Doctor-led dry-eye care · Pensacola, Florida
Dry Eye Evaluation & Treatment in Pensacola
When burning, watering, grittiness, contact-lens discomfort, or fluctuating vision keeps returning, the right next step is understanding why. Dr. Star provides a careful evaluation of the tear film, ocular surface, and eyelid glands—then develops a plan based on the findings.
Symptoms worth understanding
Dry eye does not always feel “dry.”
Tear-film problems can present in different ways, and similar symptoms can have different causes. A clinical evaluation helps distinguish the pattern instead of relying on guesswork or repeatedly changing drops.
Burning or grittiness
Stinging, scratchiness, redness, or the persistent feeling that something is in the eye.
Fluctuating vision
Vision that clears after blinking, changes during screen use, or becomes less reliable later in the day.
Excess watering
Watery eyes can be a reflex response to irritation and do not necessarily mean the tear film is functioning well.
Lens discomfort
Contact lenses that feel dry, become uncomfortable quickly, or cannot be worn as long as expected.
A cause-directed evaluation
Look beyond the surface.
The tear film depends on a precise balance of water, oil, mucus, eyelid function, and blinking. Dr. Star considers your symptoms, health history, medications, visual demands, contact-lens use, and clinical findings together.
Detailed history
We begin with when symptoms occur, what makes them better or worse, current products, medications, health conditions, screen habits, and contact-lens experience.
Tear-film assessment
Testing may be used to evaluate tear quantity, quality, stability, and how effectively the tear film protects the ocular surface.
Ocular-surface staining
Special diagnostic dyes may help reveal patterns of dryness or irritation that are not obvious from symptoms alone.
Meibomian-gland evaluation
The eyelids and oil-producing glands are assessed for signs of blockage or dysfunction that may contribute to rapid tear evaporation.
Clear next steps
Dr. Star explains the findings, what they may mean, and an individualized management plan with appropriate follow-up.
Management matched to the findings
A thoughtful plan—not a one-size-fits-all product list.
Recommendations depend on the suspected cause, severity, examination findings, health history, and response over time. Not every option is appropriate for every patient.
Targeted home and lid care
A structured plan may include lubrication, environmental adjustments, visual-habit changes, and individualized eyelid care.
Prescription therapy
Prescription eye drops or other medication may be considered when clinically appropriate after examination.
Punctal plugs
For selected patients, punctal plugs may be considered to help tears remain on the ocular surface longer.
Follow-up and coordination
Progress can be reassessed and the plan refined. Referral or coordination with another medical professional is recommended when findings require it.
Your Pensacola optometrist
Care led by Dr. Star Rostankovski, O.D.
The goal is to connect your symptoms with the clinical findings, explain what is happening clearly, and build a realistic plan for healthier, more comfortable vision.
Dr. Star’s clinical interests include dry-eye disease, meibomian-gland dysfunction, specialty contact-lens fitting, and contact-lens research. Her approach combines careful clinical judgment with recommendations tailored to each patient’s daily life and visual needs.
What patients can expect
A calm, clear clinical experience.
Bring what you use
Bring your current glasses, contact lenses, eye drops, medication list, and notes about when your symptoms are most noticeable.
Understand the evaluation
Dr. Star will determine which tests are appropriate, examine the ocular surface, and explain meaningful findings in plain language.
Leave with direction
You will receive recommendations based on the examination, including follow-up timing and what changes should prompt earlier care.
Dry-eye questions
Helpful answers before your visit.
Why do my eyes water if they are dry?
Irritation can trigger reflex tearing. These tears may not have the quality or stability needed to protect the ocular surface effectively, so watering and dryness can occur together.
Can dry eye cause blurry or changing vision?
Yes. An unstable tear film can contribute to blurred or fluctuating vision, particularly during reading, computer use, driving, or other visually demanding activities. Because many conditions can affect vision, an examination is important.
Do contact lenses make dry eye worse?
Contact lenses can contribute to discomfort for some patients, but the cause may involve tear-film stability, lens material, fit, wear schedule, eyelid-gland function, or other factors. A clinical evaluation can help identify reasonable adjustments.
Will I need prescription drops or punctal plugs?
Not necessarily. Those options are considered only when appropriate for the examination findings, health history, and treatment goals. Dr. Star will explain the reasoning behind any recommendation.
Is a dry-eye evaluation the same as a routine vision check?
A dry-eye evaluation places additional focus on symptoms, tear-film function, the ocular surface, eyelids, and contributing factors. A comprehensive eye examination may also be recommended depending on your history and findings.
Comfort begins with understanding the cause.
Request your dry-eye evaluation.
Visit StarVision Optometry inside Visionworks at Cordova Mall in Pensacola. Appointment availability is determined by the online scheduling system.
Urgent symptoms: Sudden vision loss, severe eye injury, or severe eye pain may require immediate emergency care. Call 911 or seek emergency medical attention when appropriate.