Dry Eyes Treatment
Find Lasting Relief From Dry, Irritated Eyes
Personalized Dry Eye Treatment
Dry eye syndrome can develop for many different reasons, which is why there is no single treatment that works for everyone. The most effective approach begins with identifying the underlying cause of your symptoms, whether it’s reduced tear production, excessive tear evaporation, meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), environmental factors, or an underlying medical condition.
At Cali Eye Institute, we take a personalized approach to dry eye treatment. During your comprehensive evaluation, we assess your tear production, tear quality, ocular surface health, lifestyle, and overall eye health to better understand what’s causing your symptoms.
Based on these findings, we create a customized treatment plan designed to relieve discomfort, improve tear stability, and support your long-term eye health. Our goal is not only to provide lasting symptom relief but also to address the underlying cause of your dry eye whenever possible.
Nonsurgical Dry Eye Treatments
Artificial Tears and Lubricating Eye Drops
Artificial tears help supplement the eye’s natural tear film and provide temporary relief from dryness, irritation, and discomfort.
Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your doctor may recommend:
- Over-the-counter artificial tears
- Preservative-free lubricating drops
- Lubricating ointments for overnight use
Regular use can help improve comfort and support a healthier ocular surface.
Lifestyle and Environmental Modifications
Simple changes to daily habits can often reduce dry eye symptoms and improve tear retention.
Your treatment plan may include recommendations such as:
- Deliberately blinking more frequently, especially during screen use
- Increasing humidity levels at home or work
- Taking breaks during reading and computer use
- Avoiding smoke, wind, and other environmental irritants
- Wearing protective eyewear outdoors
- Staying well hydrated throughout the day
For many patients, these adjustments can provide meaningful symptom relief.
Nutritional Support
Diet can play an important role in supporting tear production and ocular surface health.
Your doctor may recommend:
- Increasing dietary intake of Omega-3 fatty acids
- Taking Omega-3 supplements
- Maintaining a balanced diet that supports overall eye health
Nutritional support is often used alongside other treatments to improve long-term symptom management.
Advanced Dry Eye Treatments
Punctal Plugs
Tears normally drain through small openings called puncta located in the eyelids.
Punctal plugs are tiny devices placed into these drainage channels to help retain tears on the surface of the eye for a longer period.
Benefits may include:
- Improved tear retention
- Reduced dryness
- Increased comfort
- Longer-lasting symptom relief
The procedure is quick, minimally invasive, and performed in the office.
Punctal Cautery
Tears normally drain through small openings called the puncta located in the eyelids. For patients with more severe or persistent dry eye, punctal cautery permanently closes these drainage openings, allowing natural tears to remain on the surface of the eye for a longer period and improve lubrication.
Benefits may include:
- Improved tear retention
- Reduced dry eye symptoms
- Increased eye comfort
- Longer-lasting moisture on the eye surface
Early intervention often provides the best opportunity to preserve vision and reduce the risk of more severe vision loss.
Eyelid Surgery
Healthy eyelids play an important role in spreading tears evenly across the surface of the eye and preventing tears from evaporating too quickly. When eyelid abnormalities interfere with normal tear distribution or eyelid function, surgical correction may be recommended to improve lubrication and protect the ocular surface.
Benefits may include:
- Improved tear distribution
- Reduced dry eye symptoms
- Better eyelid function
- Enhanced long-term eye comfort
The procedure is customized to your specific eyelid condition, and your ophthalmologist will determine whether eyelid surgery is an appropriate option based on the underlying cause and severity of your dry eye symptoms.
What to Expect During Your Evaluation
Your dry eye evaluation begins with a comprehensive examination designed to identify the underlying cause of your symptoms rather than simply treating the discomfort. Because dry eye can result from several different factors, a thorough evaluation is essential for developing the most effective treatment plan.
During your visit, your ophthalmologist will carefully assess your tear production, tear quality, eyelid function, and the overall health of your ocular surface. We’ll also discuss your symptoms, daily activities, medical history, and environmental factors that may be contributing to your condition. After your examination, we’ll explain our findings and recommend a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and long-term eye health.
Your evaluation may include:
- Review of Symptoms and Medical History – Discuss your symptoms, medications, medical conditions, and lifestyle habits that may affect tear production.
- Comprehensive Eye Examination – Evaluate your overall eye health and check for conditions associated with dry eye.
- Tear Film Evaluation – Assess the quantity and quality of your tears to determine the type and severity of dry eye.
- Eyelid Assessment – Examine the eyelids and meibomian glands for signs of blockage or dysfunction.
- Ocular Surface Examination – Inspect the cornea and conjunctiva for irritation, inflammation, or damage caused by dry eye.
- Lifestyle and Environmental Review – Identify factors such as screen time, contact lens wear, workplace conditions, and environmental exposures that may worsen symptoms.
This detailed evaluation allows us to accurately diagnose the cause of your dry eye and create a customized treatment plan focused on providing lasting relief and improving your overall eye comfort.
Benefits of Dry Eye Treatment
Treating dry eye can do more than relieve discomfort, it can improve the health of the eye’s surface, enhance visual quality, and make everyday activities more comfortable. By addressing the underlying cause of dry eye, many patients experience lasting relief and healthier eyes.
