Dry Eye Treatment

Dry eye is a common yet often misunderstood condition that can significantly affect your daily comfort and visual clarity. At Palo Alto Eyes Optometry, we take a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating dry eye, helping our patients in Palo Alto and surrounding communities find long-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 the health of the eye’s surface and ensuring clear vision. Without a stable tear film, the eyes can feel irritated, gritty, or overly watery as they attempt to compensate.

Common Causes of Dry Eye

Several factors can contribute to dry eye, and identifying the root cause is essential for effective treatment. Some of the most common causes include:

• Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD): When the oil glands along the eyelid margins become blocked, it causes tears to evaporate too quickly.
  
  

• Blepharitis: Inflammation of the eyelids, often associated with bacterial buildup or skin conditions like rosacea, can interfere with healthy tear production.
  
  

• Aging and Hormonal Changes: Tear production naturally declines with age and may be further impacted by hormonal changes, especially during menopause.
  
  

• Environmental Factors: Exposure to wind, smoke, dry air, and prolonged screen use can contribute to or worsen dry eye symptoms.
  
  

• Medications: Certain medications such as antihistamines, antidepressants, decongestants, and medications for high blood pressure can affect tear production or composition.
  
  

• Health Conditions: Chronic conditions like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, and other autoimmune disorders can impair the body’s ability to produce quality tears.
  
  

• Allergies: Environmental and seasonal allergies can cause eye inflammation, leading to dryness and discomfort.
  
  

• Eye Surgeries: Vision correction procedures such as LASIK or cataract surgery can impact tear production, either temporarily or permanently.
  
  

• Contact Lens Use: Regular contact lens wear, especially for long durations, can disrupt the natural tear film and contribute to dry eye symptoms.
  
  

Recognizing the Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye symptoms can vary from person to person, but typical signs include:

• Burning or stinging sensation

• Redness or irritation

• A gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes

• Blurry or fluctuating vision

• Excessive tearing

• Light sensitivity
  
  

Diagnosing Dry Eye

At Palo Alto Eyes Optometry, we start with a comprehensive evaluation to identify the root cause of your dry eye symptoms. This includes assessing the quality and quantity of your tears, examining the eyelid margins and meibomian glands, and looking for signs of inflammation or blockages. We may also use advanced imaging tools and tear film tests to gather precise information. By accurately diagnosing the underlying issue, we can develop a treatment plan specifically tailored to your needs.

Dry Eye Treatment Options

The best treatment for dry eye depends on its root cause and severity. Our dry eye treatment plans may include:

• Eyelid Hygiene: Warm compresses and cleansing routines can help manage blepharitis and unblock meibomian glands.
  
  

• Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter lubricating drops can provide temporary relief for mild symptoms.
  
  

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

• Nutritional Supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids support tear film stability and overall eye health.
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• Scleral Lenses: These specialty contact lenses protect the ocular surface and maintain moisture, especially beneficial for severe dry eye.
  
  

Serving Palo Alto and Beyond

Dry eye can significantly impact your quality of life, but effective relief starts with expert care and a personalized approach. At Palo Alto Eyes Optometry, we're dedicated to identifying the root cause of your symptoms and providing targeted treatment options that deliver real results. If you're experiencing dry, irritated, or blurry eyes, schedule a dry eye evaluation with our Palo Alto team today and discover lasting relief through customized care.