Dry Eyes in Honolulu
At Simply Eyes Hawaii, our eye doctors specialize in diagnosing and treating dry eye disease so you can enjoy clearer, more comfortable vision every day. Dr. Sherry Wong, one of our Honolulu optometrists, has a particular focus on dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction — bringing specialized expertise to one of the most common conditions we treat.
Understanding Dry Eyes
Dry eyes are one of the most common eye conditions we see here in Honolulu. If your eyes often feel irritated, gritty, or watery, you may be experiencing dry eye syndrome—a condition where your eyes don’t produce enough quality tears to stay lubricated. Living in Hawai‘i’s warm, breezy climate can make dry eyes even more noticeable, especially when spending time outdoors or in air-conditioned spaces.
Common Symptoms of Dry Eyes
Dry eye symptoms can vary from person to person, but the most common include:
- A stinging, burning, or scratchy feeling in your eyes
- Excessive tearing or watery eyes
- Blurry vision that improves when blinking
- Redness or irritation
- Sensitivity to light
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
- Feeling like something is “in your eye”
If these symptoms are frequent or persistent, it’s important to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Dry eye disease can worsen over time if left untreated.
What Causes Dry Eyes?
There isn’t just one cause of dry eye—many factors can contribute. Common causes include:
- Environmental conditions: Wind, sun, air conditioning, or screen time
- Aging: Tear production decreases naturally with age
- Contact lens wear: Lenses can reduce tear film stability
- Medical conditions: Autoimmune disorders, diabetes, or thyroid issues
- Medications: Antihistamines, blood pressure meds, antidepressants
- Hormonal changes: Especially common in women after menopause
Our Honolulu optometrists will evaluate your lifestyle, health, and eye structure to identify the underlying cause of your dry eyes.
Treatment Options for Dry Eyes
The good news is that dry eye disease is highly treatable. Depending on your exam results, we may recommend:
- Artificial tears or prescription eye drops to improve lubrication
- Punctal plugs to reduce tear drainage and keep eyes moist longer
- Warm compresses or lid scrubs for meibomian gland dysfunction
- Nutritional supplements like omega-3 fatty acids to improve tear quality
- In-office treatments tailored to your specific condition
Our goal is to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses both symptoms and underlying causes—helping you see and feel better.
Preventing Dry Eyes in Hawai‘i
While treatment is often necessary, small lifestyle changes can also help reduce irritation:
- Take breaks from contact lenses if symptoms flare up
- Blink regularly during screen time
- Wear sunglasses outdoors to block wind and UV rays
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
- Use a humidifier indoors
At Simply Eyes Hawaii, we understand how dry eyes can affect your daily comfort—and we’re here to help restore lasting relief.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dry Eyes
Yes. While often mild, untreated dry eyes can lead to chronic discomfort and even damage to the surface of the eye.
Absolutely. Poor tear film quality can make your vision fluctuate, especially while reading or using digital devices.
Dry eyes are very common here due to our breezy climate, outdoor lifestyle, and frequent use of air conditioning.
Not always. Many cases improve with over-the-counter artificial tears, but persistent dry eye may require prescription-strength treatment.
Meibomian glands are tiny oil glands along the edge of your eyelids. When they become blocked or don’t function properly, the oil layer of your tear film breaks down — leading to evaporative dry eye, the most common form of the condition. Treatment often includes warm compresses, lid scrubs, or in-office procedures.
During your exam, our doctors will evaluate your tear production, tear film quality, and the health of your eyelid glands. This may include tests such as tear break-up time measurement and meibomian gland assessment.
Yes. In fact, dry eye is one of the most common reasons contact lens wearers experience discomfort. We can recommend daily lenses, lubricating drops, or adjusted wearing schedules to help manage symptoms while keeping you in contacts.
Schedule Your Dry Eye Exam in Honolulu
If you’re struggling with irritated, watery, or blurry eyes, relief is possible. At Simply Eyes Hawaii, we’ll uncover the cause of your symptoms and design a treatment plan tailored to you.
📍 Visit us at 1150 S. King Street, #201, Honolulu, HI
📞 Call us at (808) 949-2662 or schedule your appointment online
