Find Relief for Dry, Irritated Eyes

If you struggle with eyes that burn, itch, or feel constantly irritated, you’re not alone. Dry eye is one of the most common eye conditions we treat at Parkway Eyecare.

With nearly 40 years of service in Idaho Falls, we’ve helped countless patients find solutions that work. Dr. Heintz combines personal attention with proven treatments to keep your eyes healthy and comfortable.

A woman is sitting and holding glasses in her left hand while keeping her right hand on her forehead and looking down

What is Dry Eye?

Dry eye happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears don’t work the way they should. Tears aren’t just for crying; they keep your eyes comfortable, protect against infection, and help you see clearly. When your eyes don’t stay properly lubricated, they can feel irritated, tired, or even watery as they try to overcompensate.

Dry eye is very common, especially as we get older or spend more time on digital devices. Other factors like Idaho’s dry climate, allergies, contact lens wear, or certain health conditions can also make symptoms worse. The good news is that relief is possible once we find the root cause.

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Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye can show up in different ways, and many patients don’t realize their discomfort is caused by the condition. Some of the most common symptoms include:

  • Burning, stinging, or itching sensations

  • A gritty feeling, like something is in your eye

  • Blurry or fluctuating vision

  • Red, irritated eyes

  • Excessive tearing or watery eyes

  • Sensitivity to light

  • Trouble wearing contact lenses comfortably

If you notice any of these symptoms, whether it’s working on a computer, driving at night, or enjoying time outdoors, it may be time for a dry eye evaluation.

Diagnosing Dry Eye

Every case of dry eye is different, which is why the first step to relief is a careful diagnosis. Dr. Heintz takes time to understand your symptoms, your daily routine, and any underlying health factors that could be contributing to your discomfort.

During your exam, we’ll assess how your tears function, from the volume produced by your eyes to the effectiveness of the tears in protecting and hydrating your eyes.

With these insights, we can pinpoint the cause of your dryness and design a treatment plan that fits your needs. Our goal is simple: to get to the root of the problem so you can feel comfortable.

An illustration comparing Water Deficient and Evaporative dry eye syndromes, showing symptoms and causes.
Woman using eye drops on her left eye on a couch

Personalized Dry Eye Treatments

Dry eye doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all cure. That’s why we create treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs. Dr. Heintz offers a variety of proven options to relieve discomfort and improve eye health, including:

  • Prescription Eye Drops: Medications such as Restasis®, Cequa®, and Xiidra® help your eyes produce better-quality tears for lasting relief.

  • Punctal Plugs: Tiny, comfortable inserts that help your eyes hold onto moisture longer.

  • Lifestyle Recommendations: Simple changes like staying hydrated, adjusting screen habits, or adding omega-3 supplements can make a big difference.

Whether your symptoms are mild or persistent, we’ll build a plan that works for your lifestyle.

Who is at Risk for Dry Eye?

Anyone can develop dry eye, but certain individuals are more susceptible to it than others. You may be at higher risk if you are:

  • Over age 40—natural tear production often decreases with age.

  • Women, especially after menopause, due to hormonal changes.

  • A contact lens wearer—lenses can sometimes reduce tear stability.

  • Living with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, thyroid issues, or autoimmune disorders.

  • Spending long hours on screens—blinking less while using computers or phones.

  • Exposed to Idaho’s dry climate or outdoor environments—farming, ranching, and seasonal wind can all make symptoms worse.

Understanding your risk helps us take preventive steps and manage symptoms before they become more disruptive.

A woman in winter clothing blowing her nose with a tissue
A woman with gray hair smiling and posing for a picture

Find Lasting Relief from Dry Eye

You don’t have to live with the burning, itching, or irritation of dry eye. At Parkway Eyecare, we take time to understand your symptoms and create a treatment plan that works for you. Families across Idaho Falls, Ammon, Rigby, Ucon, and Rexburg trust us to bring comfort back to their everyday lives.

Schedule your dry eye appointment and take the first step toward clearer, more comfortable vision.