Dry Eye Treatment

If you live in Irvine or the surrounding Orange County area and struggle with dry, irritated, or watery eyes, you’re not alone. Dry eye is a common condition that affects people of all ages and lifestyles, especially in Southern California where sunny weather, air conditioning, and extended screen time can make symptoms even worse. At Canyon Optometry, Dr. Kirolos Fahmy is committed to helping patients in Irvine find personalized, lasting relief from dry eye.
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What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye occurs when your eyes do not produce enough quality tears to keep the surface properly lubricated. This lack of adequate moisture can lead to discomfort, blurry vision, and long-term damage if left untreated. Dry eye can be chronic and progressive, but the good news is that it is treatable with the right approach.

Common Causes of Dry Eye

Dry eye can be caused by a variety of factors that affect either the quantity or quality of your tears. Some of the most common causes include:

• Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD): These glands along the edge of the eyelids produce the oil layer of your tear film. When they become blocked or inflamed, tears evaporate too quickly, leading to dryness.

• Blepharitis: Chronic inflammation of the eyelid margins can interfere with proper oil secretion and contribute to dry eye symptoms.

• Contact Lens Use: Prolonged contact lens wear can disrupt the tear film and reduce overall eye moisture, especially in dry environments.

• Eye Surgery: Procedures such as LASIK, cataract surgery, or other refractive surgeries can temporarily or permanently affect nerve sensitivity and tear production.

• Allergies: Seasonal or environmental allergies can irritate the eyes and destabilize the tear film, causing or worsening dry eye symptoms.

• Aging: Tear production naturally decreases with age, particularly after age 50.

• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal shifts, especially during menopause, can significantly impact tear production and gland function.

• Medications: Certain medications, including antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and blood pressure drugs, can reduce tear production.

• Autoimmune Conditions: Diseases like Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus can impair tear glands and contribute to severe dry eye.

• Nutritional Deficiencies: Inadequate intake of vitamin A or omega-3 fatty acids may impair tear quality and production.
  
  

Understanding these potential causes is essential for creating a customized treatment plan that addresses the specific reason behind your dry eye.

Recognizing Dry Eye Symptoms

Dry eye symptoms can vary but often include:

• A gritty, burning, or stinging sensation

• Redness or irritation

• Blurry or fluctuating vision

• Excessive tearing

• Sensitivity to light

• Eye fatigue or discomfort with screen time
  
  

These symptoms can impact your daily life, but personalized care can make a difference.

How is Dry Eye Diagnosed?

Accurate diagnosis is key to effective dry eye treatment. At Canyon Optometry, Dr. Fahmy uses advanced diagnostic tools to assess the quantity and quality of your tears, examine the health of your meibomian glands, and evaluate the ocular surface. By identifying the root cause, we can create a treatment plan that targets the source of your symptoms.

Dry Eye Treatment Options

Treatment is based on the underlying cause and severity of your condition. Options may include:

• Eyelid Hygiene: Daily lid cleansing and warm compresses can reduce inflammation and unblock glands.

• Prescription Eye Drops: Medications t can reduce inflammation and improve tear production.

• Nutritional Supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids may improve meibomian gland function and tear stability.

• Scleral Lenses: These specialized contact lenses create a moisture reservoir to protect and hydrate the eye.

• Punctal Plugs: Tiny inserts placed in the tear ducts to retain natural tears on the eye surface.

• OptiLight IPL Therapy: This FDA-approved light-based treatment addresses inflammation and meibomian gland dysfunction to restore tear film balance.
  
  

Comprehensive Dry Eye Care in Irvine, CA

At Canyon Optometry, we are dedicated to helping patients find real relief from dry eye. By combining thorough diagnostics with a personalized treatment approach, Dr. Fahmy and his team help patients manage and overcome dry eye symptoms using both advanced technology and time-tested therapies.

If you are struggling with dry, irritated, or watery eyes, schedule a dry eye evaluation at Canyon Optometry and get started on a personalized treatment plan