Artificial tears are often the first solution people try when their eyes feel dry, irritated, or tired. For some, they bring quick relief. But for many patients, eye drops don’t fully solve the problem. If you’re constantly reaching for drops and still struggling with discomfort, it may be a sign that something more is going on.

Why Artificial Tears Sometimes Aren’t Enough

Artificial tears are designed to supplement moisture on the surface of the eye. While they can temporarily soothe symptoms, they don’t address the underlying cause of dry eye in many cases.

Dry eye disease is often chronic and multifactorial, meaning there may be several contributing issues, such as:

• Poor tear quality

• Tear evaporation

• Inflammation

• Blocked oil glands

When these factors are present, simply adding more moisture doesn’t fix the root of the problem.

What Is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)?

One of the most common causes of dry eye is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). The meibomian glands are located along the edges of the eyelids and are responsible for producing oils that help prevent tears from evaporating too quickly. These oils play a critical role in maintaining a stable and healthy tear film.

When the meibomian glands become blocked or stop functioning properly, the tear film breaks down more rapidly. As a result, tears evaporate faster than normal, leaving the eyes feeling dry, gritty, irritated, or burning. In these cases, artificial tears may provide brief comfort but typically offer only short-term relief.

If MGD is the underlying cause of dry eye symptoms, addressing the gland dysfunction itself is essential. Treating the root of the problem - rather than just adding more moisture - can lead to more effective and longer-lasting relief.

The Importance of an Eye Exam 

Persistent dry eye symptoms should never be ignored or self-treated long term. An eye exam allows your eye doctor to:

• Identify the specific type of dry eye you have

• Evaluate meibomian gland function

• Check tear quality and stability

• Rule out other eye health concerns

Because dry eye is different for every patient, effective treatment requires a personalized approach, not a one-size-fits-all solution.

Why LipiFlow® Might Be the Next Step 

For patients with dry eye related to MGD, advanced in-office treatments can provide relief when drops alone cannot.

LipiFlow® is a clinically proven treatment designed to:

• Gently heat the meibomian glands

• Unblock clogged oil glands

• Restore natural oil flow into the tear film

By addressing the root cause of evaporative dry eye, LipiFlow helps improve tear quality. Many patients experience longer-lasting comfort and reduced reliance on artificial tears.

Explore Advanced Dry Eye Options at Perfect Vision Eyecare and Eyewear

If artificial tears haven’t worked for you, it doesn’t mean you’re out of options. It means it’s time to look deeper. Dry eye is often a sign of an underlying condition like Meibomian Gland Dysfunction that requires proper diagnosis and targeted treatment. With today’s advanced technology and customized care, lasting relief is possible - even when eye drops fall short.

If you’re tired of relying on artificial tears with little relief, schedule a dry eye evaluation at Perfect Vision Eyecare and Eyewear to explore advanced treatment options. Visit our office in Houston, Texas, or call (281) 843-5500 today.