Dry eye is a common yet often overlooked condition that can make your eyes feel gritty, irritated, or tired throughout the day. At Seaside Eyecare Optometry, our optometrists in San Clemente specialize in identifying the root cause of dry eye and providing personalized solutions.
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What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to discomfort, irritation, and blurred vision. Tears are essential for maintaining clear vision and protecting the surface of your eyes. When this balance is disrupted, it can cause inflammation and damage to the eye’s surface.

Common Causes of Dry Eye

There are many factors that can contribute to dry eye, including:

• Aging: Tear production naturally decreases with age.

• Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD): Blocked oil glands in the eyelids cause tears to evaporate faster.

• Blepharitis: Inflammation of the eyelids can interfere with tear quality.

• Eye Surgery: Procedures such as LASIK can temporarily affect tear production.

• Contact Lens Use: Extended wear may reduce oxygen flow to the eyes and alter tear composition.

• Allergies: Allergic reactions can inflame the eyes and contribute to dryness.

• Medications: Antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications can decrease tear production.

• Medical Conditions: Autoimmune diseases like Sjögren’s syndrome or thyroid disorders can cause chronic dry eye.
  
  

Recognizing the Symptoms

Common signs and symptoms of dry eye include:

• Burning, stinging, or scratchy sensation

• Redness and irritation

• Watery eyes

• Blurry or fluctuating vision

• Sensitivity to light

• Difficulty wearing contact lenses
  
  

If you experience these symptoms regularly, it’s important to schedule an eye exam with our eye doctor in San Clemente to identify the cause and start treatment.

Diagnosing Dry Eye

At Seaside Eyecare Optometry, we perform a thorough evaluation to determine the exact cause of your dry eye. This includes examining the tear film, assessing meibomian gland function, and checking for inflammation or eyelid conditions. Identifying the root cause allows us to recommend a targeted and effective treatment plan rather than just relieving symptoms temporarily.

Advanced Dry Eye Treatment Options

Your treatment will depend on the underlying cause and severity of your condition. Our optometrists offers comprehensive and advanced dry eye treatment in San Clemente, including:

• Prescription Eye Drops: Medications that help improve tear production or reduce inflammation.

• OptiLight Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy: A non-invasive treatment that targets inflammation and restores meibomian gland function.

• TearCare: A comfortable, in-office procedure that applies gentle heat to the eyelids to clear blocked glands and improve tear stability.

• TempSure Envi: Radiofrequency therapy that warms the eyelids and promotes healthy oil flow for longer-lasting relief.

  
  

Schedule Your Dry Eye Evaluation in San Clemente, CA

Dry eye can make even simple tasks uncomfortable and frustrating. At Seaside Eyecare Optometry, we take a personalized approach to dry eye care, focusing on identifying the cause of your symptoms and providing long-term solutions to restore eye comfort and clarity.

If you’re struggling with dry, irritated eyes, schedule a consultation at Seaside Eyecare Optometry and discover how our advanced dry eye treatment options can improve your eye health