Dry Eye Relief in San Leandro: What’s Causing Your Eye Irritation?

Many people in San Leandro experience the discomfort of dry eye syndrome every day, especially with our region’s varied climate and busy, screen-heavy lifestyles. While occasional dryness can be annoying, persistent dry eye can impact your daily life, making it difficult to read, work on the computer, or even enjoy time outdoors. Understanding what’s causing your irritation is the first step toward finding lasting relief.

Why Is Dry Eye So Common in San Leandro?

Our East Bay community’s weather can play a big role. Warm, dry summers and breezy afternoons can speed up tear evaporation, leaving your eyes feeling gritty and irritated. Indoor environments like air-conditioned offices, heated homes in the winter, and even frequent exposure to ceiling fans can worsen dryness. On top of environmental triggers, many modern habits and underlying health conditions contribute to dry eye. Knowing the cause is key to getting the right treatment.

Common Causes of Dry Eye

• Environmental Factors: Spending a lot of time in San Leandro’s outdoor breezes or in artificially cooled or heated indoor spaces can lead to evaporative dry eye. People who spend hours looking at computer or phone screens often blink less, reducing the eyes’ natural moisture.

• Aging: Tear production decreases naturally as we age. Individuals over 50 are more likely to experience chronic eye dryness, especially post-menopausal women due to hormonal changes.

• Certain Medications: Medications such as antihistamines (for allergies), antidepressants, decongestants, and blood pressure medications can reduce tear production. If your dry eye started after a new prescription, this may be the cause.

• Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD): The meibomian glands along your eyelids produce the oil layer of your tears. If they become clogged or don’t function properly, your tears evaporate too quickly, leading to dryness and irritation.

• Contact Lens Use: Wearing contact lenses for long hours can reduce oxygen flow to the cornea and cause dryness. Certain lens materials may exacerbate symptoms in sensitive eyes.

• Autoimmune and Health Conditions: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, thyroid disease, or Sjögren’s syndrome can cause chronic dry eye.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye symptoms can vary from mild to severe and often include:

• A gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes

• Burning or stinging sensations

• Excessive tearing

• Redness or eye fatigue

• Sensitivity to light

• Blurry or fluctuating vision

If you experience any of these symptoms frequently, it’s time to seek professional help.

When to See an Optometrist

Over-the-counter artificial tears can provide temporary relief, but if your symptoms persist for more than a few days or keep returning, it’s important to schedule an eye exam. Untreated dry eye can lead to chronic irritation, infections, and in some cases, damage to the eye’s surface. 

Advanced Treatment Options at Flores Optometry, Inc.

At Flores Optometry, Inc., we use the latest diagnostic tools to pinpoint the exact cause of your dry eye. Our team takes the time to fully understand your symptoms and evaluate your eye health so we can develop the most effective treatment plan for your needs.

One option we may recommend is prescription eye drops, which can help improve tear quality and reduce inflammation. For patients with meibomian gland dysfunction, we offer gentle meibomian gland therapies to unblock clogged glands and restore healthy tear production.

In some cases, punctal plugs may be used to slow tear drainage and help your eyes stay naturally hydrated. We also provide specialty contact lenses, such as scleral lenses, that create a moisture-rich environment to protect the cornea and relieve dryness.

Finally, we may suggest lifestyle and environmental changes to help reduce triggers. This can include adjusting screen time habits, using humidifiers, or incorporating nutritional supplements to support tear health. Because every patient’s dry eye condition is unique, we will work with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Get Personalized Dry Eye Treatment in San Leandro

At Flores Optometry, Inc. in San Leandro, our team is here to identify the root cause of your irritation and help you achieve lasting relief. Whether your symptoms are triggered by our East Bay climate, screen time, or underlying conditions, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan so you can enjoy clear, comfortable vision again.

If you’re experiencing dry eye symptoms, contact Flores Optometry, Inc. to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward healthier eyes. Visit our office in San Leandro, California, or call (510) 372-2900 to book an appointment today.