Dry, tired, irritated eyes are more than a minor annoyance. Whether your discomfort comes from an underlying condition, long hours on screens, or a combination of both, Mountain View Eye Care can help you find relief that lasts.
Dry Eye Care and Digital Eye Strain
Overview
Dry eye disease occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly, leading to irritation, redness, and blurred vision. Digital eye strain results from prolonged screen use and causes similar symptoms including fatigue, headaches, and difficulty focusing. Dr. Hicks evaluates the root cause of your discomfort and develops a treatment plan tailored to your daily routine and needs.
What to expect during your visit
Your appointment begins with a conversation. We review your health history, any medications you take, and what brought you in, whether that is a routine checkup or a specific concern. From there, Dr. Hicks performs a series of tests tailored to your age, health, and symptoms.
We check how sharply you see at various distances, how your eyes work together, and how well they respond to light and changes in focus. We also examine the front and back of your eyes using instruments that give a magnified view of the cornea, lens, retina, and optic nerve.
If dilation is needed, we explain what to expect and how long the effects will last before we begin. Nothing in your exam should come as a surprise.
Understanding Dry Eye
Dry eye is a chronic condition with several possible causes. Your tears are made up of multiple layers and a problem with any one of them can lead to dryness, burning, grittiness, or excessive watering. Age, medications, health conditions, and environmental factors all play a role. Effective treatment starts with identifying what is driving the problem, which is exactly what a thorough evaluation is designed to do.
Digital Eye Strain
Spending hours in front of a computer, tablet, or phone takes a toll on your eyes. You blink less frequently when focused on a screen and your eyes work harder to maintain focus at close range for extended periods. The result is fatigue, dryness, headaches and blurred vision that tends to worsen throughout the day. Digital eye strain is not a disease, but it can make existing dry eyes worse and significantly affect your comfort and productivity. The good news is that practical adjustments to your workspace, habits and vision correction can make a real difference.
Conditions we commonly address
Dry eye care includes the evaluation and management of conditions that affect tear production, tear quality and the health of the ocular surface. During your exam, Dr. Hicks evaluates for:
- Keratitis
- Lacrimal gland disorders
- Blepharitis
- Autoimmune disorders affecting the eyes
- Digital eye strain
- Exposure keratopathy
Whether symptoms require targeted treatment, lifestyle adjustments, or ongoing management, care is tailored to relieve discomfort, protect the surface of the eye, and support long-term ocular health.
Living with Dry Eye
Dry eye is manageable, but it does require ongoing attention. We work with you to build habits and routines that reduce flare-ups and keep your eyes comfortable day to day. Follow-up visits allow us to track your progress and make changes as needed.If you have been dealing with eye discomfort and are unsure whether it is dry eye, digital strain, or something else entirely, an evaluation is the best place to start.
How We Evaluate and Treat Dry Eye
Dr. Hicks begins with a detailed conversation about your symptoms, daily routine, medications, and screen habits. We then examine the surface of your eyes, evaluate your tear quality and production, and look for signs of inflammation or gland dysfunction. Treatment recommendations are specific to your situation. Options may include prescription eye drops, warm compress therapy, changes to your environment or screen habits, and nutritional guidance.
Our approach to your care
We are a small, close-knit team, and that is by design. When you visit Mountain View Eye Care, you see the same doctor and the same staff who already know you and your history. We do not rush through appointments or hand you off between departments.
Dr. Hicks explains findings in plain language and answers every question. If you need corrective lenses, we walk through your options honestly. If we identify a condition that calls for further treatment, we outline the next steps clearly and connect you with the right specialists when needed. We are independent in our referrals, which means we recommend based on what is best for you.
Our goal is for you to leave every visit feeling informed, cared for, and confident about your eye health.
“Patient Quote Here” – John Doe
Frequently asked questions
What causes dry eye?
Dry eye has many possible causes, including aging, hormonal changes, medications, autoimmune conditions, environmental factors like wind or dry air, and prolonged screen use. In many cases, more than one factor is involved. A thorough evaluation helps identify which causes apply to you.
Can screen time damage my eyes?
Extended screen use does not cause permanent damage, but it can lead to digital eye strain with symptoms like dryness, fatigue, headaches, and blurred vision. Adjustments to your screen habits, workspace setup, and vision correction can significantly reduce discomfort.
What is the 20-20-20 rule?
Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This gives your focusing muscles a break and encourages blinking, which helps keep your eyes moist during long periods of screen work.
Do over-the-counter eye drops help with dry eye?
Artificial tears can provide temporary relief for mild symptoms. However, if your dry eye is caused by inflammation or gland dysfunction, over-the-counter drops alone may not be enough. Dr. Hicks can determine what type of treatment will be most effective for your specific situation.
Do you sell dry eye masks?
Yes. We carry heated eye masks and other specialty products that support dry eye treatment. Our team can recommend the right product for your situation and inform you on how to use it properly.
Tired of Tired Eyes?
Schedule a dry eye evaluation with Dr. Hicks and find relief that works.