Our Blog | Pacific Pier Optometry

A woman holding her eyeglasses with her right hand, squinting to see clearly on her laptop

Eye Conditions • January 16, 2024

How to Fix Nearsightedness

Nearsightedness is when you can see close-up objects but have trouble seeing things far away. If you're nearsighted, you may squint or strain your eyes when trying to read signs or watch TV. Your eye doctor can diagnose nearsightedness with the help of an eye exam. You can't cure nearsightedness, but you can fix the…

A man sitting at a desk in an office with his laptop and holding his glasses in his right hand as he rubs his eyes

Dry Eye • January 16, 2024

Why Do Eyes Feel Gritty and Watery?

If your eyes feel gritty and watery, as if there's some sand stuck inside, you could be experiencing a range of chronic or acute conditions. And, you're not alone. Millions of Americans experience this irritation and discomfort. Sometimes, dust or a loose eyelash can irritate your eyes. Other causes of gritty and watery eyes include…

A young man sitting at a desk with his laptop and holding his glasses in his right hand as he rubs his eyes.

Digital Eye Strain • November 21, 2023

What Is Digital Eye Strain?

In an era dominated by screens, from the minute we wake up to the moment we drift into slumber, our eyes often bear the brunt of our digital existence. The pervasive use of smartphones, tablets, computers, and other digital devices has ushered in a new-age concern—digital eye strain (computer vision syndrome). Digital eye strain can…

A woman with long, straight, brown hair wearing a gray button-up sweater is sitting in an office with a laptop off to the side, rubbing her eyes with both hands

Dry Eye • November 21, 2023

How to Unclog Meibomian Glands

Dry eye is a common condition that can make your eyes feel gritty and irritated and even cause blurry vision. Oftentimes, meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is the cause of this painful and frustrating condition. If left untreated, MGD can lead to chronic eyelid inflammation, infection, or even vision loss. Fortunately, there are steps that you…

Dry Eye • August 4, 2023

Can Dry Eyes Cause Headaches?

Dry eye syndrome is a common eye condition that often feels like a gritty, sandy, dry, or burning sensation under the eyes. Typically caused by a problem with your tear production, this condition tends to lead to redness and irritation. But many people report that they experience both dry eyes and headaches simultaneously, leading to…

A female toddler laying on a couch playing on an electronic tablet.

Children's Eye Health • June 15, 2023

How Does Screen Time Affect Your Kid’s Eyes?

Your child's schoolwork, leisure, socializing, and more are becoming increasingly digital, and while screens can be a powerful tool for learning and expression, they can also affect their eyes. Children use screens earlier than ever, and many school-aged children have their own devices. As a parent to a unique generation, it isn't easy to navigate…

A close-up of an eye with redness around the edges.

Eye Disease • May 9, 2023

How Long Does Pink Eye Last?

Pink eye is a common infection that often clears up over time, but the duration of pink eye depends on the type of conjunctivitis you have. Viral conjunctivitis can last 7 to 14 days without treatment, bacterial conjunctivitis can clear up in 2 to 5 days with proper treatment, and allergic conjunctivitis can last as…

A young woman sitting in front of her computer in low light is massaging her eyes due to difficulty in seeing.

Eye Disease • April 5, 2023

Early Warning Signs of Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is an age-related eye condition that can cause reduced vision, most commonly in people over 40. It occurs when the central part of the retina, called the macula (responsible for sharp central vision), deteriorates over time. Because the changes in macular degeneration are subtle, people don't always have or notice symptoms. Early warning…

A young woman is smiling while she is putting in her soft contact lens at the tip of her finger in her right eye.

Dry Eye • March 16, 2023

Best Contact Lenses For Dry Eyes

Are you struggling with dry eyes? Are you tired of feeling like you have sandpaper rubbing against your eyes every time you blink? Dry eye disease is a common condition caused by a lack of tears or poor-quality tears. Symptoms of dry eye disease can be uncomfortable and even more challenging if you're a contact…

A woman rubbing her eyes with one hand while holding a pair of eyeglasses in the other as she suffers discomfort from dry eye.

Dry Eye • March 1, 2023

Can Dry Eyes Cause Blurry Vision?

Have you ever experienced dry eyes and blurry vision at the same time? If so, you might be wondering if these two things are related. The short answer is yes—dry eyes can cause blurry vision. Your eyes need constant tears to keep them lubricated and comfortable. And if your eyes don't produce enough tears or…