Dry Eye Treatment in the Bay Area – Causes, Symptoms & Lasting Relief
Dry eye is a common condition that occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears are of poor quality. Tears are essential for keeping the surface of the eye healthy, comfortable, and clear for vision.
Dry eye is often a chronic condition, especially as we age, but it can be effectively managed with the right diagnosis and treatment plan.
Why Tears Matter
With every blink, tears spread across the cornea to:
- Keep the eye lubricated
- Protect against infection
- Wash away debris
- Maintain a smooth surface for clear vision
When tear production or quality is disrupted, the eye becomes dry, irritated, and more vulnerable to inflammation.
What Causes Dry Eye?
Dry eye can result from either insufficient tear production or poor tear quality, often due to issues with the tear film layers (oil, water, and mucus).
Common causes include:
Reduced Tear Production
- Natural aging (especially over age 65)
- Certain medications (antihistamines, antidepressants, blood pressure meds)
- Medical conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, or autoimmune disease
Poor Tear Quality / Increased Evaporation
- Meibomian gland dysfunction (oil gland blockage)
- Eyelid inflammation (blepharitis)
- Environmental exposure (wind, smoke, dry air)
- Prolonged screen time and reduced blinking
Other Contributing Factors
- Hormonal changes (more common in women)
- Long-term contact lens use
- Prior eye procedures such as LASIK
Symptoms of Dry Eye
Dry eye symptoms can vary but often include:
- Gritty, scratchy, or burning sensation
- Feeling like something is in the eye
- Redness and irritation
- Excess tearing (a response to dryness)
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
In more advanced cases, dry eye can affect the surface of the eye and impact vision quality.
How Dry Eye Is Diagnosed
Dry eye is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam, focusing on both tear quantity and quality.
Your ophthalmologist may:
- Review symptoms and medical history
- Evaluate eyelid function and blink patterns
- Examine the cornea and tear film under magnification
- Measure tear production and stability
- Use special dyes to assess the eye’s surface
This allows for a more targeted and effective treatment plan.
Dry Eye Treatment Options
Treatment is focused on restoring tear balance, improving comfort, and protecting the eye surface.
Artificial Tears
- Over-the-counter lubricating drops
- Preservative-free options are often recommended for frequent use
Conserving Natural Tears
- Punctal plugs to reduce tear drainage
- In some cases, procedures to permanently limit tear drainage
Increasing Tear Production
- Prescription eye drops (such as Restasis)
- Omega-3 supplements for some patients
Treating Underlying Inflammation
- Warm compresses and lid hygiene
- Medicated eye drops or ointments
- Eyelid treatments for meibomian gland dysfunction
Many patients require a combination approach for best results.
At-Home Care for Dry Eye
Simple daily habits can help reduce symptoms:
- Blink regularly, especially during screen use
- Use a humidifier in dry environments
- Wear sunglasses outdoors to reduce wind exposure
- Stay hydrated throughout the day
Find Out What’s Causing Your Symptoms
Burning, irritation, or fluctuating vision are often signs of dry eye that will not fully resolve on their own.
At Peninsula Laser Eye Medical Group, we evaluate the root cause of dry eye – whether it is tear deficiency, gland dysfunction, or environmental factors – and create a treatment plan that improves comfort and protects long-term eye health.
Call us at (650) 961-2585 or schedule an appointment online at https://lasik2020.com/schedule/ to get lasting relief and clearer vision.