Dry Eye Treatment

Dry Eye

Dry eye is a common yet often misunderstood condition that can significantly affect your quality of life. If you’re experiencing frequent irritation, redness, or blurred vision, you may be suffering from dry eye disease. At Optometric Center & Eyewear Galleria, we specialize in identifying the root cause of your dry eye symptoms and delivering personalized care that brings lasting relief.

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Tears are essential for maintaining a healthy eye surface and providing clear vision. When tear production or quality is compromised, it can lead to discomfort, visual disturbances, and even damage to the eye surface if left untreated.

Common Causes of Dry Eye

Dry eye can result from a wide range of factors, including:

Aging: Tear production naturally declines as we age.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD): Blocked oil glands in the eyelids lead to faster tear evaporation.
Blepharitis: Inflammation of the eyelids can disrupt the tear film and irritate the eyes.
Eye Surgery: Procedures like LASIK or cataract surgery can temporarily or permanently affect tear production.
Contact Lens Use: Wearing contacts for extended periods can interfere with tear film stability.
Allergies: Allergic reactions can inflame the eyes and exacerbate dryness.
Medications: Antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications may reduce tear production.
Medical Conditions: Autoimmune diseases such as Sjögren’s syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis are known contributors.

Recognizing the Symptoms

The signs of dry eye can vary in severity and may include:

A gritty, burning, or stinging sensation
Redness or irritation
Blurry or fluctuating vision
Sensitivity to light
Watery eyes
Eye fatigue

These symptoms can worsen with screen use, air conditioning, or prolonged focus.

How Dry Eye Is Diagnosed

At Optometric Center & Eyewear Galleria, we take a personalized, root-cause approach to dry eye diagnosis. Using advanced diagnostic tools, we assess the quantity and quality of your tears, examine your eyelid glands, and evaluate the health of your ocular surface. Our doctors look for underlying contributors such as Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, inflammation, or tear film instability to ensure your treatment is precisely targeted to the cause.

Treatment Options for Dry Eye

Based on your specific diagnosis, we may recommend one or more of the following:

Eyelid Hygiene: Regular cleansing routines help manage blepharitis and unclog oil glands.
Artificial Tears: Lubricating eye drops offer temporary symptom relief.
Prescription Eye Drops: Medications like cyclosporine or lifitegrast help reduce inflammation and boost tear production.
Nutritional Supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids support healthy tear production.
Scleral Lenses: Specially designed lenses that vault over the cornea to create a moisture reservoir.
Punctal Plugs: Tiny devices inserted into tear ducts to slow tear drainage and keep the eyes moist.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy: An FDA-approved, non-invasive treatment that addresses Meibomian Gland Dysfunction by improving oil flow and reducing inflammation. IPL uses precise pulses of light applied to the skin around the eyes to liquefy and release hardened oils that clog the glands. It also targets abnormal blood vessels and reduces inflammation that contributes to dry eye.

Achieve Dry Eye Relief at At Optometric Center & Eyewear Galleria

At Optometric Center & Eyewear Galleria, we go beyond basic treatment. Our comprehensive dry eye care services are designed to provide relief and restore long-term eye comfort. We offer state-of-the-art diagnostic testing and tailor every treatment plan to meet your individual needs.

Schedule a dry eye evaluation at Optometric Center & Eyewear Galleria in San Ramon, CA, today and take the first step toward lasting relief.