What Causes Dry Eye,
Dry Eye Center at Complete Family Vision Care in San Diego, California

While you read or perform any visual task like working on a computer or driving, you tend to blink less. On average, we should typically be blinking once every 3-5 Seconds. However, when looking at a computer monitor, for example, blinking goes down to about 1-2 times a minute. This causes dry eye because the act of blinking is what coats the eye with film from the tears. When engaged in continuous and middle-vision focusing, always remember the 20-20-20 rule: Take a break every 20 minutes to focus on something at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

The high energy blue-violet light emitted by modern LED devices is a growing cause of concern as it leads to eye strain, disrupted sleep patterns, and likely long-term damage. Blue light and the resulting eye strain can cause a reduction in tear production resulting in dry, irritated eyes. Take breaks from screen use every 20 minutes or so.

Meibomian Gland Disorder or MGD accounts for the majority of cases of Dry Eye Syndrome. This condition occurs when an abnormality or blockage in your inner eyelids prevents the meibomian glands from producing the lipids (oils) that are essential for maintaining the optimal balance of tear composition. A shortage of these lipids cause the tears in your eyes to evaporate too fast and your eyes dry out. MGD can be treated by our dry eye doctors so contacts us if you think you might have it.

Blepharitis is inflammation usually at the site of small oil glands at the base of the eyelashes. The area becomes clogged and inflamed by infected debris called scurf. Blepharitis can be treated by our dry eye doctors so contacts us if you think you might have it.

Contact lens wearers often complain about dry eye. This can be exacerbated by improper contact lens hygiene or wearing the contacts too long without a break. For some people who already have an underlying dry eye condition, regular contact lenses are simply too uncomfortable and specialized contact lenses become required. At the , we can help fit you with the right contacts for you to avoid these symptoms.

Eye infections such as conjunctivitis (whether viral or bacterial) can cause significant irritation and infected debris and mucous which can all contribute to dry eyes. The symptoms will usually clear up when the infection does.

Omega 3 fatty acids are proven to prevent Dry Eye Syndrome from developing and can even treat mild cases. These fatty acids are essential to tear production and ease stinging, irritation, and that scratchy feeling that can occur with dry eye. Omega-3 has anti-inflammatory properties so you’re also less likely to get infections on the surface of the eye or on your eyelids. If your diet is low in Omega 3s you should consider adding more fish to your diet or taking supplements. We would be more than happy to guide you to the supplements that provide the best sourcing and bio-available Omega 3s.

Stress affects the entire body negatively. Recent studies show that stress can trigger dry eyes, especially if there is a preexisting additional factor such as environment, gender, or age contributing to dry eye.