Differences Between Occasional Dry Eyes and Chronic Dry Eye

Dry, irritated eyes are something most people experience from time to time - especially after a long day staring at screens, spending time in dry environments, or wearing contact lenses longer than usual. But for some patients, dry eye symptoms go beyond occasional discomfort and become a chronic condition that affects daily life.
 

What Are Occasional Dry Eyes?

Occasional dry eyes are usually temporary and are most often triggered by environmental or lifestyle factors. Things like prolonged screen time, digital eye strain, air conditioning or heating, dry weather, wind or smoke exposure, mild dehydration, or wearing contact lenses for extended periods can all contribute to short-term dryness.

Symptoms are typically mild and may include slight irritation, a burning or scratchy feeling, occasional redness, or temporary blurred vision that improves after blinking. For most people, these symptoms resolve once the trigger is addressed and can often be managed with simple steps such as taking regular screen breaks, blinking more frequently, staying well hydrated, or using over-the-counter artificial tears.
 

What Is Chronic Dry Eye?

Chronic dry eye is a long-term condition that occurs when the eyes are unable to maintain a healthy, stable tear film. Unlike occasional dryness, symptoms are persistent and may gradually worsen without proper treatment. Chronic dry eye can result from inadequate tear production, poor tear quality, inflammation of the eye’s surface, or dysfunction of the oil-producing glands in the eyelids.

Patients with chronic dry eye often experience ongoing dryness that does not improve with eye drops, burning or gritty sensations, excessive tearing as a reflex response to dryness, light sensitivity, fluctuating or blurred vision, and eye fatigue or discomfort throughout the day. Because this condition is progressive, early diagnosis and targeted treatment are essential for long-term relief and eye health.
 

The Role of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)

One of the most common causes of chronic dry eye is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). The meibomian glands, located along the edges of your eyelids, produce oils that prevent tears from evaporating too quickly.

When these glands become blocked or stop functioning properly:

• The tear film becomes unstable
• Tears evaporate too quickly
• The eyes become dry, irritated, and inflamed

MGD often develops silently, meaning patients may not realize it’s the root cause of their symptoms until the condition becomes more advanced.

Advanced Dry Eye Diagnosis

At Somerville Family Eyecare, LLC, we use advanced diagnostic technology to accurately identify dry eye and its underlying causes. Our Dry Eye Analyzer allows us to go beyond symptoms and evaluate the health of your tear film and meibomian glands.

This technology helps us:

• Detect dry eye earlier, even before symptoms become severe
• Identify MGD and other contributing factors
• Create a personalized treatment plan based on objective findings

Accurate diagnosis is key to effective treatment, especially for patients with chronic or recurring symptoms.
 

Treating Chronic Dry Eye with MiBo ThermoFlo

For patients with MGD-related dry eye, we offer MiBo ThermoFlo, an advanced, non-invasive treatment designed to improve gland function and tear stability.

MiBo ThermoFlo works by:

• Gently applying controlled heat to the eyelids
• Softening hardened oils within the meibomian glands
• Improving oil flow and tear quality
• Reducing inflammation and discomfort

This treatment is comfortable, effective, and often provides long-lasting relief when combined with a comprehensive dry eye care plan.
 

Schedule Your Dry Eye Evaluation Today

While occasional dry eyes are usually temporary and easily managed, chronic dry eye is a medical condition that requires professional evaluation and targeted treatment. With advanced diagnostic tools like our Dry Eye Analyzer and effective treatments such as MiBo ThermoFlo, we are equipped to help patients find real, lasting relief from dry eye symptoms.

Contact Somerville Family Eyecare, LLC to schedule a dry eye evaluation and learn how our advanced dry eye diagnostics and treatments can help restore comfort and clarity to your eyes. Visit our office in Raritan, New Jersey, or call (908) 350-0800 to book an appointment today.