Dry, irritated eyes are more than a nuisance. In places like Shreveport and Minden, the mix of warm winds, high pollen, and constant A/C can keep your tear film under stress year-round. If your eyes feel gritty, you’re blinking more than usual, or night driving feels harder, it might be time to take a closer look at what’s really going on.

At Lusk Eye Specialists, we take dry eye seriously. Chronic dry eye doesn’t just affect your eyes. It can disrupt your sleep, focus, and overall quality of life. Too often, people blame allergies, screen time, or aging when the real issue is a treatable medical condition.

This blog walks through common signs of dry eye, what causes it, and when to seek professional care. We’ll also explain why dry eye is especially common in North Louisiana and how personalized treatment makes a difference.

What Are Symptoms of Dry Eye?

You don’t have to check every box to have dry eye. This condition is more complex than many people realize, and the symptoms don’t always seem related. But they all stem from the same issue: your eyes aren’t staying properly lubricated.

Common signs of dry eye include:

• Burning or stinging sensations
• Gritty, sandy, or “foreign body” feelings in the eye
• Blurred or fluctuating vision
• Excessive tearing
• Sensitivity to wind or light
• Eye fatigue or heaviness, especially later in the day
• Redness or inflammation
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses

If you live in North Louisiana, you’re already exposed to conditions that make dry eye more likely. Hot, dry summers, HVAC systems, and allergens like mold or ragweed all contribute. Whether you’re working in an office or driving down I-20 with the air vents on, it’s easy to see why many locals seek lasting dry eye relief.

Not All Dry Eye is the Same

Dry eye isn’t just caused by too few tears. In fact, most cases are due to poor tear quality—especially a deficiency in the oil layer that keeps tears from evaporating too quickly. This is why over-the-counter solutions often fall short. Artificial tears might temporarily mask the symptoms, but they don’t address the underlying cause, especially if it’s meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), inflammation, or hormone-related.

At Lusk Eye Specialists, your care starts with a thorough evaluation to determine what’s causing your symptoms. Once we understand what’s happening, we’ll match you with a treatment plan that works and keeps working.

When Eye Drops Stop Helping

If you’re using artificial tears more than twice a day, or if they’ve stopped helping altogether, it’s time to talk to an eye doctor. Many store-bought drops don’t treat inflammation or tear instability. Some even contain preservatives that can cause more irritation over time.

You should also reach out if dry eye is interfering with your routine. That includes:

• Avoiding night driving due to blurry or hazy vision
• Struggling to read for long periods
• Giving up on contact lenses due to discomfort
• Feeling the constant need to blink or rub your eyes

If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to reconsider your treatment approach. Dry eye is not something you just have to live with. It’s a medical issue, and getting an evaluation sooner improves your chances of lasting relief.

Dry Eye Treatments in Shreveport and Minden, LA

We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all care. At Lusk Eye Specialists, we tailor dry eye treatment to the root cause of your symptoms, whether that’s meibomian gland dysfunction, tear film instability, or another factor.

We offer advanced diagnostic tools to quickly pinpoint the problem. Based on what we find, your care plan might include:

• TearCare® to safely heat and clear blocked oil glands
• OptiLight IPL to reduce inflammation and support tear quality
• Amniotic membrane therapy for severe or non-healing cases
• Professional lid cleansing to reduce bacteria and debris
• Punctal plugs to help retain natural tears
• Scleral lenses to protect the ocular surface and relieve symptoms

If you’re tired of switching between different drops with no results, our team helps patients get off the treatment carousel and onto a plan that brings real results.

Relief Starts with Trusted Eye Care

If dry eye is interfering with your vision, comfort, or confidence, it’s time to take the next step. Lusk Eye Specialists provides personalized dry eye treatment for patients in Shreveport, Minden, and throughout North Louisiana.

Whether your symptoms are occasional or constant, we’re here to help you see and feel your best.

Request an appointment today and find real relief from dry eye.