Dry Eye Disease Diagnosis and Treatment at OC Eye Institute in Laguna Hills and Santa Ana, CA
Dry eye disease is one of the most common and frequently underdiagnosed eye conditions affecting adults today. Whether your symptoms are mild or severe, persistent dry eyes can significantly reduce your quality of life and — if left unaddressed — may lead to long-term damage to the ocular surface. At OC Eye Institute in Laguna Hills and Santa Ana, CA, Dr. George Salib performs thorough dry eye evaluations and offers personalized treatment plans to restore comfort and protect your eye health. Call (949) 770-1322 - Laguna Hills Office or (949) 770-1322 - Santa Ana Office to schedule your appointment today.
What Is Dry Eye Disease?
Dry eye disease is a chronic condition in which the eyes either do not produce enough tears or produce tears of insufficient quality to keep the ocular surface properly lubricated. Tears are far more than just water — they are a complex, layered fluid made up of water, oils, mucus, and proteins that work together to nourish, protect, and lubricate the surface of the eye. When this tear film is compromised — whether due to insufficient volume or rapid evaporation — the result is a range of uncomfortable and disruptive symptoms.
Common signs of dry eye disease include a persistent stinging, burning, or gritty sensation in the eyes, excessive tearing (a reflex response to dryness), redness, blurry vision that fluctuates throughout the day, sensitivity to light, difficulty wearing contact lenses, and eye fatigue after reading or screen time. Many patients are surprised to learn that watery eyes can actually be a symptom of dry eye disease — when the surface becomes too dry, the eye responds by flooding with reflex tears that are poor quality and do not resolve the underlying problem.
Dry eye disease has many contributing causes, including aging, hormonal changes (especially in postmenopausal women), certain medications such as antihistamines and antidepressants, prolonged screen use, low-humidity environments, and contact lens wear. One contributing factor that is often overlooked is tobacco use. Smokers are approximately twice as likely to develop dry eye disease compared to non-smokers. The chemicals present in cigarette smoke are absorbed into the tear film and ocular tissue, directly irritating the surface of the eye and disrupting the delicate balance of tear production. If dry eyes are already present, smoke exposure worsens the condition significantly.
Dry Eye Evaluation and Treatment at OC Eye Institute
At OC Eye Institute in Laguna Hills and Santa Ana, CA, we perform a comprehensive dry eye evaluation for every patient presenting with symptoms. Our team assesses tear production, tear film stability, ocular surface integrity, and any contributing lifestyle or environmental factors. This thorough approach allows Dr. Salib to identify the root cause of your dry eye and tailor a treatment plan specifically to your needs.
Treatment options for dry eye disease range from simple lifestyle modifications to in-office therapies depending on severity. For mild cases, preservative-free artificial tears and environmental adjustments — such as using a humidifier, reducing screen time, and protecting eyes from wind and smoke — may provide significant relief. For patients with moderate to severe dry eye, prescription eye drops, punctal plugs (which reduce tear drainage), anti-inflammatory therapies, and nutritional supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids may be recommended. Our team will walk you through every option and ensure you understand the reasoning behind each recommendation.
Addressing dry eye is also an important step for patients considering laser vision correction. Significant dry eye disease is a known risk factor for suboptimal LASIK outcomes, and our team evaluates every prospective LASIK candidate for dry eye as part of the pre-operative workup. Treating dry eye before surgery helps ensure a smoother recovery and the best possible visual result. Contact OC Eye Institute at (949) 770-1322 - Laguna Hills Office or (949) 770-1322 - Santa Ana Office to schedule your dry eye evaluation today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dry Eye Treatment
What are the most common symptoms of dry eye disease?
The most common symptoms include a burning, stinging, or gritty sensation in the eyes, redness, blurry vision that changes throughout the day, excessive tearing, light sensitivity, and discomfort when wearing contact lenses. Paradoxically, excessively watery eyes are also a hallmark sign of dry eye disease — when the eye surface becomes too dry, the body produces reflex tears that do not solve the underlying problem. Call OC Eye Institute at (949) 770-1322 - Laguna Hills Office or (949) 770-1322 - Santa Ana Office to schedule an evaluation in Laguna Hills and Santa Ana, CA.
What causes dry eye disease?
Dry eye disease has many causes, including aging, hormonal changes, certain medications (antihistamines, antidepressants, decongestants), prolonged screen use, low-humidity environments, contact lens wear, autoimmune conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome, and eyelid problems. Tobacco smoke is also a significant contributor — smokers face approximately double the risk of developing dry eye disease compared to non-smokers, as the chemicals in smoke directly irritate the tear film and ocular surface.
Is dry eye disease permanent?
Dry eye disease is often a chronic condition, but it is highly manageable with the right treatment plan. Many patients achieve significant, lasting relief through a combination of lifestyle modifications, artificial tear therapy, prescription drops, and in-office treatments. The goal at OC Eye Institute in Laguna Hills and Santa Ana, CA is not just symptom management but identifying and addressing the underlying causes whenever possible. Dr. Salib will develop a personalized plan to help you achieve the most comfortable, healthy eyes possible.
Can dry eyes affect my vision?
Yes. Dry eye disease can cause fluctuating blurry vision that is particularly noticeable during reading, computer use, or other visually demanding tasks. This occurs because an unstable tear film disrupts the smooth optical surface of the eye that light needs to pass through clearly. In more advanced cases, chronic dryness can damage the surface cells of the cornea, potentially affecting vision quality more permanently. This is why early evaluation and treatment are important. Contact OC Eye Institute at (949) 770-1322 - Laguna Hills Office or (949) 770-1322 - Santa Ana Office if you are experiencing vision fluctuation along with dry eye symptoms.
Are over-the-counter eye drops enough to treat dry eye?
For mild dry eye, preservative-free artificial tears can provide meaningful relief and are a good first step. However, over-the-counter drops do not address the underlying cause of dry eye and may not be sufficient for patients with moderate to severe disease. Prescription therapies such as anti-inflammatory eye drops can treat the inflammation that drives many cases of dry eye disease, while in-office procedures may be needed to restore healthy tear gland function. Our team at OC Eye Institute will recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your specific diagnosis.
Does dry eye affect LASIK candidacy?
Yes. Significant dry eye disease is an important consideration for patients exploring laser vision correction. LASIK can temporarily reduce corneal sensitivity and affect tear production, which may worsen dry eye symptoms in predisposed patients. For this reason, Dr. Salib evaluates every prospective LASIK candidate for dry eye as part of the pre-operative workup. In many cases, treating dry eye before surgery improves both candidacy and post-operative outcomes. PRK may also be a more appropriate refractive option for patients with borderline dry eye concerns.
How do I get started with dry eye treatment at OC Eye Institute?
Getting started is simple — call (949) 770-1322 - Laguna Hills Office or (949) 770-1322 - Santa Ana Office or submit a request through our online appointment form to schedule a dry eye evaluation at OC Eye Institute in Laguna Hills and Santa Ana, CA. Dr. Salib will perform a thorough assessment of your tear production and ocular surface health and present a personalized treatment plan. New patients are always welcome; visit our new patients page to learn what to expect at your first visit.