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Chronic Condition·Costa Mesa, Orange County

Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment in Costa Mesa, California

Medically reviewed by Dr. Alexander Bonakdar, O.D. · Updated February 2026

Dry eye syndrome occurs when your tears aren't able to provide adequate lubrication for your eyes. This can happen due to reduced tear production or increased tear evaporation. Comprehensive treatment options including prescription medications, punctal plugs, and advanced therapies.

Costa Mesa's screen-intensive work culture can influence how dry eye syndrome symptoms are experienced throughout the day. We factor your digital lifestyle into our diagnostic and treatment recommendations.

Dr. Bonakdar on Dry Eye Syndrome

Direct Answers from Dr. Bonakdar

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar at EyeCare Center of Orange County provides expert dry eye syndrome diagnosis and treatment for patients in Costa Mesa and throughout Orange County. With over 35 years of clinical experience and advanced diagnostic technology, each patient receives a personalized treatment plan based on their specific condition severity and lifestyle needs.

What causes dry eyes?

Dry eyes are caused by either insufficient tear production or tears that evaporate too quickly. Common triggers include aging, screen use, contact lenses, medications, dry or windy environments, and meibomian gland dysfunction. Women are affected more often than men.

What is the best treatment for dry eyes?

The best treatment depends on the cause. For mild cases, preservative-free artificial tears help. For moderate to severe dry eye, treatments include prescription anti-inflammatory drops, IPL light therapy, meibomian gland expression, and punctal plugs to retain tears.

What happens if dry eye is not treated?

Untreated dry eye can lead to corneal damage, increased risk of eye infections, chronic pain, and progressive vision problems. The meibomian glands can permanently atrophy, making the condition harder to treat over time. Early treatment preserves gland function.

Can dry eye cause blurry vision?

Yes, dry eye frequently causes blurry vision. When the tear film is unstable, it creates an uneven surface on the cornea that distorts light. Vision may fluctuate throughout the day, especially after prolonged reading or screen use.

What are the symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome?

Costa Mesa professionals working at screens may first notice symptoms during extended computer use or at the end of a long workday:

  • Stinging or burning sensation
  • Redness
  • Light sensitivity
  • Blurred vision

What happens if dry eye syndrome is not treated?

Without proper diagnosis and treatment, dry eye syndrome can lead to:

  • Chronic discomfort and burning sensation in the eyes
  • Increased risk of corneal infections and ulcers
  • Progressive damage to the surface of the eye
  • Blurred vision that worsens throughout the day
  • Difficulty wearing contact lenses
  • Reduced ability to work on screens or read for extended periods

How is Dry Eye Syndrome treated?

For Costa Mesa's digital professionals, we prioritize treatments compatible with extended screen use and offer strategies to optimize visual comfort during work hours:

Prescription Eye Drops
Punctal Plugs
LipiFlow Thermal Pulsation
IPL Therapy

Standard Care vs. Specialized Treatment for Dry Eye Syndrome

AspectStandard ApproachSpecialized Treatment
DiagnosisSymptom-based assessment onlyMeibography, tear osmolarity, and inflammatory markers
TreatmentOver-the-counter eye dropsIPL therapy, meibomian gland expression, prescription drops
Root CauseNot investigatedIdentifies evaporative vs. aqueous deficiency
Gland HealthNot assessedImaging and treatment of meibomian glands
Long-term ReliefTemporary symptom maskingRestores natural tear function

