologist (medical doctor specializing in eye diseases and surgery)

Local resources include:

  • Eye clinics and specialists affiliated with Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health
  • Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health for information on community eye health resources and referrals

Key Points About Dry Eye in Grand Rapids

  • The top oily layer of your tear film helps prevent evaporation of tears.
  • Environmental factors common in West Michigan—like heated indoor air, air conditioning, and windy weather—can worsen dry eye symptoms.
  • There is no cure for dry eye, but many effective treatments focus on managing symptoms and protecting the eye surface.
  • Treatment may aim to increase tear production, maintain tear film volume, or prevent excessive tear loss.
  • Special plugs (punctal plugs) can be inserted into the tear ducts to help keep tears on the eye surface longer.

If you live in Grand Rapids, MI and are experiencing dry, irritated, or watery eyes, schedule an eye exam with a local optometrist or ophthalmologist to get a personalized dry eye treatment plan.