Located just off Passons Blvd »
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Call Us: (562) 948-1927

Dry Eye Doctor in Pico Rivera, CA

Do your eyes feel dry, itchy, or constantly irritated? Do you find yourself blinking more, rubbing your eyes, or struggling with blurry vision—especially after staring at screens? If so, you’re not alone. Millions of people suffer from dry eye syndrome, and while it may seem like a minor issue, chronic dryness can affect your comfort, productivity, and even long-term eye health.   

At Pico Rivera Optometric Center, we take a personalized approach to treatment, identifying the root cause of your symptoms and recommending the best solutions to keep your eyes hydrated and comfortable. 

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Elderly man rubbing his left eye

What is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly. This leads to inflammation, irritation, and discomfort. There are two primary types of dry eye; evaporative dry Eye is caused by blocked oil glands (meibomian gland dysfunction), leading to poor-quality tears that dry out too quickly. On the other hand, aqueous deficient dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough natural tears, often due to aging, hormonal changes, or certain medical conditions.  

Dry Eye Causes and Risk Factors

Common causes and risk factors for dry eye include:  

  • Extended screen time (reducing natural blinking)  
  • Aging and hormonal changes  
  • Contact lens wear  
  • Certain medications (antihistamines, blood pressure meds, antidepressants)  
  • Environmental factors (wind, smoke, dry climates)  
  • Autoimmune conditions (like Sjögren’s syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis
Woman having eye discomfort
Woman wiping her eyes

Common Symptoms of Dry Eye 

Not sure if you have dry eye? Here are some telltale signs:  

  • Dryness, grittiness, or a scratchy feeling  
  • Burning or stinging sensations  
  • Redness and irritation  
  • Excessive tearing (yes, dry eye can cause watery eyes!)  
  • Blurry vision, especially after prolonged screen use  
  • Sensitivity to light  
  • Difficulty wearing contact lenses  

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s time to schedule a dry eye evaluation so we can find the right treatment for you.

Dry Eye Treatments in Pico Rivera

At Pico Rivera Optometric Center, we offer a range of treatment options to target the root cause of your dry eye and restore moisture and comfort to your eyes.

Prescription and Over-the-Counter Eye Drops

Artificial tears are often the first line of defense against dry eye. Depending on the severity of your condition, we may recommend:  

  • Lubricating artificial tears for mild cases  
  • Prescription eye drops like Restasis® or Xiidra® to increase natural tear production  
  • Gel-based drops for longer-lasting moisture, especially at night  
Woman using eye drops from Pico Rivera Eyecare

Tip: Not all eye drops are the same! Some drugstore drops contain preservatives that can worsen dry eye—we’ll help you choose the right formula for your eyes.  

Woman with dry eyes

Punctal Plugs for Long-Term Relief 

If eye drops aren’t providing enough relief, we may recommend punctal plugs, a simple and effective in-office treatment. Tiny, biodegradable or semi-permanent plugs are placed in your tear ducts to slow tear drainage, keeping your eyes naturally hydrated for longer.  

Punctal plugs benefit patients with moderate to severe dry eye who aren’t getting enough relief from drops alone. Many patients notice improvements within days, making it a great long-term solution for chronic dry eye.  

Woman holding eye supplements from Pico Rivera Eyecare

Heated Eye Masks and Home Therapies

For patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) or evaporative dry eye, we recommend heat therapy to help restore the oil layer of your tear film, preventing rapid evaporation of tears.  

  1. Heated Eye Masks and Warm Compresses: Gently warm the eyelids, helping unclog blocked oil glands and improve tear stability.  
  2. Lid Hygiene and Cleansers: Medicated lid scrubs and foams reduce inflammation and bacterial buildup that can contribute to dryness.  
  3. Omega-3 Supplements: Studies show that omega-3 fatty acids can improve tear quality, reducing inflammation and irritation.  

 

Woman holding eye supplements from Pico Rivera Eyecare

Find Relief from Dry Eye  

Dry, irritated eyes aren’t something you have to “just deal with.” The right treatment can make all the difference in your comfort, vision, and quality of life. Call us to book your dry eye evaluation and let’s get your eyes back to feeling great. 

Call Us! (562) 948-1927
Pico Rivera Optometric Center
5026 S. Passons Blvd. Ste B, Pico Rivera, CA 90660 »
(562) 948-1927
Schedule Appointment