Our Blog | Pacific Pier Optometry

Eye Exams • July 14, 2026

How often should you get an eye exam in Santa Monica?

A simple guide to protecting your vision through regular checkups Most people know they should visit the dentist regularly, but eye exams are often easy to put off, especially when vision seems perfectly fine. If you can read your phone, drive comfortably, and go about your day without noticing any changes, it may seem like…

Eye Health • July 14, 2026

5 Ways Santa Monica sunshine affects your eyes and how to protect them

What every beach lover and commuter should know about UV exposure One of the best things about living in Santa Monica is that sunshine is never in short supply. Whether you're walking your dog along Ocean Avenue, biking the Strand, catching waves before work, or enjoying lunch on a sunny patio, spending time outdoors is…

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…