Advanced Dry Eye Treatment in San Francisco

Dry eye is a common medical condition that occurs when your eyes don't produce enough quality tears to lubricate the eye's surface. At Market Street Optometry, we provide comprehensive dry eye exams and advanced treatments to help you achieve long-lasting relief and clearer vision.
Chronic dry eye is influenced by age, hormones, digital screen use, and environmental factors. If left untreated, it can lead to inflammation, corneal damage, and reduced quality of life. Our goal is to identify the "why" behind your symptoms and restore your ocular health.

Causes and Symptoms of Dry Eye

The leading cause of dry eye is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). These glands produce the essential oil layer of your tears. When blocked, tears evaporate too quickly.

Common causes include:

Aging and hormonal shifts
Prolonged computer and smartphone use
Certain medications or autoimmune conditions
Environmental factors (AC, wind, low humidity)

Symptoms to look for:

Burning, stinging, or a "gritty" feeling
Redness and light sensitivity
Blurred vision that fluctuates when blinking
Discomfort while wearing contact lenses

Blepharitis & Demodex Treatment

A frequent contributor to dry eye is blepharitis—chronic eyelid inflammation often caused by an overgrowth of Demodex mites. These mites live in the follicles and disrupt oil production.

To combat this, we offer ZEST (Zocular Eyelid System Treatment). This in-office deep cleaning procedure removes bacteria, debris, and mites to restore a healthy eyelid environment and provide immediate relief.

The Impact of Digital Screens

Modern "screen time" leads to incomplete blinking. When we don't blink fully, our oil glands aren't "milked" properly, causing the tear film to fail. During your evaluation, we assess your blinking patterns and provide behavioral techniques and therapies to fix this digital-age issue.

Our Specialized Treatment Approach

We don't just manage symptoms; we treat the root cause. Your evaluation at Market Street Optometry includes:

Detailed Tear Film Analysis
Meibomian Gland Imaging
Ocular Surface Assessment

Your personalized plan may include:

Prescription-strength eye drops
Medical management of eyelid inflammation
Advanced In-Office Procedures: OptiLight, OptiPlus, and OptiLift

Advanced Dry Eye Technology: OptiLight, OptiPlus & OptiLift

We utilize the Lumenis suite of technology to provide the highest level of care:

OptiLight (IPL): A light-based treatment that reduces inflammation and improves gland function.
OptiPlus (Radiofrequency): A therapy that uses heat to support eyelid health and oil flow.
OptiLift: A specialized treatment to improve eyelid strength and blinking performance.

Schedule Your Dry Eye Consultation Today
If you are looking for the best dry eye doctor in San Francisco, our team is ready to help. Don't live with discomfort—take the first step toward lasting relief and healthy eyes.