Get the Comfort You Deserve
Dry eye can severely affect your quality of life if not diagnosed and treated properly. Symptoms of dry eye can be painful and irritating, at times affecting your vision and making it difficult to enjoy the things in life that truly matter.
Your vision should be as comfortable as possible so you can enjoy everything life has to offer. Our personalized dry eye treatments begin with understanding the exact cause of your dry eye. From there, we can create a custom treatment plan to bring you the much-needed relief you’ve been seeking.
What Is The Main Cause of Dry Eyes?
There are 2 different types of dry eye: aqueous deficient and evaporative. Aqueous deficient dry eye occurs when you don’t produce enough tears, so you can’t properly lubricate the eye surface each time you blink. Evaporative dry eye is more common, and is caused by blockages in the glands that deliver oil to your tears, called the meibomian glands. This lack of oil causes tears to evaporate more quickly, reducing your tears’ effectiveness.
How Do Tears Work?
3 separate layers make up your tears and work together to ensure your eye surface is adequately lubricated. The outer layer is called the oil or lipid layer. It helps seal the tear film on your eye surface and reduce evaporation. The middle aqueous layer lubricates the eye surface while washing away dust and debris. The inner mucin layer ensures your tear film spreads evenly across the eye surface and helps the tear film stick to your eye.
What Does Dry Eye Feel Like?
Dry eye can feel gritty like sandpaper every time you blink. Many people with dry eye also say they feel a burning sensation on their eye surface accompanied by the feeling of having something stuck in their eye.
Can Dry Eye Be Treated?
We can manage dry eye with effective, personalized treatments. Many treatments focus on freeing blockages in the meibomian glands that deliver oil to the outer layer of the tear film. Other therapies focus on reducing symptoms and increasing comfort, like eye drops. In all cases, our team works to uncover the exact cause of your dry eye to personalize your treatment plan and bring you relief.
Does Dry Eye Cause Blurry Vision?
Dry eye can cause blurry vision. In some cases, dry eye accompanied by blurry vision can signify conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome. Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune condition that affects the lacrimal glands, which help deliver the middle aqueous layer of the tear film to the eye surface.
How Long Can Dry Eye Last?
Dry eye may be temporary, lasting from weeks to months. However, if left untreated, dry eye can be a permanent condition that reduces your quality of life.
Does Drinking Water Help Dry Eye?
Drinking water can help your body produce the necessary amount of tear film it needs to lubricate the eye surface properly. Men should aim to drink about 15.5 cups of water daily, while women should drink 11.5 cups.
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CUSTOMER REVIEWS
Dr. Santamaria was very patient and comforting during the entire process. I was reassured multiple times that my eyes were healthy enough for LASIK. During the procedure, he and his assistant made sure I was comfortable and made the process painless. I have had no issues since the surgery and wouldn't think twice about recommending Dr. Santamaria!
Suvojit C.
Surgery was amazing. Colors are bright and vivid. Everything is sharp. White is white, not off-white. Could not see like this with glasses I have worn for 67 years. Thank you, Dr. Santamaria and God bless you.
Arne I.
My eyes were getting worse every year. Being a diabetic, I was even more afraid. Even with the new glasses, I couldn't see signs or drive-up menus. I decided: ``The heck with these vision center places. I'm going for a good check up to Dr. Santamaria``. I have Medicare now, but thought he was only a surgeon. Praise God - it was the best move I made. He and his wonderful staff diagnosed a cataract in each eye. Why wasn't it seen before? I went every year for a check up. I now see better than I EVER did. I don't need my glasses. Driving is wonderful. I can read the scores on TV - It's a whole new world. I am so happy and so grateful to Dr. Santamaria and his staff! On top of their expertise, his staff is pleasant, knowledgeable and will answer any questions and concerns! Thank you again.
Victoria S.
For the first time in 71 years I am now able to see without glasses thanks to the doctors and staff of the Santamaria Eye Center. They explained every aspect of the operation step by step, and made sure I understood. I felt relaxed and confident. I had 2 operations and each time I received the same excellent care by the most skilled, efficient doctors and staff possible. I would recommend the Santamaria Eye Center to anyone wanting the best Eye Care by the best team of doctors and staff available today. Thank you.