Dry, irritated, watery, and red eyes aren’t just uncomfortable—they can seriously interfere with your quality of life. For many people, chronic dry eye feels like a never-ending nuisance that affects how you see, how you feel, and even how others perceive you. The good news? You don’t have to live with it.

At Dr. Giulio Diamante’s eye care clinic in Providence, RI, we offer effective, personalized dry eye treatment plans designed to give you lasting relief. If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are more than just temporary irritation, here are three telltale signs it’s time to seek professional treatment for dry eye—and what can be done to help.

1. You Work Outdoors and Constantly Battle Itchy, Irritated Eyes

If you spend your days working outside—whether you’re in construction, landscaping, teaching recess, or simply commuting on foot—you may notice that your eyes often feel gritty, itchy, or inflamed. It’s easy to write this off as seasonal allergies, especially in Rhode Island where the seasons change drastically. However, what you might be experiencing is more than just an allergy flare-up.

Outdoor conditions like wind, sun, dust, smoke, and dry air can accelerate tear evaporation and worsen dry eye symptoms. These environmental stressors can cause the surface of your eyes to dry out faster than your tear glands can replenish moisture, leading to chronic discomfort.

If you find yourself constantly reaching for eye drops or having to pause your workday to rub your eyes or find shade, that’s a strong sign your eyes need more than over-the-counter relief. An eye doctor can determine if you’re dealing with environmental dry eye and recommend a treatment plan that protects your eyes against the elements.

2. Your Eyes Get Teary and Uncomfortable During Screen Time

In today’s world, it’s nearly impossible to avoid screens. Whether you work at a desk, study online, or spend your evenings scrolling through your phone or watching TV, your eyes are likely paying the price. One of the most common causes of dry eye is screen-induced eye strain.

Here’s why: when you focus on a screen for extended periods, you tend to blink less frequently—sometimes 50% less than normal. Blinking is essential for spreading fresh tears across the surface of your eyes. Without enough blinking, your eyes dry out, leading to symptoms like:

• A stinging or burning sensation 
• Excessive tearing (yes, watery eyes can be a sign of dryness!) 
• Eye fatigue or heaviness 
• Blurry vision that improves after blinking 

If working on your computer feels unbearable because of your eye discomfort, it may be time to see a specialist. Dry eye treatments can restore the delicate tear film that keeps your eyes healthy and comfortable—even during long hours in front of a screen.

3. You’re Spending a Small Fortune on Artificial Tears

Using artificial tears every once in a while is perfectly fine, especially if your eyes feel dry after a flight or during allergy season. But if you’re finding yourself constantly relying on eye drops just to get through the day, that’s a red flag. Artificial tears are meant for short-term relief—they don’t treat the root cause of dry eye.

If you’re using lubricating drops more than a few times a day and still feeling symptoms, your eyes are telling you they need more help. Worse, overuse of some over-the-counter eye drops can lead to a “rebound effect,” where symptoms temporarily improve but quickly return—sometimes more intensely.

Instead of depending on temporary fixes, a tailored dry eye treatment can help your eyes naturally produce and retain moisture, reducing or even eliminating your need for drops.

What Causes Dry Eye—and What Can Be Done About It?

Dry eye is more than just an occasional annoyance. It’s a medical condition that can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Age-related changes in tear production 
• Hormonal shifts (especially during pregnancy or menopause) 
• Autoimmune conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome 
• Prolonged contact lens use 
• Side effects of medications (e.g., antihistamines, antidepressants) 
• Environmental conditions 
• Inflammation of the oil-producing glands in the eyelids (Meibomian gland dysfunction) 

The key to effective treatment is identifying why your eyes are dry—whether it’s a lack of tear production (quantity issue) or poor tear quality (evaporative issue).

Treatment Options at Dr. Diamante’s Clinic

Dr. Diamante and his team in Providence offer a variety of evidence-based treatment options depending on your diagnosis. Here are just a few of the solutions that might be recommended:

 

1. Thermal Gland Expression

If your dry eye is caused by blocked Meibomian glands (which produce the oils that keep your tears from evaporating), we may recommend gentle gland expression using thermal pulsation. This treatment uses warm compresses and/or ultrasound to melt and massage away the waxy buildup that clogs these glands.

 

2. Punctal Plugs

If your eyes aren’t retaining tears long enough, tiny removable plugs can be inserted into your tear ducts to slow drainage. This helps keep natural tears on your eyes longer, reducing dryness and improving comfort throughout the day.

3. Omega-3 Supplements

For patients with insufficient tear production, dietary adjustments can make a big difference. Omega-3 fatty acids—found in foods like salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts, or taken as supplements—can stimulate the glands responsible for tear production and reduce inflammation.

 

4. Prescription Eye Drops or Medications

In some cases, prescription medications may be needed to reduce inflammation or boost tear production. These can be topical (eye drops like cyclosporine or lifitegrast) or oral medications depending on the severity and cause of your dry eye.

 

5. Lifestyle Modifications

Even small changes—like using a humidifier, taking regular screen breaks (20-20-20 rule), switching to daily disposable contact lenses, or wearing wraparound sunglasses—can go a long way in managing symptoms and protecting your eyes.

 

Don’t Ignore the Signs—Find Relief Today

Dry eye can feel like a minor inconvenience at first, but when left untreated, it can lead to chronic discomfort, blurred vision, and even damage to the surface of your eye. Fortunately, modern treatments are safe, effective, and customized to your needs.

If you’re tired of relying on eye drops, avoiding screens, or rubbing your eyes just to make it through the day, let’s find a better solution together.

Dr. Giulio Diamante’s clinic in Johnston, RI is now accepting new patients for dry eye evaluations and treatment.

Request an appointment today and give your eyes the comfort they deserve.