Dry eye therapy
Find Lasting Relief for Dry, Irritated Eyes in San Rafael & San Francisco, CA
Do your eyes feel tired, scratchy, watery, or itchy? You may be dealing with dry eyes, a common condition that affects people of all ages. With the increasing demands of screen time and virtual meetings, dry eye is becoming an epidemic for both children and adults.
At Rising Star Optometry, we specialize in providing personalized solutions to help manage your dry eye symptoms. Book an appointment today, and we’ll guide you toward lasting relief.
Dry eyes occur when your tear film isn’t functioning properly, affecting the surface of your eye and causing discomfort. Your tear film has three important layers, each serving a unique role to keep your eyes healthy, hydrated, and comfortable:
Mucus Layer
The innermost layer that spreads tears evenly across the surface of the eye.
Aqueous Layer
The watery middle layer produced by your lacrimal glands that keeps your eyes hydrated.
Lipid Layer
The outermost layer made by your meibomian glands, which helps seal the tear film to prevent evaporation.
Understanding and treating your tear film layers can be essential for managing dry eye symptoms and restoring comfort to your eyes.
types of dry eye
Dry eye occurs when your tear film is compromised due to either insufficient tear production (evaporative dry eye) or poor tear quality (aqueous tear deficiency). Both conditions can lead to discomfort, irritation, and a decline in eye health. Understanding the underlying cause is key to effective treatment and relief.
common causes
Prolonged screen use, aging, allergies, laser eye surgery, poorly fitted contact lenses, and certain medications or conditions like blepharitis or autoimmune diseases can increase your risk of dry eye. If symptoms persist, consult your optometrist for effective care.
Are You At Risk?
You may be at higher risk for eye issues if you:
Dryness and Irritation: Persistent dryness, itching, or a gritty sensation in the eyes.
Visual Disturbances:
Blurred vision, difficulty focusing, or sensitivity to light.
REDNESS AND SWELLING:
inflamed eyes or swollen eyelids
EXCESS TEARING OR FATIGUE:
WATERY EYES, EYE STRAIN, OR FEELING TIRED AFTER VISUAL TASKS
UNDERSTANDING DRY EYE: THE ROLE OF YOUR TEAR FILM
Your tear film is essential for maintaining the health, comfort, and hydration of your eyes. It forms a protective layer over the eye's surface and plays a vital role in preventing dryness and irritation.
The tear film consists of three distinct layers, each with a specific function:
- Mucus Layer: The innermost layer ensures the even distribution of the tear film across the eye’s surface.
- Aqueous Layer: This watery middle layer, produced by the lacrimal glands, keeps the eyes hydrated and nourished.
- Lipid Layer: The outermost layer, made of oils from the meibomian glands, prevents tear evaporation by sealing in the moisture.
Each layer works together to keep your eyes healthy and comfortable. Disruption in any layer can contribute to dry eye symptoms.
Book your appointment at Rising Star Optometry today, and let us help you restore comfort and clarity to your vision.