Some days your eyes may feel fine, and other days even soft indoor lighting feels harsh. If you frequently experience dryness, irritation, or sudden sensitivity to light, you may start to worry that something is wrong.
At Prairie Vista Eye & Optical, we offer advanced dry eye treatment in Liberal that supports lasting comfort by treating the problem at its source instead of covering up symptoms. By finding the source of your dryness, our experienced eye doctors can build a personalized plan that goes beyond temporary fixes.
Why are dry eyes sensitive to light?
Dryness changes how your eyes react to brightness. When your tear film breaks down or doesn’t coat your eyes evenly, even mild light can feel uncomfortable. You may notice:
- Frequent squinting in bright or indoor lighting
- Eyes that become red or watery
- Headaches triggered by visual strain
- Trouble wearing contact lenses comfortably
Many people assume the irritation will go away on its own, but untreated dryness often continues until the underlying cause receives proper care.
In-office dry eye treatment we offer
During a comprehensive eye exam, our experienced optometrists in Liberal assess your tear quality, eyelid function, and the surface of your eyes. Sometimes eye drops provide quick relief, but chronic symptoms usually need targeted treatment.
At Prairie Vista Eye & Optical, we offer LipiFlow®, an advanced in-office therapy that warms and clears blocked oil glands to support healthy tears and long-lasting comfort. This treatment works especially well for people with meibomian gland dysfunction, a leading cause of chronic dryness.
How your eyewear and vision habits play a role
Eye strain and focusing issues can worsen dryness and make light sensitivity feel more intense. Depending on your vision needs, you may benefit from:
- Contact lenses that keep your eyes hydrated throughout the day
- Glasses that reduce strain during screen time or outdoor activities
- Neurolens, which helps people who struggle with headaches, dry eye, dizziness, or eye fatigue from eye misalignment
- Ortho-k, which gently reshapes the cornea overnight. These lenses allow you to see clearly during the day without wearing contacts, helping you avoid daytime dryness and discomfort.
If your dryness makes regular lenses uncomfortable, our eye doctors may recommend a lens material or design that holds moisture better and feels more comfortable on the eyes.
How to relieve dry eyes at home
These habits can support your in-office treatment and help your eyes stay comfortable throughout the day.
- Use lubricating eye drops that your eye doctor recommends
- Take breaks from screens and remember to blink fully while reading or working
- Wear sunglasses outdoors to cut down on squinting
- Stay hydrated to support natural tear production
- Avoid direct airflow from fans or vents on your face
- Stick to your personalized treatment plan
Other causes of light sensitivity
Dry eye is a common cause of photophobia, but other conditions can trigger similar symptoms. You may experience increased sensitivity due to:
- Migraine or tension headaches
- Eye infections or inflammation
- Corneal irritation, including scratches or contact lens overwear
- Medication side effects
- Eye strain from screen use
- Healing after LASIK surgery or other eye procedures
Knowing these factors allows our team to pinpoint what’s causing your discomfort and create a treatment plan that provides long-lasting relief.
Enjoy clearer, more comfortable vision
Relieving dryness and light sensitivity lets you enjoy your day without constant irritation. You can work at your computer, spend time outdoors, and keep your eyes healthy and comfortable.
Schedule an appointment at Prairie Vista Eye & Optical to get lasting relief from dry eye symptoms and discover dry eye treatment options tailored to you.
