At MY OPTOMETRY in Tarzana, Dr. Shirazian, O.D. takes a more precise approach, evaluating why your eyes feel this way and creating an eye care treatment plan designed for lasting comfort.
Dry Eye Treatment That Addresses the Cause, Not Just the Symptoms
Do These Dry Eye Symptoms Sound Familiar?
Dry eye symptoms often become more noticeable as the day goes on, especially with screen use or in dry environments. Many patients experience dry, irritated, or tired eyes that require frequent use of eye drops, only to find that the relief does not last.
When Your Eyes Always Feel Irritated or Tired
Dry eye symptoms often come and go, but rarely fully resolve on their own. Many patients notice that their eyes feel worse later in the day, especially after screen use or in dry environments.
You may be experiencing:
- Burning or stinging that returns throughout the day
- A gritty or sandy sensation
- Fluctuating or inconsistent vision
- Eyes that feel tired, even with rest
- Temporary relief from drops that does not last
These patterns are common, and they usually point to an underlying issue that has not yet been fully identified.
Why Dry Eye Symptoms Keep Coming Back
Dry eye is not a single condition. It often develops when the tear system is not functioning as it should, even if your eyes appear normal at first glance.
In many cases, the issue is not simply a lack of tears, but how those tears are produced, distributed, or maintained. This can lead to:
- Tears that evaporate too quickly
- An unstable tear film that affects vision
- Inflammation that keeps symptoms recurring
- Imbalance in the natural oils that protect the eye surface
Because these factors vary from person to person, symptoms often persist when the underlying cause is not identified. Understanding what is driving your dryness is what allows treatment to become more effective and consistent.
How Dry Eye Is Treated at My Optometry
Dry eye treatment is based on what is causing your symptoms. Once the underlying issue is identified, care is tailored to improve comfort in a way that is consistent and long-term.
Punctal plugs are small, biocompatible devices placed in the tear drainage ducts. Their purpose is to help your eyes retain moisture for a longer period of time.
For patients whose tears drain too quickly, this can:
- Improve overall eye hydration
- Reduce dryness and irritation
- Allow natural tears to remain on the eye surface longer
The result is often more stable comfort throughout the day, especially for patients who feel their eyes dry out quickly.
The meibomian glands produce the oil layer of your tears, which helps prevent evaporation. When these glands are not functioning properly, tears can evaporate too quickly, even if tear production is normal.
Meibomian gland expression is a procedure that helps restore the flow of these natural oils.
This can:
- Improve tear stability
- Reduce dryness and fluctuating vision
- Increase comfort during prolonged screen use
By addressing the underlying gland function, this treatment often leads to more consistent relief.
Some cases of dry eye are driven by inflammation affecting the surface of the eye. In these situations, prescription medications such as Restasis or Xiidra may be recommended.
These treatments work over time to:
Reduce inflammation contributing to drynessImprove the eye’s ability to produce healthy tearsProvide more lasting relief compared to over-the-counter drops
Unlike temporary solutions, these medications are designed to improve the condition itself, not just mask symptoms.
Schedule a Dry Eye Evaluation With Our Optometrist in Tarzana
If you are experiencing ongoing dry, irritated, or tired eyes, it may be time to have them evaluated more closely. Dry eye symptoms often persist when the underlying cause is not identified, but targeted treatment can improve comfort and stability over time. Schedule a dry eye evaluation to understand what is affecting your eyes and begin a treatment plan designed for lasting relief.