Dry Eye

Dry eyes are a common discomfort that nearly everyone experiences at some point. Approximately 16 million Americans suffer from chronic dry eye, and this number continues to rise due to increased screen time and the widespread use of smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Chronic dry eye can significantly impact how your eyes feel, look, and even how well you see. Learn more about the causes, symptoms, and effective treatments for dry eye to protect your eye health in today's digital age.

At Spectrum Eye Clinic + Medspa, our experienced team is dedicated to diagnosing and treating dry eye in San Diego. We develop tailored treatment plans to meet each patient’s unique needs, ensuring the most effective approach to dry eye relief.

What is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry Eye Syndrome is a common condition that 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 front surface of the eye and for providing clear vision. When tear production and drainage are not in balance, dry eye symptoms can occur.

Chronic Dry Eye Symptoms

There are typical symptoms of dry eye, but many people may be surprised by the full range of symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome. For example, watery eyes can be a sign that your body is overproducing tears to counteract dryness. Here are some other symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome:

  • Persistent Dryness
  • Burning or Stinging Sensation
  • Redness
  • Sensitivity to Light or Halos
  • Blurred Vision
  • Gritty Sensation
  • Eye Fatigue
  • Stringy Mucus
  • Watery Eyes
  • Difficulty Wearing Contact Lenses
  • Heavy or Tired Eyes

Dry Eye Risk Factors

Anyone can be affected by Dry Eye Syndrome, and various factors can cause or worsen its symptoms, such as prolonged screen time, allergies, or environmental conditions like the Santa Ana winds. Additionally, certain risk factors may increase the likelihood of experiencing dry eye symptoms, which include:

  • Age 50 or older
  • Using digital devices for more than 2 hours per day
  • Exposure to wind, smoke, dry air, or air conditioning
  • Medical conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorders, Sjögren's syndrome, menopause, lupus, and other autoimmune diseases
  • Certain medications, including birth control pills, blood pressure medicine, antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications
  • Procedures like LASIK can sometimes lead to dry eye as a side effect
  • Hormonal Changes
  • Eye conditions such as blepharitis or allergic eye disease
  • Smoking

The Importance of Addressing Dry Eye Symptoms

If left untreated, severe dry eye symptoms can result in serious complications, such as corneal damage or frequent eye infections. Moreover, dry eye symptoms can negatively impact your quality of life, making it challenging to read, watch movies, or engage in sports. Thankfully, a variety of treatment options are available, many of which are simple and non-invasive.

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)

Dry Eye Syndrome may often be caused by a condition known as Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). The Meibomian glands, located in your eyelids, produce oils (lipids) that are crucial for maintaining eye moisture and preventing tear evaporation. When these glands become blocked over time, they stop producing enough oil, leading to dry eye symptoms. MGD is the primary cause or contributor in up to 85% of dry eye disease cases. We offer advanced cutting-edge treatments at Spectrum Eye Clinic + Medspa for Meibomian gland dysfunction, including FORMA-I by Inmode®, OptiLIGHT by LumenisTM, and TearCare® to help manage and alleviate your dry eye symptoms effectively.

Diagnosing Dry Eye Syndrome

To diagnose Dry Eye Syndrome accurately, it's essential to schedule a consultation with an experienced eye doctor. At Spectrum Eye Clinic + Medspa, our team delivers comprehensive eye care. If you're experiencing dry eyes, we'll identify the root cause and customize a treatment plan for you. During a consultation, we may:

  • Review and assess your daily symptoms.
  • Examine each layer of the tear film to detect any deficiencies.
  • Perform an evaluation for ocular allergies.
  • Check the functionality of your meibomian glands.
  • Inspect eyelid anatomy for physical contributors to dry eye.
  • Look for possible infectious causes of dry eye.
  • Identify any systemic inflammation contributing to chronic dry eye.
  • Develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific condition.

Understanding the Eye's Function in Relation to Dry Eye

Knowing how the eye functions can shed light on the causes, symptoms, and treatments for dry eyes. Besides the meibomian glands, three tear layers contribute to eye lubrication: the lipid, aqueous, and mucin layers, each playing a vital role in maintaining eye health.

Dry Eye Solutions

We aim to provide patients with the knowledge and tools needed to keep their eyes healthy and comfortable while boosting natural tear production and function. To relieve dry eye symptoms, several initial strategies can be tried at home. Here are some remedies we might suggest:

  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
  • Apply warm compresses or use a Bruder Mask or Tranquileyes Goggles.
  • Take specialized supplements such as Ocusci™ Omega or HydroEye®.
  • Avoid direct airflow from ceiling fans or other fans.
  • Use over-the-counter lubricating drops or preservative-free artificial tears like TheraTears®.
  • Sleep with a humidifier in your room.
  • Clean your eyelids each night with wipes like OCuSOFT® Lid Scrubs.
  • Practice regular blinking exercises.

Dry Eye Treatment Options

Patients experiencing persistent dry eye symptoms despite lifestyle changes and over-the-counter drops have several treatment options available. At Spectrum Eye Clinic + Medspa, as leaders in ophthalmology, we provide cutting-edge treatments for dry eyes.

  • Forma-I®

    Forma-I® Radiofrequency (RF) is a non-invasive treatment for dry eye that uses RF energy to stimulate the production of natural oils in the eyes. Learn more about Forma-I

  • OptiLIGHT®

    OptiLIGHT® is a light-based treatment that uses precise, intense broad spectrum light to address dry eye disease due to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Learn more about OptiLIGHT

  • TearCare®

    TearCare® is an innovative procedure that uses localized heat therapy to target blocked meibomian glands. Learn more about TearCare

  • Xiidra®

    Xiidra® is a prescription eye drop used to treat the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease.

  • RESTASIS®

    RESTASIS® is a topical immunomodulator indicated to increase tear production in patients whose tear production is presumed to be suppressed due to ocular.

  • Punctal plugs

    Punctal plugs are tiny devices that slow or block drainage of tear fluid in your eyes. They can treat dry eyes on their own or make other treatments more effective.

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