Lasting Symptom Relief
Treatment helps reduce burning, irritation, dryness, and the gritty sensation commonly associated with dry eye.
Improved Tear Stability
A healthier tear film keeps the eyes better lubricated and helps maintain consistent moisture throughout the day.
Clearer, More Comfortable Vision
Reducing tear film instability can improve visual clarity and minimize fluctuations in vision.
Greater Everyday Comfort
Reading, computer use, driving, and other daily activities often become more comfortable with properly treated dry eye.
Healthier Eye Surface
Managing inflammation and improving lubrication helps protect the cornea and supports long-term eye health.
Better Quality of Life
With healthier, more comfortable eyes, many patients enjoy improved productivity, greater comfort, and a better overall quality of life.
Serving Torrance, Lancaster & Ventura
Cali Eye Institute is proud to offer advanced cataract care across multiple locations in Southern California, making it easier for patients to access expert treatment close to home.
- Torrance – Cali Eye Institute
- Lancaster – Lancaster Eye Institute
- Ventura – Anacapa Vision
Across all locations, our experienced ophthalmologists use the latest technology, including laser-assisted techniques, to provide precise, personalized care. We focus on understanding your unique vision needs and guiding you through every step of the process to help achieve the best possible outcome.
About Babak Shabatian – Dry Eye Treatment
Dry eye is a common but often frustrating condition that can affect comfort, vision quality, and daily life. Dr. Babak Shabatian, founder of Cali Eye Institute, provides personalized evaluation and treatment for dry eye patients in Torrance, Lancaster, and Ventura.
Rather than treating dry eye as a simple irritation, Dr. Shabatian looks at the underlying causes, such as tear film imbalance, inflammation, or eyelid gland dysfunction. This allows him to design treatment plans that address the root of the problem instead of just temporary symptoms.
Dry eye symptoms can vary widely from person to person, which is why Dr. Shabatian focuses on detailed assessment and customized care. Treatment may include medical therapy, in-office procedures, or lifestyle recommendations depending on each patient’s condition and severity.
With extensive training in ophthalmology, including residency leadership as Chief Resident and fellowship experience in retinal diseases, Dr. Shabatian brings a comprehensive understanding of both surface and internal eye health. This helps him take a more complete approach to long-term eye comfort and stability.
Through Cali Eye Institute and its affiliated locations, Lancaster Eye Institute and Anacapa Vision, Dr. Shabatian is committed to helping patients find lasting relief from dry eye symptoms and improve overall visual comfort in daily life.
Office Information
Cali Eye Institute, Torrance, CA
19000 Hawthorne Blvd, Suite 100
Torrance, CA 90503
Tel: 310-909-8880
Office Hours
Monday-Thursday: 8:30am-5:00pm
Friday: 8:30am-4:30pm
Lancaster Eye Institute, Lancaster, CA
1739 W Avenue J
Lancaster, CA 93534
Tel: (661) 940-0555
Office Hours
Monday - Thursday: 8:30am-5:00pm
Friday: 8:30am-4:30pm
Anacapa Vision, Ventura, CA
1280 S. Victoria Ave., Ste. 160
Ventura, CA 93003-6504
Tel: (805) 658-3937
Office Hours
Mondays and Fridays: 8am-3pm
Tuesdays - Thursday: 8am-4pm
Why Choose Cali Eye for Diabetic Eye Disease Treatment
Advanced Retinal Imaging Technology
We utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to identify retinal changes early and monitor treatment progress accurately.
Comprehensive Treatment Options
From medication injections and laser therapy to advanced surgical care, we offer a full range of diabetic eye disease treatments.
Personalized Care Plans
Every patient receives an individualized treatment strategy based on their retinal findings and overall health.
Experienced Retinal Specialists
Our team has extensive experience diagnosing and managing diabetic retinopathy and its complications.
Convenient Locations
With offices in Torrance, Lancaster, and Ventura, accessing expert laser cataract care is simple and convenient.
Ongoing Monitoring and Support
Diabetic eye disease requires long-term management. We provide continuous monitoring and follow-up care to help protect your vision for years to come.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best treatment for dry eye?
The best treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of your condition. Treatment may include artificial tears, lifestyle changes, punctal plugs, nutritional support, or other therapies.
Are artificial tears safe to use every day?
Many artificial tears are safe for regular use. Your doctor can recommend the most appropriate option for your specific needs.
What are punctal plugs?
Punctal plugs are tiny devices inserted into the tear drainage openings to help keep tears on the eye longer and improve moisture retention.
Can diet affect dry eye symptoms?
Yes. Omega-3 fatty acids and proper nutrition may help support tear production and improve ocular surface health in some patients.
Is dry eye a permanent condition?
Dry eye is often a chronic condition, but symptoms can frequently be managed successfully with appropriate treatment and lifestyle modifications.
When should I seek treatment for dry eye?
If dryness, irritation, redness, fluctuating vision, or discomfort are affecting your daily life, a comprehensive dry eye evaluation can help determine the most effective treatment options.
Does insurance cover dry eye treatment?
Most medical evaluations and treatments for dry eye are covered by insurance when medically necessary. Coverage may vary depending on the treatment type, and details can be discussed during your consultation.