At Arena Eye Care Optometry in Sacramento, CA, we help patients find lasting relief from dry eyes by identifying the underlying causes and matching them with effective treatment options. Dry eyes often affect daily comfort, vision quality, and productivity, especially for patients who spend long hours on screens or in dry environments. As an experienced optometrist and eye doctor near you, we focus on targeted eye care rather than short-term symptom relief.
Common Symptoms of Dry Eyes
Dry eyes develop when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly. Patients commonly report burning, stinging, redness, or a gritty, sandy sensation. Fluctuating or blurry vision often appears during reading, driving, or computer use. Eye fatigue and light sensitivity frequently accompany these symptoms. Some patients also experience excessive tearing as the eyes attempt to compensate for surface dryness.
What Causes Dry Eyes
Multiple factors contribute to dry eyes. Aging and hormonal changes can reduce tear production. Prolonged screen time limits blinking, which increases tear evaporation. Contact lens wear, certain medications, and environmental factors such as air conditioning, heating, wind, and low humidity also play a role. In many cases, meibomian gland dysfunction disrupts the tear film and leads to chronic dryness.
How We Diagnose Dry Eyes
We diagnose dry eyes through a comprehensive eye exam that evaluates tear quality, eyelid health, and the condition of the eye surface. This detailed assessment allows us to identify the root cause of symptoms instead of treating dryness in isolation. Accurate diagnosis leads to more effective dry eye treatment and better long-term outcomes.
Advanced Dry Eye Treatment Options
Treatment depends on symptom severity and underlying causes. Some patients benefit from prescription eye drops or lifestyle adjustments. For more advanced cases, we offer Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy. IPL therapy reduces eyelid inflammation and improves meibomian gland function, helping restore healthy oil flow and reducing tear evaporation.
Ongoing Dry Eye Management
Dry eyes often require ongoing care rather than one-time treatment. Regular follow-up visits allow us to adjust treatment and maintain symptom control.
Schedule a Dry Eye Evaluation
If dry eyes affect your comfort or vision, professional care can help. Contact Arena Eye Care Optometry in Sacramento, CA to schedule a dry eye evaluation. Call (916) 419-8167 to receive personalized dry eye treatment and comprehensive eye care.