Dry Eye Doctors in
Newport Beach
If your eyes feel dry, gritty, irritated, or tired by mid-afternoon, you’re far from alone. Dry eye affects over 16 million Americans, and in places like Newport Beach, constant sun, coastal winds, and screen-heavy lifestyles only exacerbate symptoms. SALT. Optometry's approach is personal, thorough, and built around treatments that last, because you deserve relief that fits your life, not just a quick fix.
Do You Have Dry Eye?
Dry eye doesn’t always show up the way you’d expect. For some, it’s a gritty or burning sensation. For others, it’s blurry vision that comes and goes. If your eyes often feel:
- Stinging or burning
- Irritated or gritty
- Watery (especially in wind or bright light)
- Heavy, dry, or chronically tired
- Blurry after screen time or reading
…it’s worth getting checked. Dry eye is a common condition, but it can be effectively treated with proper care.
What Causes Dry Eye?
Dry eye happens when your eyes don’t produce enough quality tears or when those tears evaporate too quickly. And while it can feel frustrating, it’s often tied to everyday factors that are easy to overlook. Common dry eye triggers include:
Contact Lenses
Especially if your lenses don't fit properly or you wear them in dry or windy conditions.
Aging & Hormones
Dry eye is more common in adults over 40, pregnant women, and women in general.
Digital Strain
Blinking less while using screens or reading for long periods can cause dryness.
Environment
Factors like wind, sun exposure, dry air, and saltwater (hello, Newport Beach life) can cause dryness.
Overall Health
Those with autoimmune conditions, allergies, or who use medications like antihistamines and antidepressants.
How We Diagnose Dry Eye
We start your eye exam by asking about your symptoms, lifestyle, and environment. Then, we utilize advanced diagnostic tools to gain a deeper understanding of what’s happening. Here’s what your dry eye evaluation may include:
- Tear film assessment to check how well your eyes produce and retain moisture.
- Meibomian gland evaluation to assess the function of your oil glands.
- Surface and inflammation checks—looking for signs of irritation, dryness, or damage to the eye’s surface.
- Blink pattern and lifestyle review—especially if you’re on a screen all day.
The goal? To figure out what’s causing your symptoms and build a treatment plan that works with your life.
Dry Eye Treatments at
SALT. Optometry
Once we understand what’s causing your dry eye, we’ll guide you through treatment options designed to bring relief. Our approach focuses on treating the source of the issue, especially when it’s related to meibomian gland dysfunction (the most common cause of evaporative dry eye).
Need Dry Eye Products?
No need to run to the drugstore. SALT. Optometry carries everything you need to support your dry eye routine, including:
- Medical-grade artificial tears and eye drops
- Soothing heat masks
- Professional-strength lid wipes and cleansers
Our team will guide you through the exact steps to use them.