At Refine Optometry in Palo Alto, we see this all the time. Whether you're glued to your screen or living in a dry climate, dry eye is becoming more common. The good news? You don’t have to just put up with it. Let’s break down what causes it and what actually helps.
What Exactly Is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye happens when your eyes don’t make enough tears—or the tears you do produce aren’t doing their job properly. Your tear film has three layers: oil, water, and mucus. If any of these layers are off, your eyes can feel irritated, tired, and uncomfortable.
Common symptoms include:
-
Burning or stinging
-
Gritty or sandy feeling
-
Redness
-
Light sensitivity
-
Blurry vision
-
Watery eyes (yes, too many tears can also mean dry eyes—your eyes may be overcompensating)
What Causes Dry Eye?
There’s no single cause, but here are some common ones:
-
Screens – Staring at a computer or phone reduces how often you blink, which leads to dryness.
-
Aging – Tear production naturally drops with age, especially after 50.
-
Contact lenses – Wearing them too long or not cleaning them properly can trigger dryness.
-
Environment – Windy, smoky, or dry air can make it worse.
-
Medications – Antihistamines, antidepressants, and even some acne meds can mess with tear production.
-
Medical conditions – Autoimmune diseases like Sjögren’s syndrome often go hand-in-hand with dry eye.
So, How Do You Treat Dry Eye?
This is where most people get stuck. You’ve tried eye drops, maybe even warm compresses, and still feel miserable. Let’s sort through what works—and what’s just a quick fix.
1. Artificial Tears (But Choose Wisely)
Not all eye drops are the same. Some just provide temporary moisture. If you're using them more than 4 times a day, switch to a preservative-free version to avoid irritation.
At Refine Optometry, we recommend drops based on your tear film type. We’re happy to help you find the right one.
2. Warm Compresses & Lid Hygiene
Sounds simple, but a clean, warm compress can help open up clogged Meibomian glands (the ones that secrete oil into your tears). Combine that with a gentle lid scrub, and you’re on your way to better tear quality.
Tip: Do this as part of your nightly routine. It only takes 5 minutes.
3. Omega-3 Supplements
There’s good science behind this. Omega-3s (like those from fish oil or flaxseed) can improve tear production and reduce inflammation. It’s not an overnight fix, but many patients notice a difference after a few weeks.
4. Environmental Fixes
Small changes at home or work make a big difference:
-
Use a humidifier
-
Avoid direct air from fans or AC units
-
Take screen breaks (the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds)
5. Prescription Eye Drops
If over-the-counter solutions aren’t cutting it, prescription drops like Restasis or Xiidra reduce inflammation and increase tear production. You’ll need to give them time—usually 6–12 weeks—but the results are worth it.
6. IPL Therapy (Intense Pulsed Light)
This is a game changer for many. IPL targets the inflammation around your eyelids and unclogs those oil glands. It’s safe, quick, and available right here in our Palo Alto office.
Many of our patients combine IPL with at-home treatments and notice major relief in just a few sessions.
7. Punctal Plugs
Yes, it sounds weird. But these tiny plugs block your tear ducts to keep more moisture on your eye. It’s a painless procedure and a great option if your eyes just don’t hold moisture long enough.
Treatments We Offer at Refine Optometry
We don’t do one-size-fits-all here. Every dry eye case is different, so our approach is personalized. Here's what we can do for you:
✅ Comprehensive dry eye exams
✅ Meibomian gland imaging
✅ IPL treatment
✅ Custom contact lens fittings for dry eye
✅ Punctal plug placement
✅ Tailored home care plans
Our clinic is in Palo Alto (Santa Clara County), and we’ve helped hundreds of patients finally feel comfortable behind the wheel, on Zoom calls, or just walking outside without that burning sensation.
How to Know If It’s Time to See an Eye Doctor
Let’s be honest—some people try to tough it out for way too long. But here’s when you should absolutely schedule a visit:
-
Your symptoms last longer than a few weeks
-
You rely on eye drops daily
-
Your eyes feel tired or blurry by lunchtime
-
You wear contacts and they feel uncomfortable
-
You’ve tried “everything” and nothing sticks
Dry eye won’t go away on its own. In many cases, it gets worse if ignored. The sooner you figure out the cause, the better the treatment works.
Final Thoughts: You Deserve Comfortable Vision
Managing dry eye isn’t about masking symptoms—it’s about fixing the root problem. At Refine Optometry, Dr. Joy Lam takes the time to understand what’s really going on with your eyes and build a care plan that works with your lifestyle.
If you’re tired of blinking through the blur or popping eye drops like candy, book an appointment with us. Let’s finally get your eyes back to feeling good again.
| Business Name | Refine Optometry |
| Location | 460 University Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94301 |
| [email protected] | |
| Contact | (650) 327-2020 |