Dry eye is one of the most common conditions we treat at Dr. Holbert & Associates. If your eyes frequently feel gritty, burn, water excessively, or your vision blurs when reading or using a screen, you may have dry eye disease.
What Causes Dry Eye?
Dry eye occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when your tears evaporate too quickly. Common causes include aging (especially in women over 50), prolonged screen use, certain medications like antihistamines and blood pressure drugs, environmental factors like wind and dry indoor air, contact lens wear, and meibomian gland dysfunction, a condition where the oil glands in your eyelids become blocked.
How We Diagnose Dry Eye
At your appointment, your optometrist will evaluate your tear production, tear quality, and the health of your eyelid glands. We use advanced diagnostic tools to identify the specific type and severity of your dry eye so we can create a targeted treatment plan.
Treatment Options
Depending on the cause and severity of your dry eye, your treatment may include preservative-free artificial tears, prescription anti-inflammatory eye drops (such as Restasis or Xiidra), warm compress therapy and lid hygiene for meibomian gland dysfunction, nutritional supplements (omega-3 fatty acids), punctal plugs to help retain your natural tears, or adjustments to your contact lens type and wearing schedule.
Do Not Ignore Dry Eye
Left untreated, chronic dry eye can damage the surface of your eyes and affect your quality of life. If over-the-counter drops are not providing relief, it is time for a professional evaluation.
Schedule at any of our three locations
- San Jose (Oakridge Mall): 408.281.3381
- Santa Clara (Valley Fair): 408.243.9394
- Sunnyvale: 408.245.5725