Dry Eye

Dry eye can affect much more than comfort. It can cause burning, stinging, watering, redness, irritation, blurry vision, light sensitivity, and eye fatigue. For many patients, symptoms become worse with screen use, reading, driving, contact lens wear, or dry environments.

At InnoVision Optometry, we take a personalized approach to dry eye care. Instead of only recommending artificial tears, Dr. Steven Su evaluates the possible causes of your symptoms and creates a treatment plan based on your eyes, lifestyle, and long-term needs.

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye occurs when your tears do not provide enough moisture, stability, or protection for the surface of the eyes. Some patients do not produce enough tears, while others have poor tear quality that evaporates too quickly.

One common cause of dry eye is meibomian gland dysfunction, where the oil glands in the eyelids do not release enough healthy oil into the tear film. Without a stable tear film, the eyes can become irritated, inflamed, watery, or blurry.

​​​​​​​Because dry eye can have different causes, the best treatment depends on identifying what is contributing to your symptoms.

Common Dry Eye Symptoms

You may benefit from a dry eye evaluation if you experience:

• Burning or stinging
• Redness or irritation
• Watery eyes
• A gritty or sandy feeling
• Blurry or fluctuating vision
• Eye fatigue
• Light sensitivity
• Contact lens discomfort
• Tired eyes after computer use
• A feeling that something is in your eye

Some patients are surprised to learn that watery eyes can be a sign of dry eye. When the surface of the eye becomes irritated, the eyes may produce reflex tears, but those tears may not provide lasting relief.

What Causes Dry Eye?

Dry eye can be caused or worsened by many factors, including:

• Long hours on screens
• Reduced blinking
• Aging
• Contact lens wear
• Allergies
• Eyelid inflammation
• Meibomian gland dysfunction
• Dry or windy environments
• Certain medications
• Hormonal changes
• Autoimmune conditions
• Previous eye surgery

During your evaluation, Dr. Su will review your symptoms, health history, medications, lifestyle, and exam findings to better understand what may be contributing to your dry eye.

Advanced Dry Eye Evaluation

At InnoVision Optometry, Dr. Su may recommend additional testing to better evaluate your tear film, eyelids, meibomian glands, and ocular surface. Our office uses the CA-800 Corneal Topographer with dry eye analysis to help identify signs of tear film instability and meibomian gland dysfunction.

A more detailed evaluation helps us better understand the cause of your symptoms and recommend a treatment plan that is more specific to your condition.

Dry Eye Treatment Options

Dry eye treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Depending on your symptoms and exam findings, treatment may include:

Artificial Tears and Lubricating Drops

For mild symptoms, preservative-free artificial tears may help improve comfort and reduce irritation.

Lifestyle and Screen Use Adjustments

Improving blink habits, taking screen breaks, staying hydrated, and reducing exposure to dry air may help support tear film stability.

Warm Compresses and Lid Hygiene

When eyelid inflammation or oil gland blockage contributes to symptoms, warm compresses and proper eyelid cleaning may be recommended.

Prescription Eye Drops

For certain types of dry eye, prescription medications may be recommended to reduce inflammation or improve tear production.

Treatment for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

If the oil glands in the eyelids are not functioning properly, Dr. Su may recommend targeted care to help improve oil flow and tear film quality.

Contact Lens Adjustments

If dry eye is affecting your contact lens comfort, we may discuss different lens materials, wearing schedules, daily disposable lenses, or dry eye treatment before continuing contact lens wear.

Why Proper Diagnosis Matters

Dry eye symptoms can come from different causes, and using random over-the-counter drops may only provide temporary relief. A proper dry eye evaluation allows Dr. Su to determine whether your symptoms are related to tear quality, tear production, inflammation, eyelid health, contact lens wear, allergies, or another eye condition.

The goal is to treat the underlying cause whenever possible, not just mask the symptoms.

When Should You Schedule a Dry Eye Evaluation?

You should consider scheduling a dry eye evaluation if your symptoms are frequent, affecting your daily activities, interfering with contact lens wear, or not improving with over the-counter drops.

Dry eye can become chronic if left untreated. Earlier evaluation can help prevent symptoms from worsening and help protect the comfort and health of the ocular surface.

​​​​​​​Schedule a Dry Eye Evaluation

You do not have to live with burning, irritated, watery, or tired eyes. Schedule a dry eye evaluation at InnoVision Optometry in Rowland Heights to learn what may be causing your symptoms and which treatment options may be right for you.