How I Fixed My Own Dry Eyes
By Dr. Jimmy Y. Hu, MD
I’m Dr. Jimmy Hu, a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in cornea, cataract, and anterior segment surgery. Every day, I treat patients suffering from dry eye disease. But long before I became a dry eye specialist, I was a dry eye patient myself.
The Beginning of My Dry Eye Journey
My struggle with dry eyes started in medical school. Long hours of studying meant staring at a screen for 12+ hours a day…and not blinking much from the intense focus. At first, I noticed my vision fluctuating, forcing me to refocus constantly. Then came the burning sensation, with the occasional sharp stabbing pains that would force me to break from my studies. Some days, I’d experience what I call a "dry eye headache"—a dull ache that started in my eyes and radiated to the back of my head. Even after using lubricating drops (artificial tears), taking breaks, and drinking plenty of water, I’d end up in bed popping Advil, waiting for relief.
Things worsened during my surgical training. The bright OR lights, long hours, and irregular sleep patterns exacerbated my symptoms. No matter what I tried, nothing seemed to give me lasting relief.
Not All Dry Eye Is the Same
As I researched more about dry eye disease, I realized that my case wasn’t just about low tear production. Dry eye is a complex, multifactorial disease, and different underlying conditions can contribute to it:
Blepharitis and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD): Inflamed eyelids and clogged oil glands can lead to unstable tear film and rapid tear evaporation.
Floppy Eyelid Syndrome (FES): I saw how some patients (especially those with sleep apnea) unknowingly rubbed their eyes against pillows at night, worsening their symptoms. I was a stomach sleeper, and had to learn to sleep on my back instead.
Nocturnal Lagophthalmos: Some people sleep with their eyes slightly open, leading to exposure-related dryness and irritation.
Poor Sleep Hygiene: Irregular sleep schedules and screen use before bed disrupt normal tear production and exacerbate inflammation.
Understanding these variations helped me realize that a one-size-fits-all approach to dry eye treatment doesn’t work. Every patient—and every case—needs a personalized strategy.
Trying Every Treatment Possible
Since I had access to nearly every dry eye treatment available, I experimented with them all:
Artificial tears – Provided temporary relief but didn’t address the root cause.
Restasis (cyclosporine) – I started using it in 2012, knowing it could take months to show results.
Nighttime gels and ointments – Helped keep my eyes lubricated overnight, but I still woke up with irritation.
Warm compresses – I tested nearly every brand on the market to improve my meibomian gland function.
Eyelid scrubs – I tried different types and brand, before finding one I liked.
Punctal plugs – Helped retain my natural tears, making a noticeable difference.
How I Finally Found Relief
What ultimately worked for me wasn’t a single treatment but a customized, multi-step approach. I had to address every factor contributing to my dry eye:
Optimizing my blinking – I trained myself to blink more consciously, especially during surgery and screen time.
Anti-inflammatory therapy – Restasis helped over time, and I incorporated other treatments like Xiidra and low-dose steroids during flare-ups.
Meibomian gland treatment – Heat therapy and lid hygiene significantly improved my symptoms. I researched all about in-office treatments like LipiFlow, IPL, and Meibomian Gland Probing (though that’s another topic entirely).
Tear retention strategies – Punctal plugs helped my eyes stay moist longer.
Environmental modifications – I adjusted my screen time habits, improved humidity in my home, and started wearing a sleep mask (and at one point, moisture goggles) for overnight protection.
Addressing sleep hygiene – I became more mindful of my sleep position and habits, ensuring my eyes weren’t exposed or rubbing against my pillow.
Now, I’m fortunate to be a success story. My eyes no longer burn, I don’t experience dry eye headaches, and when my symptoms occasionally flare up, I know exactly how to manage them.
Helping Others with Dry Eye Disease
Because of my personal journey, I deeply empathize with my dry eye patients. I understand the frustration of trying treatment after treatment, only to find temporary relief. I also know how life-changing it is to finally get it under control.
Today, I combine my own experience with the latest research to offer my patients a truly personalized approach to dry eye treatment. Every patient is different, and understanding the nuances of their specific case is key to effective treatment.
If you’re struggling with dry eyes, know that there is hope. I’ve been there myself, and with the right approach, real relief is possible.
My best regards,
-JYH