Dry Eye

Dry Eye Clinic

Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common eye conditions in the United States. Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential to provide relief and prevent ocular damage from this often debilitating eye condition.

Saddleback Eye Medical Associates is a leading ophthalmology facility delivering high quality eye care services, including treatment of dry eyes. Our board-certified ophthalmologists and optometrists have the education, training, and experience to provide dry eye exams and treatment for our patients. Since 1979, our team of eye doctors has taken pride in building lasting relationships with our patients and providing the utmost patient care.

What Is Dry Eyes?

Dry eye syndrome occurs when the eyes don’t produce enough tears or the right quality of tears to keep the front surface of the eye moist. Having dry eyes can be a natural function of aging, but it is not uncommon to see in younger patients, especially contact lens wearers. Although it impacts both men and women, it is more prevalent in women after menopause. Dry eyes may also be associated with autoimmune diseases (i.e. rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or Sjogrens’s Syndrome), from taking certain medications, and environmental conditions such as living in dry, dusty, or windy climates with low humidity.

Some common signs and symptoms that may indicate dry eyes include:

• Scratchy or sandy feeling in the eye
• Foreign body sensation in the eye
• Stinging or burning
• Sensitivity to light
• Fluctuating vision
• Stringy mucus
• Eye redness
• Excessive tearing
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is when the meibomian glands that line the upper and lower eyelids become blocked and do not secrete enough oil into the tear film. The oil layer in the tear film is essential to prevent tears from evaporating off the front surface of the eye. A lack of oil secretion can cause dryness. About 86% of dry eye syndrome is due to MGD.

Dry Eye Exam with Our Orange County Dry Eye Ophthalmologist Specialists

Our Orange County dry eye doctors will begin with a thorough eye exam in order to check for dry eyes. They will thoroughly examine your eyelids and the front surface of your eye to make an accurate assessment of the severity of your dry eye syndrome.

Treating Dry Eye Syndrome

After conducting a thorough dry eye evaluation, our doctors will come up with a specific treatment plan to help treat, manage, and relieve the symptoms associated with your dry eyes. Most treatment for dry eye syndrome focuses on relieving the symptoms. However, our doctors will help you find a customized treatment and management plan to not only relieve symptoms, but try to solve the foundational issue of dry eye syndrome as well. to help control dry eye. Some common treatments include:

• Use of artificial tears
• Use of ointments
• Meibomian gland expression (home treatment or in-office)
• Surgical intervention to close the tear drainage ducts in more severe cases

A Trusted Dry Eye Care Specialist in Orange County

If you are looking for a highly qualified, experienced eye care specialist who specifically deals with patients suffering from dry eye syndrome in Orange County, then contact Saddleback Eye Medical Associates. Our doctors are board-certified ophthalmologists and optometrists with extensive background in providing eye care services for patients suffering from dry eyes, as well as treating ocular diseases, and providing exceptional operative care.

Call Us to Schedule an Appointment

If you are experiencing dry eyes or any other vision changes, contact us today to schedule a dry eye evaluation with one of our experienced Saddleback eye doctors. We pride ourselves in using the most advanced surgical technology and providing the highest standard of care for our patients.

For more information, call Saddleback Eye Medical Associates at 949-364-0225.

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/dry-eye-treatment