If your eyes feel dry, gritty, or just plain uncomfortable, you’re not alone. Dry eye is one of the most common reasons patients visit the optometrist, especially in coastal areas like Wilmington, California.
Treating Dry Eyes in Wilmington, CA
Evaluation and Relief Near Avalon Blvd
At Wilmington Eye Care Optometry, we provide non-invasive solutions for dry eye symptoms. Whether your eyes burn after a long day or you wake up with irritation every morning, we’re here to help you feel better without pressure or unnecessary procedures.
What Causes Dry Eye?
Dry eye happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or the tears they do produce evaporate too quickly. It’s often caused by:
- Aging (especially after age 50)
- Extended screen time or close-up work
- Dry, windy, or dusty environments
- Contact lens wear
- Hormonal changes
- Certain medications or health conditions
When your tear film isn’t working how it should, your eyes can’t stay properly lubricated, leading to irritation, blurred vision, and that constant “something’s in my eye” feeling.
Common Dry Eye Symptoms
You might be dealing with dry eye if you’ve noticed:
- Burning, stinging, or gritty sensations
- Excessive tearing or watery eyes (yes, dry eye can cause this!)
- Eye redness or light sensitivity
- Blurry vision that clears when you blink
- Tired or strained eyes after reading or screen use
- A scratchy feeling, especially at the end of the day
These symptoms can range from mild to disruptive, but in most cases, they’re easily treatable with the right approach.
How We Diagnose Dry Eye
A dry eye evaluation is simple, comfortable, and usually takes just one visit. We’ll talk through your symptoms, check the health of your eye’s surface, and assess your tear production and stability. Your visit may include:
- A slit lamp exam to look for inflammation or tear evaporation.
- Review of your health history, screen time, and environment.
- Tear film evaluation to assess how your eyes produce and retain moisture.
We’ll take the time to explain everything we see, so you leave with a clear understanding of what’s going on and how we can help.
Treating Dry Eye at Wilmington Eye Care Optometry
Our goal is simple: to help your eyes feel better, without overcomplicating things. We focus on non-invasive treatments that work, whether you need short-term relief or longer-lasting support. Your dry eye care plan may include:
Artificial Tears
We’ll recommend the right type of over-the-counter or preservative-free drops to supplement your natural tear film and reduce irritation throughout the day.
Punctal Plugs
For patients with moderate to severe dryness, punctal plugs can help. These tiny inserts are placed in your tear ducts to help your eyes retain more moisture.
Lifestyle Tips
From screen-time breaks to air humidifiers, small changes at home and work can make a big difference. We’ll help you adjust your routine.
Lid Hygiene
If eyelid inflammation or debris is contributing to dryness, we may suggest gentle cleaning routines to keep the area clear and comfortable.
Warm Compress Therapy
Using a warm compress at home helps unblock oil glands in your eyelids and improves tear quality. We’ll walk you through how to use it safely and effectively.
Ready to Find Relief?
If you’re living with dry, burning, or watery eyes, don’t wait for it to get worse. At Wilmington Eye Care Optometry, we’ll help you understand what’s causing your symptoms and give you simple solutions that make a difference. Schedule your dry eye evaluation or call our office to get started.