Dry Eye Solutions & Treatments in Southern California
At Eyesite Optometry, we believe in providing clear vision and ensuring the comfort and health of your eyes, especially if you're dealing with dry eye discomfort.
Let's embark on a journey through the causes, symptoms, testing methods, and advanced treatments for dry eye.
Don't let discomfort compromise your vision and quality of life — request a dry eye evaluation with our experienced team.
Understanding Dry Eye
Dry eye, or dry eye syndrome, occurs when your eyes do not produce enough quality tears to keep the surface lubricated. Tears are essential for maintaining clear vision, nourishing the cornea, and preventing infections. Various factors contribute to the development of dry eye, ranging from environmental influences to underlying health conditions.
Common Causes of Dry Eye
- Age: The risk of dry eye tends to increase with age, especially in individuals over 50
- Gender: Women, particularly those experiencing hormonal changes due to pregnancy, birth control, or menopause, are more prone to dry eye
- Environmental Factors: Exposure to dry or windy climates, air conditioning, and excessive screen time can contribute to dry eye symptoms
- Medical Conditions: Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disorders can affect tear production
- Medications: Certain medications, including antihistamines, decongestants, and antidepressants, may cause or exacerbate dry eye
Recognizing the Symptoms of Dry Eye
Identifying dry eye symptoms early is crucial for effective management. Keep an eye out for the following:
- Persistent Dryness: A feeling of dryness, grittiness, or foreign body sensation in the eyes
- Watery Eyes: Paradoxically, dry eye can cause excessive tearing as the eyes attempt to compensate for dryness
- Redness: Irritation and inflammation can lead to red and bloodshot eyes
- Blurry Vision: Insufficient tear production can result in fluctuating or blurred vision
- Sensitivity to Light: Dry eyes may increase sensitivity to light, causing discomfort
Advanced Dry Eye Technologies
We use state-of-the-art diagnostic technologies to assess the root cause of your dry eye symptoms.
LipiScan: This advanced imaging device allows us to visualize the meibomian glands in the eyelids, assess their function, and identify issues contributing to dry eye.
TearLab Osmolarity Test: By measuring the osmolarity (salt content) of your tears, this test helps diagnose and monitor the severity of dry eye.
LipiFlow: For cases linked to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), LipiFlow provides targeted heat and pressure therapy to restore gland function.
Tailored Dry Eye Treatment Plans
Once diagnosed, our team creates a personalized treatment plan to address the specific factors contributing to your dry eye. Some common treatments include:
Artificial Tears: Lubricating eye drops can provide immediate relief and maintain moisture on the eye's surface.
Lifestyle Modifications: Using a humidifier and taking breaks during prolonged screen time can alleviate symptoms.
Prescription Medications: Sometimes, we may recommend prescription eye drops or oral medication to address inflammation or stimulate tear production.
Punctal Plugs: Tiny plugs inserted into the tear ducts help retain natural tears on the eye's surface, providing lasting relief.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy: This non-invasive treatment targets inflammation in the meibomian glands, often associated with dry eye.
