Dry Eye in San Jose, CA
Many adults in San Jose live with dry, irritated eyes and don’t realize it’s a treatable condition. Whether your eyes burn at your desk, water when you’re outside, or blur by mid-afternoon, dry eye could be the reason—not just allergies, screens, or fatigue.
At Image Eyecare Optometry, we provide personalized, evidence-based care for dry eye in San Jose to help you feel more comfortable and protect your long-term eye health.
What Is Dry Eye?
Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) happens when your eyes either don’t produce enough tears — or when your tears aren’t high enough quality to stay in place and protect the surface of your eye.
Your tears are made of water, oil, and mucus. If any part of that mix is off; especially the oily layer produced by your meibomian glands, your eyes can dry out, become inflamed, and trigger a cycle of irritation.
Common Dry Eye Symptoms
You may be experiencing dry eye if you notice:
- Burning or stinging sensations
- A gritty, sandy feeling (like something’s in your eye)
- Blurry or fluctuating vision
- Redness or irritation
- Discomfort with screen time or A/C
- Watery eyes—often a sign that your eyes are trying to overcompensate
Dry eye symptoms can affect your work, your comfort, and your focus, but they’re often misunderstood or underdiagnosed.
What Causes Dry Eye?
Several common factors can disrupt tear production or stability:
- Aging (especially over 40)
- Hormonal changes (including menopause)
- Medications like antihistamines, antidepressants, or acne treatments
- Environmental exposure to wind, dry air, or smoke
- Extended screen use that reduces blinking
- Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) — a leading cause of evaporative dry eye
Our evaluations help uncover the root causes so your treatment plan isn’t based on guesswork.
Why a Professional Evaluation Matters
Over-the-counter drops may offer short-term relief, but they often miss the bigger picture. If your symptoms are ongoing, they could point to chronic dry eye that requires targeted, long-term care.
At Image Eyecare Optometry, we use advanced tools to assess your tear film, meibomian gland function, and inflammation levels. That helps us design a plan that actually fits your eyes and your life.
How We Help at Image Eyecare Optometry
Dry eye isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your treatment plan may include:
- Hydrating drops or eye-safe products
- Punctal plugs to help retain tears
- In-office therapies to restore tear quality and gland function
- Technology-driven options like OptiLight IPL or LipiFlow
We’ll guide you through each step and monitor your progress over time.
Everyday Habits That May Help
In addition to treatment, we may recommend:
- Using a humidifier at home or work
- Taking blinking breaks during screen use
- Wearing wraparound sunglasses in dry or windy conditions
- Staying hydrated
- Avoiding rubbing your eyes
Small changes can support big improvements, especially when combined with clinical care.
Book Your Dry Eye Evaluation in San Jose
If you’re living with irritation, blurred vision, or over-reliance on eye drops, it’s time for a fresh look. Schedule your dry eye evaluation at Image Eyecare Optometry today.
