Winter weather can make dry eye symptoms more noticeable, especially when cold outdoor air and indoor heating affect your tear film. Many people in Vancouver, WA, rely on artificial tears to relieve burning, irritation, and dryness, only to find that the relief doesn't last. While lubricating drops can temporarily soothe your eyes, they may not address the underlying cause. At East Vancouver Eye, we offer LipiFlow treatment to help improve oil gland function and provide longer-lasting dry eye relief for appropriate patients.
 

Why Artificial Tears May Not Be Enough for Winter Dry Eye

Artificial tears help supplement moisture on the eye's surface, but dry eye isn't always caused by insufficient tear production. In many cases, the problem involves meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), a condition in which the oil-producing glands along the eyelids become blocked or function poorly.
 

These glands produce oils that help prevent tears from evaporating too quickly. When they become clogged, tears may evaporate faster, leaving your eyes dry and irritated even when you're using lubricating drops regularly.
 

During Vancouver's colder months, indoor heating and low humidity can make this problem worse. Without addressing the blocked glands, artificial tears may provide only temporary relief.
 

Signs Your Dry Eye May Be Caused by Blocked Oil Glands

If you frequently reach for artificial tears without lasting improvement, your symptoms may be related to MGD. Common warning signs include:

• Burning, stinging, or gritty sensations

• Blurry or fluctuating vision throughout the day

• Redness and irritation that worsen indoors

• Watery eyes caused by reflex tearing

• Contact lens discomfort or reduced wearing time
   

At East Vancouver Eye, we can evaluate your tear film and meibomian glands to determine whether gland dysfunction is contributing to your symptoms.
 

How LipiFlow Helps Unclog Meibomian Glands

LipiFlow is an in-office dry eye treatment designed to address meibomian gland blockages. Unlike artificial tears, which primarily lubricate the eye's surface, LipiFlow uses controlled heat and gentle pressure to help release trapped oils.
 

During treatment, specialized applicators deliver warmth to the inner eyelids while applying gentle pulsating pressure to the outer eyelids. This process helps soften and express thickened oils that interfere with normal tear film function.
 

Treatment typically takes approximately 12 minutes, and patients can generally return to their regular activities afterward.
 

By improving oil flow from the meibomian glands, LipiFlow may help stabilize the tear film, reduce excessive evaporation, and improve dry eye symptoms over time.
 

Is LipiFlow Right for Your Winter Dry Eye?

Not everyone with dry eye needs LipiFlow. Some patients experience dryness primarily because of reduced tear production, inflammation, or other underlying conditions.
 

At our Vancouver, WA, practice, we assess your symptoms and eye health to determine whether LipiFlow is appropriate. Treatment may be combined with other dry eye management strategies depending on your needs.
 

Although LipiFlow can improve gland function and provide lasting symptom relief for some patients, results vary, and ongoing maintenance may be necessary.
 

Schedule a Dry Eye Evaluation in Vancouver, WA

If artificial tears aren't providing lasting relief from winter dry eye, we can help identify what's causing your discomfort. Contact East Vancouver Eye in Vancouver, WA, at (360) 449-3937 to schedule a dry eye evaluation and learn whether LipiFlow treatment is right for you.