Dry eye is a common yet often misunderstood condition that affects millions of Americans every year. More than just a fleeting annoyance, dry eye can cause serious discomfort, visual disturbances, and even interfere with daily life. At Insight Vision Center Optometry in Costa Mesa, CA, we focus on diagnosing and treating dry eye with comprehensive and personalized care.
Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears lack the right balance of oil, water, and mucus to effectively keep your eyes lubricated. The causes of dry eye are diverse and can include:
Aging (especially in people over 50)
Hormonal changes (e.g., menopause)
Medications like antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure drugs
Autoimmune conditions like Sjogren’s syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis
Environmental factors like wind, smoke, or dry climates
Prolonged screen time
Eye surgeries, such as LASIK or cataract surgery
Dry eye can even affect just one eye, depending on local inflammation or gland dysfunction.
Symptoms vary from person to person but often include:
A scratchy, gritty sensation
Stinging or burning
Redness and irritation
Blurry vision or fluctuating clarity
Feeling like something is in your eye
Light sensitivity
Excessive tearing (a reflex response to dryness)
Visually, dry eyes may appear red or inflamed. Over time, this condition can lead to eye fatigue, headaches, and eye pain if left untreated.
Because tears help keep the surface of the eye smooth and clear, poor tear quality or quantity can lead to blurry vision. Dry eye may also increase glare and reduce contrast sensitivity, making tasks like reading or driving difficult.
While dry eye may not always be “curable,” it is very manageable with the right treatment. Many people find long-lasting relief through a combination of therapies and lifestyle changes.
An eye care provider will conduct a comprehensive eye evaluation. This may include:
A detailed patient history
A dilated eye exam
Tear production tests (e.g., Schirmer’s test)
Tear breakup time (TBUT)
Imaging of the meibomian glands
At Insight Vision Center Optometry, we use the latest diagnostic tools to determine the root causes and best treatments for each unique case.
Treatment depends on the severity and cause. Options include:
Over-the-counter and prescription eye drops (including preservative-free options)
Punctal plugs to retain moisture
Prescription medications to reduce inflammation or stimulate tear production
LipiFlow or other thermal pulsation devices to unclog meibomian glands
Therapeutic contact lenses
Nutritional supplements (like omega-3s)
Environmental modifications and blinking exercises
Most dry eye drops are safe for regular use, especially preservative-free formulations. Artificial tears, a common type of dry eye drop, are generally designed to temporarily lubricate the eyes. Some medicated drops target inflammation and can offer more long-term relief; however, these typically require a prescription and should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
No, dry eye drops are not addictive. However, overusing drops that contain preservatives can lead to irritation or worsen symptoms over time. For those who need to use drops frequently, preservative-free options are usually recommended.
Yes, but make sure the drops are labeled safe for contact lens use. There are specific formulations designed for contact lens wearers.
Dry eye can contribute to headaches, particularly from eye strain. While floaters aren’t typically caused by dry eye, visual disturbance from dryness can make existing floaters more noticeable. Under-eye bags can be worsened by inflammation and fatigue from chronic dry eye.
Yes—conditions like Sjogren’s syndrome cause both symptoms by attacking moisture-producing glands in the body. If you experience both, it’s important to seek a systemic evaluation.
Sometimes. Both conditions cause redness and irritation, but pink eye (conjunctivitis) typically includes discharge and is contagious, unlike dry eye.
Optometrists and ophthalmologists are qualified to diagnose and treat dry eye. At Insight Vision Center Optometry, our dry eye care team performs in-depth assessments to customize your care.
This depends on the cause. Temporary dry eye (like after surgery) often improves within weeks to months. Chronic cases require ongoing management but can be well controlled with appropriate care.
Dry eye doesn’t have to control your life. Whether you’ve just started experiencing symptoms or have been dealing with them for years, our team is ready to help you find relief. We’re proud to serve the Costa Mesa community and surrounding areas with compassionate, leading-edge care.
Call us today at (714) 486-3315 to schedule your evaluation or book online. Your comfort and clarity of vision are just a consultation away.
Clinical insight from our own Dr. Schramm We're excited to share a recent article written…
Whether you've been wearing glasses for years or you're a newcomer to the world of…
Insight Vision Center Optometry located at Costa Mesa, CA, is at the forefront of pediatric…
Most people think of eye exams as a way to check if they need glasses…
With so much of people's daily lives spent in front of screens, it's no wonder…
For patients with a history of radial keratotomy (RK), achieving clear and comfortable vision can…