Dry Eye Therapy

Dry eye disease is a common but often misunderstood condition that can significantly impact your comfort, vision, and quality of life. At Eyecare at the Cove Optometry, we focus on understanding dry eye at its root so we can deliver personalized, long-term relief. If you’re searching for effective dry eye treatments in La Jolla, CA, comprehensive care starts with identifying the cause of your symptoms.

Understanding Dry Eye Disease

Dry eye occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears, or when the tears evaporate too quickly due to poor tear quality. Healthy tears require a precise balance of water, oils, and mucus. When that balance is disrupted, you may experience symptoms such as:

• Burning or stinging sensations

• Gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes

• Redness or irritation

• Fluctuating or blurry vision

• Eye fatigue, especially with screen use

Dry eye is a chronic condition for many patients, which means proper diagnosis and ongoing management are essential.

What Is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)?

One of the leading causes of dry eye is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). The meibomian glands, located along the eyelids, produce oils that prevent tears from evaporating too quickly. When these glands become blocked or inflamed, tear evaporation increases, leading to persistent dryness and irritation. MGD often goes undiagnosed without advanced evaluation, which is why a thorough dry eye assessment is critical to creating an effective treatment plan.

At Eyecare at the Cove Optometry, dry eye therapy is customized based on the severity of your condition and the underlying cause.

TearCare® Thermal Therapy

TearCare is an advanced, in-office treatment designed specifically for patients with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). This innovative system uses targeted, controlled heat applied directly to the eyelids while allowing patients to blink naturally throughout the treatment.

By gently warming the eyelids, TearCare helps liquefy thickened or hardened oils that block the glands. Once cleared, these glands can resume producing healthy oils that slow tear evaporation and improve overall tear quality. The result is a more stable tear film, improved eye comfort, and clearer, more consistent vision.

Many patients experience noticeable relief after treatment, with benefits that can last for months. TearCare is a comfortable, non-invasive procedure that can be repeated as needed and is often combined with other dry eye therapies for optimal, long-term management of dry eye symptoms.

Additional Dry Eye Treatment Options

• Prescription Eye Drops: For certain types of dry eye, prescription eye drops can help reduce inflammation, increase tear production, or improve tear quality. These medications are often used alongside in-office treatments for more comprehensive management.
  
  

• Punctal Plugs: Punctal plugs are tiny devices placed in the tear drainage ducts to help the eyes retain moisture longer. This treatment can be especially helpful for patients with low tear volume who need longer-lasting hydration.
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• Scleral Lenses: For patients with moderate to severe dry eye, scleral lenses offer both vision correction and therapeutic relief. These specialized lenses vault over the surface of the eye, creating a fluid reservoir that continuously hydrates and protects the cornea throughout the day.

Schedule Your Dry Eye Evaluation Today

Successful treatment depends on identifying whether your symptoms stem from MGD, inflammation, tear deficiency, or a combination of factors. By combining advanced diagnostics with targeted therapies, we help patients achieve meaningful, long-term improvement rather than relying solely on artificial tears.

If you’re experiencing ongoing dryness, irritation, or fluctuating vision, it’s time to take the next step. Contact Eyecare at the Cove Optometry to schedule a dry eye evaluation and learn which dry eye therapy options are right for you.