Dry Eye
Expert diagnosis and treatment to relieve irritation, restore comfort, and protect your long-term eye health.
Dry eye is a common condition in which the eyes are insufficiently lubricated, leading to itching, redness and pain. The eyes can become dry and irritated because the tear ducts are not producing a sufficient number of tears, or because there is a chemical imbalance in the tears themselves. Natural tears require a particular chemical balance to lubricate the eyes efficiently.
Alleviating the symptoms of dry eye is important. Left untreated, they have the potential to damage vision. Dry eye can be diagnosed after a thorough examination of the eyes, and a Schirmer tear test to evaluate tear production.
Causes of Dry Eye
People usually begin experiencing dry-eye symptoms as they age (they are more common in people older than 50), but they can also result from certain medications, medical conditions or injuries. Dry eye tends to affect women more than men because of the hormonal changes that take place during pregnancy and menopause. Oral contraceptives can also affect the consistency of tears. Other causes of dry eye include the following:
- Antihistamines, decongestants and blood-pressure medications
- Rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, Sjögren’s syndrome and thyroid disease
- Environmental conditions such as smoke, wind or excessive sun
- Long-term contact lens use
- Eye injury
- Eye or eyelid surgery
- Inflammation of the eye (conjunctivitis or keratitis)
Any of these factors, alone or in combination, can affect the frequency or consistency of tears, either of which can lead to dry eye.
Symptoms of Dry Eye
The symptoms of dry eye typically occur in both eyes, and include the following:
- Stinging, burning or scratchiness
- Eye fatigue
- Sensitivity to light
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
- Excessive tearing
- Blurry vision
Dry eye can damage eye tissues, leaving tiny abrasions on the surface that can impair vision. There are, however, many treatments for relieving dry-eye symptoms, restoring eye health and protecting vision.
Treatment for dry eye depends on its cause and severity, as well as the patient’s overall health and personal preference.
Treatment of Dry Eye
Treatment for dry eye depends on its cause and severity, as well as the patient’s overall health and personal preference.
Nonsurgical Treatments
Nonsurgical treatments, which include the following, are often effective:
- Deliberately blinking
- Increasing humidity levels at home or work
- Using artificial tears or a lubricating ointment
- Avoiding environmental irritants
- Eliminating medications that may be responsible
- Adding Omega-3 fatty acids to the diet or taking them as supplements
In many cases, simple lifestyle changes can alleviate dry-eye symptoms.
Surgical Treatments
If less invasive methods are unsuccessful, surgical treatments, which include the following, may be an option:
- Insertion of punctal plugs to limit tear drainage
- Punctal cautery to permanently close the drainage holes
- Treatment of an underlying disease
If an eyelid condition is causing dry eye, eyelid surgery may be recommended.
Preventing of Dry Eye
There are steps that can be taken to prevent dry-eye symptoms. Simple lifestyle modifications such as wearing protective glasses on windy days, and giving the eyes a break during reading or other tasks that require intense focus, can effectively reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms.
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.
Schedule Your Consultation
Rediscover sharp, vivid vision with advanced cataract surgery at Cali Eye Institute.
Dr. Babak Shabatian and his team are committed to providing compassionate, customized care in Torrance, Ventura, and Lancaster.
We Are Members of:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is dry eye disease?
Dry eye is a common condition in which the eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears lack the proper chemical balance to keep the eyes adequately lubricated. This can lead to irritation, redness, discomfort, and blurred vision.
What causes dry eye?
Dry eye can be caused by aging, hormonal changes, certain medications, medical conditions, environmental factors, long-term contact lens use, or eye surgery. Women over age 50 are especially prone due to hormonal changes during menopause.
What are the most common symptoms of dry eye?
Common symptoms include burning or stinging sensations, scratchiness, eye fatigue, light sensitivity, blurred vision, excessive tearing, and difficulty wearing contact lenses. Symptoms typically affect both eyes.
How is dry eye diagnosed?
Dry eye is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination. Testing may include evaluating tear quality and quantity, such as with a Schirmer tear test, to measure tear production.
Can dry eye damage vision if left untreated?
Yes. If left untreated, dry eye can damage the surface of the eye, causing tiny abrasions that may impair vision and affect long-term eye health. Early diagnosis and treatment are important.
What treatments are available for dry eye at Cali Eye Institute?
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of dry eye. Options include artificial tears, lifestyle changes, dietary supplements like Omega-3s, punctal plugs, punctal cautery, and treatment of underlying conditions. Surgical options are available when nonsurgical methods are not effective.
Are there lifestyle changes that can help relieve dry eye?
Yes. Simple changes such as blinking more frequently, increasing indoor humidity, avoiding smoke and wind, taking breaks from screen use, and wearing protective eyewear can significantly reduce symptoms.
When is surgery recommended for dry eye?
Surgical treatments may be recommended if conservative therapies fail. Options include punctal plugs or punctal cautery to reduce tear drainage, or eyelid surgery if an eyelid condition is contributing to dry eye.
Where can I receive dry eye treatment at Cali Eye Institute?
Dry eye diagnosis and treatment are available at Cali Eye Institute locations in Torrance, Ventura, and Lancaster, providing expert care throughout Southern California.
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.