Dry Eye Care in Westlake Village
Dry Eye Relief for Your Child
Burning eyes. Frequent rubbing. Uncomfortable contacts.
We evaluate your child’s tears, eyelids, and eye surface to understand their discomfort and recommend appropriate care.
Individualized care from the doctors at The Myopia Institute.
Could Your Child Have Dry Eye?
Rubbing, burning, or blurry vision that comes and goes? Dry eye may be contributing. Your child may describe their eyes as “tired” or say something feels stuck in them.
Signs to watch for:
- Burning or stinging
- Frequent eye rubbing
- A sandy or gritty feeling
- Red or watery eyes
- Blurry vision that comes and goes
- Uncomfortable contact lenses
If symptoms keep returning, schedule an eye exam. Allergies and other eye conditions can cause similar discomfort.
What is dry eye?
Dry eye happens when tears do not keep the eye’s surface properly lubricated. The eyes may produce too few tears, or tears may evaporate too quickly.
Treatment Based on the Cause
Your child’s plan may include eye drops, eyelid care, or changes to daily habits. Recommendations depend on their age and examination findings.
Lubricating Eye Drops
Help replenish moisture and ease dryness with drops selected for your child.
Eyelid Care
Warm compresses and gentle cleaning may help when blocked oil glands contribute to irritation.
Daily Habits and Lens Care
Small changes to screen breaks, blinking, and contact lens routines may improve comfort.
Prescription Treatment
Medication may be recommended when inflammation or another condition needs treatment.
What if symptoms persist?
Additional treatment may be appropriate when initial care does not provide enough relief. Depending on the diagnosis, options can include procedures to address blocked eyelid glands or help keep tears on the eye’s surface.
Our doctors will explain which options are suitable, what they involve, and whether ongoing care is needed.
Dry Eye Can Affect Vision, Too
Changes in clarity can come from dryness, a prescription change, or another eye issue.
Dry eye can affect clarity.
An unstable tear film can cause vision to blur on and off. An exam helps determine what’s behind it.
Comfort matters during myopia care.
If your child wears soft contact lenses or Ortho-K, tell us about irritation. We can check their eye surface, lens fit, and care routine.
Dry eye care supports comfort and eye surface health. It does not replace treatment to slow myopia progression.
What to Expect at Your Visit
1
Tell Us What You’re Noticing
We’ll ask about symptoms, when they happen, and your child’s screen use, contact lenses, and medications.
2
Find Out What’s Contributing
We’ll examine the eye surface, tears, and eyelids. Additional testing may help us understand how well the tear film and oil glands are working.
3
Leave With a Plan You Understand
We’ll explain our findings, recommend appropriate care, and show you how to follow the plan at home.
Already seeing us for myopia management? Let us know about discomfort when scheduling your visit.
Meet Your Eye Care Team
Dr. Dean S. Steinberger
O.D., Optometrist
Dr. Emily Schwartz
O.D., Optometrist
Parents’ Questions About Dry Eye
Can screen time cause dry eyes?
Screen use can contribute to dryness because children often blink less while concentrating. Regular breaks and complete blinking may help. Persistent symptoms deserve an examination, even if they happen mostly during screen time.
Why are my child’s eyes watering if they’re dry?
Irritation from dryness can trigger extra watering. Those tears may not provide the stable lubrication the eyes need. Watery eyes can also have other causes, including allergies.
Can I use over-the-counter eye drops for my child?
Ask our doctors which product is appropriate, especially if your child wears contacts. Lubricating drops and drops marketed to reduce redness serve different purposes.
What causes dry eye besides screen time?
Blocked eyelid oil glands, contact lenses, certain medications, and dry or windy conditions can contribute. More than one factor may be involved.
Will my child need ongoing treatment?
It depends on the cause. Some symptoms improve with changes to daily habits; others need continued care. Follow-up visits help us assess progress and adjust treatment.
When to seek prompt care
Eye pain, marked redness, discharge, or sudden vision changes need prompt evaluation. If your child is wearing contact lenses, remove them and contact our office.
Find Out What’s Behind Your Child’s Eye Discomfort
Schedule an eye exam at The Myopia Institute in Westlake Village. We’ll help you understand the cause and the care your child may need.
Prefer to call? 800-983-4933