Lakeport, CA
Dry Eye Specialist
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Dry Eye Specialist, Lakeport, CA
Find relief from dry, itchy, irritated eyes
Many of us experience dry, red, and watery eyes at some point in our lives, whether it’s from staring at screens for too long or living in a dry climate. Some people, however, have to deal with dry eyes every day. In some cases, symptoms may improve when you stop taking a medication that causes dry eyes or take frequent breaks from screens. However, if your symptoms don’t get better, you may have dry eye syndrome. If you struggle with dry eye, our dry eye specialist in Lakeport offers a range of treatments to help our patients in Lake and Mendocino County find lasting relief.
What is dry eye syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome, also known as dry eye disease, is a chronic condition that occurs when your eyes are unable to produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead to discomfort and even damage to the surface of your eyes. That’s why it’s important to seek professional help if you suspect you may have this condition.
Common dry eye symptoms in Lakeport, CA
Dry eye can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms that affect your vision quality and overall eye health. Here are some common symptoms of dry eye:
- A stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation in the eyes
- Stringy mucus in or around the eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurry vision or eye fatigue
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
- Feeling like there’s something in your eye
- Watery eyes (as a reflex to dryness)
- Redness in the eyes
- Eye discomfort after focusing for long periods
Causes of dry eyes in Lakeport, CA
Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is the most common cause of dry eyes. Meibomian glands are small oil-producing glands found along the edges of the eyelids. These glands produce the oily layer of your tear film that helps prevent tears from evaporating too quickly. When these glands are not functioning properly, it can lead to an unstable tear film and dry eyes.
Other causes of dry eye include:
- Aging
- Contact lens wear
- Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids)
- Hormonal changes in women during pregnancy or after menopause
- Environmental factors like exposure to wind, smoke, dry air, or air conditioning
- Poor blinking habits while staring at screens or reading for long periods
- Certain medications like antihistamines, decongestants, and antidepressants
- Health conditions such as autoimmune diseases (e.g., Sjögren’s syndrome), diabetes, thyroid disorders, or blepharitis
How is dry eye disease diagnosed?
When you come in for an eye exam at Konocti View Optometry, our experienced eye doctor will take the time to listen to your symptoms and concerns about dry eyes. We’ll ask you about your medical history, lifestyle factors, and any medications you may be taking that could contribute to dry eye symptoms. Your comprehensive eye exam will also include tests such as measuring the quantity and quality of your tears, evaluating your overall eye health, and assessing any underlying conditions that could be causing your dry eye symptoms.
Dry eye treatment in Lakeport, CA
Treatment for dry eye will depend on its severity and underlying cause. If your eyes occasionally feel dry or scratchy, this may be a temporary situation if your dry eye is caused by environmental factors. But for many, dry eye is a chronic issue that requires ongoing care. At Konocti View Optometry, we offer a variety of dry eye treatment options in Lakeport to help you find relief.
Our treatment options include:
Punctal plugs
These are tiny devices inserted into the tear ducts to block drainage and keep your eyes moist. This simple procedure can provide long-lasting relief from dry eye symptoms and improve your overall eye health.
Meibomian gland expression
This procedure involves applying gentle pressure to the eyelids to release blockages in the glands that produce oil for your tears. By clearing these blockages, we can improve your tear quality and reduce dryness and irritation in your eyes.
Lid debridement
During lid debridement, our eye doctor will gently remove any debris or bacteria that may be blocking your oil glands. This can help improve the flow of oils onto the surface of your eyes and reduce inflammation.
Dry eye masks
These masks provide soothing heat therapy to help open up blocked oil glands and increase tear production. Using a dry eye mask regularly can help relieve dryness and irritation while also improving overall eye health.
Managing dry eyes is an ongoing process that requires regular monitoring and adjustments to your treatment plan as needed. We encourage you to schedule follow-up appointments so we can track your progress and make any necessary changes to ensure that you are receiving the best possible care for your dry eyes.
Visit our dry eye specialist in Lakeport
Do you suffer from dry eye symptoms like redness, irritation, or a gritty feeling in your eyes? Schedule an appointment at Konocti View Optometry in Lakeport, California today! Our eye doctor will help you find the right treatment for your eyes so you can see clearly and comfortably again.