Dry Eye Therapy in Dana Point

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Modern Dry Eye Treatments

Dry eye disease is a common condition that can cause stinging, burning, sensations, redness, and several additional uncomfortable symptoms. At Monarch Bay Optometry, our approach to dry eye treatment is based on supporting your comfort with personalized care. 

We offer the newest technology in dry eye treatments, such as IPL (intense pulsed light therapy), LLLT (low-level light therapy), and gentle meibomian gland expression, to help address the root causes of your dry eye symptoms. Through a personalized dry eye evaluation, we can diagnose your symptoms and create a tailored treatment plan to help you experience relief. 

Don’t let dry eyes disrupt your life any longer—take a step toward relief and schedule your appointment today.

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Your Tears & Dry Eyes Are Connected

An unstable tear film can be a primary cause of dry eyes.

Your tear film covers the surface of your eyes and is essential for preserving eye health. When this film becomes unstable, it can result in irritation, redness, wateriness, blurry vision, and even burning sensations.

By addressing the root causes of tear film instability, we aim to help restore comfort to your eyes and alleviate dry eye symptoms.

Understanding the Types of Dry Eye

Not all cases of dry eye are the same. In fact, there are different types of dry eye that can develop based on your personal eye health and tear film. 

Aqueous dry eye typically stems from decreased tear production. Evaporative dry eye often results from increased tear evaporation and is related to a condition called meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)

With a thorough exam and personal support, we can provide guidance for managing each type of dry eye based on your eye health and lifestyle.

Treating Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)

MGD is a common cause of dry eyes that develops because of changes to the tiny glands in your eyelids that produce natural oil for your tear film. The oil from those meibomian glands is important for tear stability, and an issue that affects the health of those glands or stops them from producing oil can leave your eyes vulnerable to dry eye symptoms. 

By helping clear blockages in your meibomian glands and supporting their ability to function, we can help you experience lasting relief from MGD and dry eyes.

Dry Eye Screenings: How We Uncover the Root Causes of Your Dry Eye

Our comprehensive dry eye screening process is designed to provide us with lots of information about your eyes and your tear film with a few quick, noninvasive tests. This screening is part of every adult eye exam. 

Our innovative dry eye diagnostic system includes the following:

  • Shows us your meibomian gland health
  • Assesses how fast your tears evaporate
  • Checks your tear meniscus height, which tells us about the quantity & quality of your tears
  • Records your blinking habits
  • Captures images of your eyes’ surfaces and the eyelid margin
  • Automatically assesses any redness in your eyes that could be dry eye-related

All of that testing, plus your health history and more, helps us determine what’s underlying your dry eye symptoms so we can create a custom solution plan for you. This testing also allows us to establish an objective baseline to track how your treatment plan is working so we can make adjustments as needed.

When you visit us for your eye exam, we’re happy to guide you through the tests we provide, taking the time to answer your questions and support your understanding of dry eye disease throughout the screening process.

Our Gentle Approach to Dry Eye Treatment

We can provide several treatments to help alleviate the discomfort caused by dry eyes. Our solutions include simple lifestyle adjustments, eye drops, and modern in-office treatments.

After examining your eyes, our team will discuss your lifestyle to create a tailored treatment plan. Our goal is to help you experience long-term relief with treatments that can soothe your eyes and enhance your comfort. 

We’ll work with you to find the right approach for managing your symptoms based on your lifestyle.

IPL Therapy

Intense pulsed light therapy (IPL) can address the underlying factors of dry eyes, such as inflammation and meibomian gland dysfunction, by delivering gentle pulses of light energy around the eyes.

The heat from IPL treatments can melt and release oils trapped in your meibomian glands, helping enhance oil production and tear film quality for lasting relief.

Low-level light therapy (LLLT) may be another option we suggest that can address MGD and help you experience dry eye relief.

During the session, you will wear a mask that uses red and near-infrared light to help reduce inflammation near your eyes. LLLT may also help improve meibomian gland function with repeated treatments, helping you experience long-term comfort.

LLLT can be even more effective when combined with IPL.

This quick, in-office procedure gently stimulates and rejuvenates the meibomian glands, which are responsible for the oil (lipid) layer of healthy tears. It’s designed to give you relief from dry, red, itchy, or swollen dry eyes.

Studies have shown that lipid deficiency is the leading cause of dry eye disease in over 85% of cases.

Through gentle massaging, the biofilm and debris are removed, contributing to healthier, more-comfortable eyelids.

This procedure can improve symptoms of dry eye disease, blepharitis, demodex, and meibomian gland dysfunction.

Meibomian gland expression involves gently massaging your eyelids to help release oils trapped in your meibomian glands. This form of dry eye care can be provided alongside other treatments and on its own.

As part of your dry eye treatment plan, we may recommend medicated eye drops that can help control and reduce inflammation around your eyes. These drops can be used at home, and we can provide guidance on how to use them properly when you visit us for dry eye treatment.

Amniotic membranes are made of natural tissues and can help heal the eyes. When placed over your eyes, they can create a protective barrier, helping reduce inflammation and ease discomfort from dry eye symptoms.

Your Path to Relief Can Start Here

Don’t let dry eyes ruin your day again. You deserve comfortable vision. With a personal dry eye screening, we can help you take the first steps toward relief. 

Schedule an appointment to get started today.

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Why Monarch Bay Optometry?

A Personalized Experience

We prioritize your well-being with extended appointments. Our goal is to provide a thorough and unrushed examination.

Fashion &
Function

Welcome to an elegant eye care & eyewear experience. We proudly showcase local art alongside our frames in our optical boutique.

Dedicated
Care

Our experienced doctors provide comprehensive eye care for your whole family. Our dedicated team goes above and beyond.

We Can’t Wait to See You

Where to park?

We are located in Monarch Bay Plaza, which has plenty of parking. We look forward to welcoming you!

Our Address

  • 32932 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 13
  • Dana Point, CA 92629

Contact Information

Our Hours

  • Monday: 9:00 AM 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 10:00 AM 7:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 10:00 AM 6:00 PM
  • Thursday: 10:00 AM 7:00 PM
  • Friday: 9:00 AM 6:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:30 AM 2:00 PM
  • Sunday: Closed

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