Dry Eye Treatment in Sherman Oaks

Dry Eye Treatment in Sherman Oaks

At RevitalEyes Optometry, we provide evidence-based care for dry eye disease and ocular surface discomfort. Our California-licensed optometrists evaluate likely contributors—such as meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), inflammation, and tear film instability—so your care plan is tailored to your symptoms and lifestyle.

Common Dry Eye Symptoms

Dry eye can affect both comfort and vision. Patients often report:

• Burning, stinging, or gritty / “sand in the eye” sensation
• Redness, irritation, or fluctuating blurry vision
• Excess tearing (reflex tearing)
• Light sensitivity and eye fatigue, especially with screens
• Contact lens discomfort or reduced wearing time

Why Dry Eye Happens

Dry eye occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly. Common contributors include:

• MGD (oil gland dysfunction): reduced oil quality can increase tear evaporation
• Inflammation: chronic surface inflammation can disrupt tear stability
• Screen use: reduced blink rate increases dryness
• Environmental factors: wind, smoke, dry air, and air conditioning
• Contact lens wear and prior refractive surgery (e.g., LASIK/PRK)
• Medications & health conditions: some systemic meds and autoimmune disease may contribute

When to Schedule an Urgent Eye Exam

Dryness is common, but prompt evaluation is recommended for:

• Significant eye pain, marked light sensitivity, or sudden worsening redness
• New discharge, crusting, or concern for infection
• Sudden decrease in vision or one-sided severe symptoms
• Contact lens–related pain or suspected corneal involvement

Dry Eye Evaluation

Because dry eye can have multiple causes, we focus on identifying what is driving your symptoms. Your visit may include an ocular surface assessment and eyelid evaluation, with clinical testing based on your presentation. This helps us determine whether your symptoms are more consistent with evaporative dry eye (often MGD-related), aqueous-deficient dry eye, or a mixed form.

Personalized Dry Eye Treatment Plans

Treatment is based on your findings, symptom severity, and daily visual demands. Your plan may include:

• Preservative-free artificial tears and lubrication guidance
• Warm compresses and eyelid hygiene to support tear film stability
• Targeted management for blepharitis or eyelid margin inflammation when present
• Prescription therapy when clinically indicated to address ocular surface inflammation (within the California scope of optometry)
• Lifestyle adjustments for screen use, environment, and triggers

In-Office Options for Dry Eye (When Appropriate)

If your symptoms persist or you have signs of MGD, in-office treatment may be recommended. One option we offer is Forma, a non-invasive heat-based therapy designed to support meibomian gland function and improve tear film stability. Learn more on our Dry Eye Clinic page.

At-Home Best Practices

Many patients benefit from consistent daily habits alongside medical care:

• Use the 20-20-20 rule during screen time (every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds)
• Increase blink awareness and consider a humidifier in dry environments
• Apply warm compresses and practice consistent eyelid hygiene
• Use preservative-free artificial tears as directed
• Discuss nutrition and omega-3 intake with your doctor based on your health history

Looking for Specialty Dry Eye Care?

If you have chronic symptoms, significant MGD, or symptoms that persist despite first-line treatments, you may benefit from our Dry Eye Clinic, which offers advanced evaluation and in-office therapy options when appropriate.

Schedule Your Dry Eye Evaluation

If burning, gritty sensation, fluctuating vision, or contact lens discomfort is affecting your day, we can help. RevitalEyes Optometry provides dry eye evaluation and treatment in Sherman Oaks with a patient-first approach. We accept many vision plans and may apply medical insurance when appropriate. Call (818) 797-5858 or book online to get started.