Dry Eyes Treatment from Our Optometrist Near You in Fountain Valley, CA

Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common reasons people visit an eye doctor. Dry eyes result from producing an inadequate volume or quality of tears or when tears evaporate too quickly, causing our eyes to sting and feel uncomfortable. Dry eyes are more common among contact wearers, women over 50, those with eye-related allergies, and some autoimmune diseases. If you experience dry or itchy eyes and want help from an optometrist near you in Fountain Valley, CA, contact Fountain Valley Optometry.

Dry Eye Symptoms

Dry, itchy eyes are common and have many causes, including short-term environmental factors, so some people dismiss the symptoms. However, if eye pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision, or excessive eye discharge occur regularly, you should visit an eye doctor. These are signs of dry eye syndrome.

Diagnosing Dry Eyes

Optometrists diagnose dry eyes by understanding your symptoms, performing an eye exam, and conducting tests to measure your tears. One test measures tear volume using a paper strip placed under your eyelid for several minutes. The combination of information helps determine the severity and cause of your dry eyes and a possible treatment plan.

Dry Eye Treatments

Just as dry eye syndrome has multiple causes and severity levels, there are multiple common treatments.

Self-Care: Dry eyes are often treated through self-care, with patients gaining relief from nonprescription artificial tears, eye washing, and avoiding environmental factors such as smoke and wind. Additional steps are needed if the self-care treatments do not provide adequate relief.

Medications: Dry eyes respond well to prescription drops, sprays, or oral medications. Some patients gain relief using slow-dissolving gels placed under the eyelids that lubricate the eyes throughout the day.

Contact Lenses: Dry eyes are among the main reasons people cannot wear contact lenses. Scleral lenses, which rest on the whites of your eyes (the sclera), are designed to trap and retain moisture, allowing many opportunities to wear contacts.

Light therapy: The FDA-approved OptiLight Dry Eye Treatment pulses light and heat to release the clogged meibomian glands, which secrete lubricating oils in your eyes.

TearCare: An in-office treatment that clears the meibomian glands by warming the eyelids.

Treat Your Dry Eyes at Fountain Valley Optometry

If you are looking for an eye doctor near you in the Fountain Valley, CA, area, consider Fountain Valley Optometry. We welcome those experiencing dry eye syndrome and needing other vision care. We can provide a variety of treatments and services. Contact us today and start to see the difference.