​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Dry eye can affect comfort, clarity, and daily life, especially when symptoms keep coming back despite using artificial tears. At Dr. Funnell Optometry in Ventura, CA, we evaluate the underlying cause of dry eye so treatment can be more targeted and effective. Our approach includes advanced testing, in-office treatments, prescription options, and home care recommendations designed to support healthier, more stable tears.

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye can have different causes, which is why identifying the specific type of dry eye is an important part of treatment. For some patients, dry eye occurs when the eyes do not produce enough of the watery layer of tears. For others, tears evaporate too quickly because the oil layer of the tear film is not functioning properly.

A common cause of evaporative dry eye is meibomian gland dysfunction, also known as MGD. The meibomian glands are small oil glands located in the eyelids that help keep tears stable and prevent them from drying too quickly. When these glands become blocked, inflamed, or unable to produce healthy oil, the tear film can become unstable. Blepharitis can also contribute to dry eye by causing inflammation, debris, and buildup along the eyelids and lashes.

Other common dry eye triggers may include screen use, contact lens wear, allergies, certain medications, hormonal changes, aging, wind, dry environments, and underlying inflammation. Because several factors can overlap, a detailed dry eye evaluation helps determine what is causing symptoms and which treatment options may be most effective.

Identifying the Root Cause of Dry Eye

At Dr. Funnell Optometry, we look closely at the health of your tear film, eyelids, and oil glands to understand what is contributing to your symptoms. Meibography allows us to evaluate the oil glands in your eyelids. Using the Firefly slit lamp, we can assess gland structure and function to help determine whether MGD is playing a role in your dry eye. This helps us recommend treatment based on what your eyes actually need.

Common Dry Eye Symptoms

Dry eye symptoms can be mild at first, but they often become more noticeable with screen use, wind, allergies, contact lenses, or long days. Symptoms may include:

• Burning, stinging, or gritty eyes
• Redness or irritation
• Watery eyes
• Blurry or fluctuating vision
• Light sensitivity
• Contact lens discomfort
• Heavy or tired-feeling eyes

If these symptoms are affecting your routine, a dry eye evaluation can help identify the source of the problem.

Dry Eye Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the type and severity of your dry eye. For many patients, improving eyelid and oil gland health is an important part of long-term relief.

Our dry eye treatment options may include:

• Omega-3 support to help promote healthier tear quality
• Lid hygiene to reduce buildup along the eyelids and lashes
• Warm compresses to help support oil gland function
• Prescription eye drops when inflammation, irritation, or other factors need targeted treatment
• ZEST in-office deep cleaning to remove debris, buildup, and biofilm from the lid margins
• XDEMVY prescription drops when Demodex blepharitis is contributing to redness, irritation, crusting, or lash debris

Tixel for MGD and Evaporative Dry Eye

Tixel is an advanced in-office treatment option for patients with evaporative dry eye caused by meibomian gland dysfunction. Tixel i is FDA-cleared for adult patients with evaporative dry eye disease due to MGD, and treatment is commonly completed as a series of 3 sessions spaced 2 weeks apart.

Tixel uses controlled heat and gentle pressure around the eyelids to support meibomian gland function. Since MGD is one of the most common contributors to dry eye, Tixel may be a helpful option for patients who need more than basic at-home care.

Experience a Targeted Approach to Dry Eye Relief

At Dr. Funnell Optometry, we focus on identifying the cause of your dry eye before recommending treatment. Whether your care plan includes prescription drops, ZEST, Tixel, or a personalized combination of therapies, our goal is to help improve comfort, tear quality, and day-to-day visual stability.

Schedule a dry eye evaluation with Dr. Funnell Optometry to learn more about personalized dry eye treatments. Visit our office at 1445 Donlon Street, Suite 12, Ventura, CA 93003, or call (805) 642-3777 to book an appointment.