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Dry Eye Treatment in Mumbai: Causes, Modern Treatments & Long-Term Relief

  • Writer: Dr. Nikhil Nasta
    Dr. Nikhil Nasta
  • Oct 11
  • 4 min read

Key Takeaways

  • Dry eye disease (DED) occurs when your eyes don’t make enough quality tears, or the tears evaporate too fast.

  • It’s one of the most common eye concerns in Mumbai, especially due to screens, AC use, and pollution.

  • At I-Sight Eye Care, diagnosis includes advanced tests like meibography, tear film breakup time, and ocular surface analysis.

  • Treatments range from medicated drops and punctal plugs to in-clinic procedures like IRPL, warm lid therapy, and tear film optimization.

  • Lifestyle changes — better blinking, screen breaks, hydration, and humidity are key for lasting relief.


Introduction

That constant burning or gritty feeling in your eyes isn’t “just tiredness.”It could be dry eye disease a condition that affects millions and can significantly impact your comfort and vision.

If you’re searching for dry eye treatment in Mumbai, you’re not alone. With our city’s mix of air-conditioning, screen-heavy lifestyles, and urban pollution, dry eyes have become increasingly common.

At I-Sight Eye Care, Dr. Nikhil Nasta combines modern diagnostics, targeted therapies, and personalized care to treat the root cause not just the symptoms.


Learn more on our Cornea & Dry Eye Services or explore other Treatments available at our Mumbai center.


What Exactly Is Dry Eye Disease?

Dry eye occurs when your natural tear film, a thin, protective layer that coats your eye stops working properly.Either you’re not producing enough tears, or they evaporate too quickly due to poor oil quality.

Two main types:

  • Aqueous-deficient dry eye: tear glands don’t produce enough moisture.

  • Evaporative dry eye: Meibomian (oil) glands are blocked, leading to unstable tears.

Often, both coexist which is why a customized treatment plan is essential.


Why It’s So Common in Mumbai

  • Long hours on screens (reduced blink rate)

  • Constant air-conditioning and low humidity

  • Pollution and dust exposure

  • Post-surgery dryness (after LASIK or cataract)

  • Contact lens wear or hormonal changes

  • Certain medications or autoimmune conditions

These urban stressors make Mumbai residents especially prone to chronic dryness and irritation.


Symptoms to Watch Out For

  • Burning, grittiness, or foreign-body sensation

  • Tired, heavy, or watery eyes

  • Blurred or fluctuating vision

  • Sensitivity to light (photophobia)

  • Redness or stringy mucus

  • Difficulty wearing contact lenses

  • Increased tearing (yes, even that can be dry eye!)

If these symptoms persist despite using lubricating drops, professional evaluation is essential.


How We Diagnose Dry Eye at I-Sight Eye Care

Our evaluation goes beyond “just looking at your eyes.”We use specialized, non-invasive tests to pinpoint the cause:

  • Tear Film Break-Up Time (TBUT) – measures how long tears stay stable.

  • Schirmer’s Test – checks tear production.

  • Meibography – scans Meibomian glands for blockage or loss.

  • Ocular Surface Staining – shows microscopic surface damage.

  • Tear Osmolarity & Lipid Quality Analysis – assesses tear chemistry.

These help us differentiate between evaporative and glandular causes, so treatment is specific, not generic.


Treatment Options for Dry Eye

At I-Sight Eye Care, we follow a stepwise, root-cause approach from simple to advanced.

Foundation: Lifestyle & Home Care

  • Blink consciously – every 20 minutes, look away from your screen and blink slowly.

  • Follow the 20-20-20 rule – every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

  • Avoid direct AC or fan airflow on your face.

  • Stay hydrated and use preservative-free artificial tears regularly.

  • Warm compresses & lid hygiene (twice daily) for oil gland health.

Medical Therapies

  • Lubricating drops & gels for moisture balance.

  • Anti-inflammatory eye drops (Cyclosporine or Lifitegrast) to calm inflammation.

  • Omega-3 supplements to improve tear quality.

  • Punctal plugs to retain tears longer.

In-Clinic Treatments

For moderate-to-severe cases, we use advanced, non-surgical therapies to restore natural tear function:

  • IRPL (Intense Regulated Pulsed Light): improves Meibomian gland activity, reduces inflammation, and increases natural tear lipid layer stability.

  • Thermal gland expression: gentle heat & pressure to unclog oil glands.

  • BlephEx™: cleans lid margins, removing biofilm and bacteria that aggravate dryness.

  • Tear film restoration therapy: enhances lipid and mucin layers for long-term comfort.

Each plan is customized after detailed imaging of your tear glands and ocular surface.

Advanced & Surgical Interventions

  • Permanent punctal occlusion: for severe dryness not relieved by plugs.

  • Amniotic membrane therapy: for damaged ocular surfaces due to chronic inflammation or exposure.


Long-Term Relief Strategies

  • Use humidifiers at work or home to balance air dryness.

  • Avoid rubbing your eyes.

  • Maintain regular eye check-ups for early detection.

  • Prioritize quality sleep and balanced diet rich in omega-3s.

Dry eye disease often improves significantly when both medical and lifestyle factors are managed together.


FAQ (Based on Real Google & Patient Queries)

Q: Can dry eyes be completely cured?

Not permanently, but with proper treatment and maintenance, symptoms can be well controlled, many patients experience long-lasting comfort.


Q: How long does treatment take to work?

Lubricants help within days; advanced therapies like IRPL show improvement within 3–6 weeks.


Q: Is IRPL painful or risky?

No, it’s quick, safe, and painless. It uses controlled light energy to rejuvenate oil glands and improve tear stability.


Q: Do I still need drops after IRPL?

Usually fewer, the goal is to reduce dependence as your natural tear function improves.


Q: Can LASIK or cataract surgery worsen dryness?

Temporarily, yes, but pre- and post-surgical dry eye management prevents chronic discomfort.


Conclusion

Dry eye isn’t just an irritation, it’s a chronic condition that needs structured care.At I-Sight Eye Care, Mumbai, Dr. Nikhil Nasta focuses on restoring the natural balance of your tear film with evidence-based therapies, advanced technology, and long-term strategies.

Because comfort and clarity should never be optional.

Explore Cornea & Dry Eye Services or discover more options under Treatments.

 
 
 

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