Dry Eye Syndrome FAQs for Costa Mesa Patients

Common questions from Costa Mesa patients about our eye care services

At EyeCare Center of Orange County, we diagnose dry eye syndrome using advanced diagnostic equipment including corneal topography, OCT imaging, and comprehensive eye examinations. For Costa Mesa's tech professionals, we assess how digital device usage and work environment may be contributing to or masking symptoms during your diagnostic evaluation.
We offer comprehensive treatment options for dry eye syndrome including specialty contact lenses, medical therapy, and advanced procedures. Costa Mesa tech workers benefit from treatments optimized for screen use—we recommend solutions that maintain visual clarity through long hours of near work.
Call (714) 558-1182 or book online. Initial consultations take 60-90 minutes and include comprehensive testing. Costa Mesa professionals can schedule around work—we offer lunch-hour and late-afternoon appointments with minimal wait times.
Yes, we accept most major vision and medical insurance plans including VSP, EyeMed, Medicare, and Medi-Cal for dry eye syndrome diagnosis and treatment. We verify your coverage and discuss costs before any procedures.
Costa Mesa's tech professionals are at high risk because screen use reduces blink rate by up to 60%. Combined with air-conditioned offices and blue light exposure, this creates chronic tear film instability. Our dry eye protocols are specifically designed for digital workers, addressing both the occupational and medical factors.
We offer IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) therapy, LipiFlow thermal pulsation, meibomian gland expression, punctal plugs, and prescription medications like Restasis and Xiidra. Dr. Bonakdar determines which approach—or combination—addresses the root cause of your specific dry eye pattern.

Have more questions? Call us at (714) 558-1182

Dry Eye Syndrome Care for Costa Mesa Residents

Costa Mesa's tech workers are at high risk for dry eye due to reduced blinking during computer use and air-conditioned office environments. Our dry eye protocols are specifically designed for digital workers.

About Costa Mesa

Diverse arts and shopping district community

Population: 113,000+

Young professionalsArtistsDiverse communityRetail workers

Languages Spoken in Costa Mesa

Our practice serves the diverse Costa Mesa community. We provide care to patients who speak:

EnglishSpanishVietnamese

Eye Health Priorities for Costa Mesa

  • Computer vision syndrome treatment
  • Digital eye strain solutions
  • Blue light protection
  • Dry eye from reduced blinking
  • Ergonomic vision consultations

Conveniently Located Near Costa Mesa Landmarks

Our Orange County practice is easily accessible for Costa Mesa patients living near:

South Coast Plaza
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Orange County Fairgrounds
Triangle Square

Getting to Our Office from Costa Mesa

Drive Time
20 min
Primary Route
55 Freeway
Distance
7.9 mi

Costa Mesa patients typically reach our Santa Ana office via the 55 Freeway in approximately 20 minutes. Free on-site parking is available in our building.

801 N Tustin Ave, Ste 404, Santa Ana, CA 92705 — Get Directions

Costa Mesa Neighborhoods We Serve

  • South Coast Metro
  • Mesa Verde
  • Eastside Costa Mesa
  • Westside Costa Mesa

Zip codes: 92626, 92627, 92628

Why Costa Mesa Patients Choose EyeCare Center for Dry Eye Syndrome

35+ Years of Experience

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar has served Orange County since 1991, with extensive experience treating dry eye syndrome.

Advanced Diagnostics

OCT imaging, corneal topography, visual field testing, and retinal photography for precise diagnosis.

Insurance Accepted

VSP, EyeMed, Medicare, Medi-Cal, and most major vision and medical insurance plans.

Convenient for Costa Mesa

Open Monday through Friday 9 AM – 6 PM with easy access from Costa Mesa and surrounding communities.

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar - Board Certified Ophthalmologist

Your Dry Eye Syndrome Specialist in Costa Mesa

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar is a board-certified ophthalmologist with over 35 years of experience treating dry eye syndrome and complex eye conditions. Trained at the #1-ranked Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, he has helped over 10,000 patients achieve and maintain clear vision.

35+ Years10,000+ PatientsBascom Palmer
Learn more about Dr. Bonakdar →

Patient Stories from Costa Mesa

See why your neighbors in Costa Mesa trust us with their vision.

Comprehensive Exam

"Not a fan of getting my eyes checked but the receptionist and Dr. were very nice and eased my anxiety."

emily garcia
Santa Ana, CA

Comprehensive Exam

"I came back for my yearly visit and had a great experience as always."

Eduardo arias
Santa Ana, CA

Schedule Your Dry Eye Syndrome Consultation

Expert diagnosis and treatment for Costa Mesa and Orange County residents.