Dry Eye Treatments in Stockton, CA

• Age: As we get older, glands in the eyelid produce less oil. Oil is what keeps our tears from evaporating off the eye. Decreased oil production allows tears to evaporate too quickly, leaving the eye too dry.
• Diseases including diabetes, Sjogren’s and Parkinson’s.
• Hormonal changes, especially after menopause.
• Prescription medications: These include some high blood pressure medications, antihistamines, diuretics, antidepressants, anti-anxiety pills, sleeping pills, and pain medications. Over-the-counter medications including some cold and allergy products, motion sickness remedies, and sleep aids can also cause dry eye.
• Hot dry or windy conditions: High altitude, air-conditioning, and smoke can also cause dry eye
• Reading, using a computer or watching TV
• Contact lenses
• Eye surgery: Some types of eye surgery, including LASIK, can aggravate dry eye.
• Inflammation: Recent research suggests that dry eye may be caused by inflammation due to an imbalance of “good” fats and “bad” fats.

The following are symptoms you may experience when you have dry eye:

• Watery eyes
• The feeling that there’s sand in your eyes
• Eyes that itch and burn
• Vision that becomes blurred after periods of reading, watching TV, or using a computer
• Red, irritated eyes that produce a mucus discharge

Your eye doctor can check for dry eye by examining your eyes with magnifying instruments, measuring your rate of tear production and checking the amount of time it takes for tears to evaporate between blinks. Your doctor can also check for pinpoint scratches on the front surface of the eye caused by dryness using special, colored eye drops called fluorescein or Rose Bengal.

Artificial Teardrops for Dry Eye

The most common treatment for dry eye is the use of artificial teardrops that help make up for the lack of natural lubricating tears. Artificial tear products come in liquid form, longer-lasting gel form and long-lasting ointment form, which is most often recommended for nighttime use. Many different brands of artificial tears are available over-the-counter. Some contain preservatives and some do not. Unpreserved tears may be recommended for people whose eyes are sensitive to preservatives. Artificial tears can generally be used as often as needed, from a few times per day to every few minutes. You should follow the regimen your doctor recommends.

When infection, inflammation of the eyelids or clogged oil glands contribute to dry eye, special lid cleaning techniques or antibiotics may be recommended. It may also help to avoid hot, dry or windy environments or to humidify the air in your home or office. If artificial teardrops do not suffice, you may be a candidate for other treatment options.

Winter can be particularly harsh on the eyes, as cold air outside and dry indoor heat can exacerbate dry eye symptoms. To manage winter dry eye effectively:

1. Use a Humidifier: Increasing the humidity in your home or office can help prevent your eyes from drying out. Aim for a humidity level between 30-50%.
2. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water keeps your body hydrated, which in turn helps maintain healthy tear production.
3. Wear Protective Eyewear: When outside, wear wraparound glasses or goggles to shield your eyes from cold wind and prevent moisture from evaporating.
4. Avoid Direct Heat Sources: Try to avoid sitting too close to heaters or fireplaces, which can dry out the air around you.
5. Use Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter artificial tears can provide immediate relief from dry eye symptoms. Use them regularly throughout the day.
6. Limit Screen Time: Prolonged screen time can reduce your blink rate, which may worsen dry eye. Take frequent breaks using the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

Yes, untreated dry eye can lead to more serious eye conditions. Chronic dry eye can cause damage to the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, leading to scarring and vision impairment. It may also increase the risk of eye infections, as tears are essential for washing away debris and bacteria. In severe cases, dry eye can lead to chronic inflammation, further damaging the eye’s surface and impacting overall eye health. Therefore, it is crucial to seek treatment if you experience persistent dry eye symptoms to prevent potential complications.

Yes, children can experience dry eye, though it is less common than in adults. Factors such as screen time, environmental conditions, or underlying medical conditions can contribute to dry eye in children. The treatment approach for children is similar to that for adults but often requires more careful consideration of the child’s comfort and ability to follow treatment routines.

Choosing our clinic for dry eye treatment means you are entrusting your eye health to a team of dedicated professionals with extensive experience in diagnosing and treating dry eye syndrome. We utilize the latest technology to assess the severity of your dry eye and customize a treatment plan that meets your specific needs. Our comprehensive approach addresses the symptoms and targets the root causes of dry eye, ensuring long-term relief and better eye health. Whether you are dealing with mild discomfort or severe symptoms, we are committed to providing compassionate care and effective solutions to help you see and feel your best.

If you suffer from dry eye disease, contact Central Valley Eye Medical Group to learn about treatment options. Call us at 1.800.244.9907 to schedule your consultation. We serve Stockton, Manteca, and surrounding areas.