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Dry Eye Treatment in Lakeport
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.¹ 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.
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Common dry eye symptoms
Dry eye can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms that affect your vision quality and overall eye health.² 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
There are many causes of dry eye. Meibomian gland dysfunction (when the meibomian glands in the eyelids get clogged) and blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids) are the most common. These conditions are typically treated with warm compresses and omega-3 supplements to help support healthier oil flow and improve tear quality.
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, Dr. Boyd will take the time to listen to your symptoms and concerns about dry eyes. We also diagnose and treat ocular allergies, which can often mimic or worsen dry eye symptoms.
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 at Konocti View Optometry
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 slow drainage when not enough tears are being produced. 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 gently removes buildup along the eyelid margin, including dead skin cells, debris, and bacteria that can block the oil glands. Clearing this buildup helps improve the flow of healthy oils into your tear film, which can reduce dryness, irritation, and 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.
In some cases, autoimmune disorders and certain medications can contribute significantly to dry eye symptoms. If necessary, we may recommend prescription dry eye drops such as Restasis, Xiidra, or Cequa to help improve tear production and manage inflammation.
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 today! Our eye doctor will help you find the right treatment for your eyes so you can see clearly and comfortably again.
Frequently asked questions about dry eye
Is it dry eye or allergies? How can I tell?
Dry eye and allergies can feel similar, but there are a few key differences. Allergies often come with itching, seasonal flare-ups, and sometimes puffy eyelids. Dry eye is more commonly associated with burning, stinging, gritty discomfort, and fluctuating vision. Some people experience both conditions at the same time, which can make symptoms feel more intense.
Why are my eyes watering if they are actually dry?
This is a very common question. When the eyes are dry or irritated, they may produce excess watery tears as a reflex response. These reflex tears are often low quality and don’t properly coat the eye, so dryness and irritation can persist even though your eyes are watery.
How long do dry eyes last?
Dry eye is often a chronic condition, meaning it can last long-term if the underlying cause isn’t addressed. Symptoms may come and go or vary in intensity depending on factors like environment, screen time, medications, or gland function. With proper treatment, many patients experience significant and lasting improvement.
When should I seek medical attention for dry eye treatment?
You should schedule an exam if your symptoms are persistent, worsening, or interfering with daily activities like reading, driving, or wearing contact lenses. It’s also important to seek care if you notice blurred vision, eye pain, or if over-the-counter drops are no longer providing relief.
Can I use over-the-counter drops for dry eye?
Yes, artificial tears can help relieve mild or occasional dryness. We typically recommend preservative-free drops if you are using them frequently. However, OTC drops only manage symptoms temporarily and do not address underlying causes such as meibomian gland dysfunction or inflammation. If symptoms continue, a comprehensive evaluation is recommended.