Dry Eye in Coastal San Diego: Why Beach Living Can Make Symptoms Worse

Dry, irritated eyes are one of the most common concerns seen in the office. If you live in Bird Rock, La Jolla, or another coastal San Diego community, wind, salt air, allergies, and screen time can all contribute to dry eye symptoms.
 

Dry eye isn't always caused by a lack of tears. Many people produce plenty of tears, but they evaporate too quickly because the tear film isn't stable.
 

Common Symptoms

Dry eye can cause:

• Burning or stinging

• Grittiness or a "sand in the eyes" feeling

• Redness

• Excessive watering

• Blurry vision that clears after blinking

• Light sensitivity

• Contact lens discomfort

• Eye fatigue, especially after screen use

What Causes Dry Eye?

One of the most common causes is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). These tiny glands along the eyelids produce the oil layer of your tears. When they become blocked or unhealthy, tears evaporate too quickly.
 

Other contributing factors include:

• Wind and salt air

• Seasonal allergies

• Extended screen time and reduced blinking

• Contact lens wear

• Certain medications

• Hormonal changes

• Eyelid inflammation (blepharitis)

What Can Help?

Many patients improve with a combination of simple treatments:

• Artificial tears selected for your specific type of dry eye

• Warm compresses for 8–10 minutes daily

• Proper eyelid hygiene

• Frequent blinking and the 20-20-20 rule during screen use

• Wraparound sunglasses outdoors and avoiding direct air vents

Because every case of dry eye is different, the best treatment starts with identifying what's causing your symptoms.
 

Advanced Dry Eye Treatment

For patients with persistent symptoms, in-office treatments may provide longer-lasting relief.
 

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) helps reduce inflammation and improve the function of the meibomian glands, making it particularly effective for evaporative dry eye and ocular rosacea.
 

As an optional enhancement, Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) can be added to IPL treatments. This relaxing LED light therapy supports healthy gland function and may further improve tear film stability and comfort.
 

When Should You Be Evaluated?

If your eyes feel dry, watery, gritty, or tired despite using eye drops, it may be time for a comprehensive dry eye evaluation. Identifying the underlying cause allows us to create a treatment plan tailored specifically to your eyes.
 

With the right diagnosis and treatment, most patients experience significant improvements in comfort, vision, and quality of life.