Dry Eye Therapy | Pacific Pier Optometry

Are You Experiencing Dry Eyes?

If you’re experiencing symptoms of dry eye, you’re not alone. Dry eye disease affects more than 20 million Americans.

If your eyes constantly feel dry, irritated, or tired—especially after a day of screen time—you’re not imagining it. Dry eye is uncomfortable, but it’s also treatable.

At Pacific Pier Optometry, we take dry eye seriously because we know how frustrating it can be. Whether your symptoms are mild or getting in the way of your daily routine, our team can help you find real relief with personalized solutions.

Book a dry eye consultation today.

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Common Dry Eye Symptoms

The most common symptoms of dry eye disease include:

Irritation
Redness
Dry eyes
Watery eyes
Eye fatigue
Blurred vision
Stringy mucus
Sensitivity to light
Eyes feeling heavy or tired
A scratchy or gritty sensation
Difficulty with prolonged visual activities

If you experience an increase in symptoms, new symptoms, or discomfort, contact our team to discuss your eye care.

What Is Dry Eye Disease?

Dry eye happens when your tears aren’t doing their job. Either you’re not making enough tears, or the tears you do make aren’t the right mix to keep your eyes moist and protected.

Healthy tears are made up of 3 key layers: oil, water, and mucus. If any of those layers is out of balance, your eyes can feel dry, gritty, or like something’s stuck in them—even if nothing’s there.

There are two main types of dry eye: aqueous-deficient and evaporative. Aqueous-deficient dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough moisture. Evaporative dry eye is caused by issues with the oil layer of your tears.

What Causes Dry Eye Disease?

One of the most common causes of dry eye is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Dry eye symptoms occur when the oil-producing glands in the eyelids become blocked or stop working properly.

Without enough oil, your tears evaporate too quickly, leaving your eyes feeling exposed and irritated. MGD can be tricky to spot without the right tools, but once we identify it, we can treat it.

Other causes of dry eye include:

Age (tear production naturally decreases as we get older)
Hormonal changes
Autoimmune conditions
Certain medications (like antihistamines or birth control)
Environmental factors (like dry air or wind)
Long hours on screens without enough blinking

What Makes Dry Eye Worse?

Even if your eyes are already feeling dry, certain habits and environments can make things worse. Here are a few common triggers:

Not wearing wraparound sunglasses outdoors (to reduce exposure to the sun and wind)
Extended screen time (we blink less when we’re focused on devices)
Dry indoor air or air conditioning
Wind or smoke
Wearing contact lenses for long hours
Exposure to dry environments like deserts, airplanes, and high altitudes
Skipping regular eye checkups
Poor diet or dehydration

Our Personalized Treatment Options

No two dry eye cases are alike, and your treatment shouldn’t be either. Once we determine what’s causing your symptoms, we can recommend options for lasting relief. Depending on what your eyes need, we may suggest:

Using a humidifier
Adjusting screen time
Prescription medications
Avoiding smoke, dust, wind, or air conditioning
Tear duct plugs or surgery to alter tear drainage
Eye drops or ointments to boost moisture or reduce inflammation
Lifestyle changes, like drinking enough water or getting enough sleep

Regular eye exams help our team understand your unique eye care needs. If you have dry eyes, you don’t have to put up with it.

Get Your Eyes Back on Track

Dry, irritated eyes can sneak into every part of your life—from reading and working to enjoying time outside. But relief is closer than you think. Our team is here to listen, diagnose, and treat your symptoms with care that feels personal, not clinical.

You don’t have to live with dry eyes. Book your dry eye consultation with Pacific Pier Optometry today.

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Services We Offer

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Why Choose Pacific Pier Optometry?

Quality, personalized eye care with a fun, approachable team. Here’s why so many choose us:

Carefully Selected Eyewear

We believe your eyewear should be as unique as you are! Our eyewear collection features an intimate selection of quality frames that fit every aesthetic. Whether you’re looking for a bold statement piece or a classic everyday look, we can help you find the perfect pair that complements your style.

Passion & Reliability

Our team is not only knowledgeable, but also passionate about eye health! We pride ourselves on creating a friendly and approachable atmosphere. We understand that eye care can sometimes feel overwhelming, so we’re here to make it relatable and enjoyable for our patients. Your comfort and understanding are our top priorities.

Eye Care with a Personal Touch

Experience eye care that combines technology with a team you’ll feel relaxed with. We strive to make every visit feel like a personal experience, rather than a medical appointment. Our team is about making it easy for you to understand your eye health and our services. From your first appointment to your frame selection, we’re here for you.

Find Us in Santa Monica

Come Visit Us

We’re just a stone’s throw from the beach and vibrant local shops—we’re easy to access and aim to provide a relaxing space where you can focus on your eye health.