Dry Eye Treatment

Dry eye disease is a common but complex condition that occurs when the eyes cannot maintain a healthy, stable tear film. Without proper treatment, dry eye can become a chronic and progressive condition. At Optometric Center & Eyewewear Galleria, we offer advanced diagnostic and treatment options that target the source of dry eye, helping patients experience improved comfort, tear stability, and long-term eye health.

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye disease occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough quality tears or when tears evaporate too quickly. Healthy tears are made up of three layers - oil, water, and mucus. If any layer is compromised, the tear film becomes unstable, leading to dryness, irritation, and inflammation.

Dry eye is often chronic and progressive, which means symptoms can worsen over time without proper treatment. While artificial tears may offer temporary relief, they rarely correct the underlying problem.

Understanding the Root Cause: Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)

One of the most common causes of dry eye is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). The meibomian glands, located along the eyelids, produce oils that slow tear evaporation. When these glands become blocked or inflamed, oil production decreases, causing tears to evaporate too quickly.

• MGD is frequently linked to:

• Screen use and reduced blinking

• Inflammation of the eyelids

• Aging and hormonal changes

• Incomplete or weak blinking

Because MGD is the driving factor behind many cases of dry eye, effective treatment must focus on restoring gland function and improving tear stability. We offer advanced, in-office treatments designed to improve gland health, reduce inflammation, and stabilize the tear film.

OptiLight IPL Therapy

OptiLight is an FDA-approved Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment specifically designed for dry eye disease caused by MGD. This technology targets inflammation around the eyelids while helping stimulate healthier meibomian gland function.

Benefits of OptiLight IPL include:

• Reducing inflammatory triggers contributing to dry eye

• Supporting healthier oil secretion from the glands

• Improving overall tear quality and comfort

Patients often notice improvements in symptoms and vision clarity as inflammation decreases and tear stability improves.

TriLift Technology

TriLift is a unique treatment that combines Dynamic Muscle Stimulation (DMSt) and Radiofrequency (RF) to support eyelid function and gland health. By delivering controlled warmth and stimulation to the lower eyelids, TriLift helps address key contributors to dry eye.

TriLift works by:

• Gently warming the eyelids to help release blocked oils

• Supporting healthier oil flow from the meibomian glands

• Improving lower eyelid tone and blink effectiveness

• Enhancing tear film stability

A typical treatment plan includes four sessions spaced one week apart, with maintenance treatments recommended every 6-12 months. Many patients report noticeable relief after just one session.

Combining OptiLight and TriLift for Better Results

For patients who are candidates for both therapies, combining OptiLight IPL and TriLift can provide enhanced relief. These treatments work together to address multiple aspects of dry eye disease.

When used together:

• OptiLight helps calm inflammation and supports gland regeneration

• TriLift improves eyelid function, releases blocked glands, and enhances blinking

• Tear stability improves as oil production and lid mechanics work more effectively together

This comprehensive approach allows us to treat both inflammation and gland dysfunction - two major drivers of chronic dry eye.

Personalized Dry Eye Care

Dry eye affects each patient differently, which is why an individualized approach is essential. We start with a comprehensive evaluation to uncover the underlying causes of your symptoms, then develop a personalized treatment plan focused on long-term relief and ongoing eye health.

• Depending on your specific needs, your treatment plan may include a combination of IPL and TriLift with at-home care. Treatment options may include:

• Eyelid Hygiene: Regular lid cleansing routines help manage blepharitis, reduce bacteria, and keep oil glands from becoming clogged.

• Prescription Eye Drops: Medications such as cyclosporine or lifitegrast help reduce inflammation and support natural tear production.

• Nutritional Supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids may be recommended to improve tear quality and support healthy oil production.

By combining the appropriate treatments, we’re able to address both the symptoms and root causes of dry eye - providing more effective, long-term relief.

Experience Advanced Solutions for Dry Eye Relief

Dry eye disease is a complex condition that requires more than temporary solutions. By identifying the root cause of your symptoms and using advanced treatment options, lasting relief is possible. At Optometric Center & Eyewear Galleria, we’re proud to help patients in San Ramon and the Tri-Valley area achieve healthier, more comfortable vision through personalized dry eye care.

​​​​​​​Schedule a dry eye evaluation at Optometric Center & Eyewear Galleria to receive a personalized treatment plan focused on restoring tear stability and improving ocular comfort.