Dry Eye Evaluation & Treatment in Santa Monica
What Is Dry Eye Disease?
Dry eye disease is a chronic condition in which the eyes do not produce enough quality tears or tears evaporate too quickly. This leads to inflammation of the ocular surface and symptoms that can fluctuate throughout the day.
Dry eye is common and often underdiagnosed, especially in people who use digital devices regularly or live in dry or windy environments.
Common Symptoms of Dry Eye
Dry eye disease may cause:
Burning or stinging eyes
Gritty, sandy, or foreign-body sensation
Redness or irritation
Excessive tearing (a reflex response to dryness)
Blurry or fluctuating vision
Eye fatigue, especially with screen use
Discomfort with contact lenses
Symptoms may be mild or persistent and can worsen over time without proper treatment.
What Causes Dry Eye?
Dry eye often results from a combination of factors, including:
Meibomian gland dysfunction (oil layer deficiency)
Reduced tear production
Excessive tear evaporation
Prolonged screen use and reduced blinking
Hormonal changes
Certain medications or medical conditions
Because dry eye has multiple underlying causes, effective treatment requires a targeted evaluation.
Dry Eye Care in Santa Monica
In Santa Monica, environmental factors such as wind exposure, screen-heavy work environments, and lifestyle demands can contribute to dry eye symptoms across all age groups.
At OptiHealth Optometry, dry eye care focuses on identifying the specific cause of symptoms rather than relying on one-size-fits-all treatments.
How Dry Eye Is Evaluated
Dr. Irina Yakubin, OD performs a comprehensive dry eye evaluation to assess both tear quality and ocular surface health.
An evaluation may include assessment of:
Tear film stability and quality
Eyelid and meibomian gland function
Ocular surface inflammation
Blink patterns
Environmental and lifestyle contributors
Coexisting conditions such as digital eye strain
This approach allows for personalized treatment planning.
Dry Eye Treatment Options
Treatment recommendations are individualized and may include:
In-office therapies
Prescription eye drops or medications
Eyelid hygiene and warm compress routines
Management of contributing factors such as screen use
Long-term maintenance strategies to reduce flare-ups
Dry eye is a chronic condition, but with proper management, symptoms can be significantly improved and stabilized.
When Should You Schedule a Dry Eye Evaluation?
You should consider a dry eye evaluation if you:
Experience persistent irritation or discomfort
Have fluctuating or blurry vision
Rely on artificial tears frequently
Struggle with contact lens comfort
Notice symptoms worsening with screen use
Early evaluation can help prevent progression and protect long-term eye health.
Schedule a Dry Eye Evaluation
If you’re experiencing dry, irritated, or uncomfortable eyes, we welcome you to schedule an eye exam or contact our office with questions.