If your eyes often feel dry, gritty, or irritated, you may be experiencing dry eye. This condition can interfere with your comfort, vision, and daily routine, especially in South Texas’ climate. At Eyes of San Antonio, we offer advanced dry eye evaluations and personalized treatment plans to address the root causes of dry eye and restore eye comfort for patients in San Antonio, TX.

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye is a common condition that occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears, or when the tears evaporate too quickly or lack proper quality. Healthy tears are essential for keeping the eyes lubricated, comfortable, and clear. When the tear film becomes unstable, it can lead to irritation, inflammation, and blurry vision. Dry eye can be temporary for some patients, but for many, it is a chronic condition that requires ongoing care and management.

Common Causes of Dry Eye

Dry eye often develops from a combination of factors rather than a single cause. Common contributors include:

Aging, which naturally reduces tear production
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), where oil glands in the eyelids do not function properly
Blepharitis, or inflammation of the eyelids
Eye surgery, such as LASIK or cataract surgery
Contact lens use, especially with extended wear
Allergies, which can disrupt tear quality
Medications, including antihistamines, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and acne treatments
Medical conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, diabetes, and thyroid disorders

Identifying which of these factors is contributing to your symptoms is key to finding lasting relief.

Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye symptoms can range from mild irritation to persistent discomfort. Common symptoms include:

Burning, stinging, or gritty sensations
Redness or inflammation
Blurry or fluctuating vision
Excessive tearing
Sensitivity to light
Eye fatigue or discomfort while reading or using screens

If these symptoms persist, it’s important to schedule an eye exam rather than relying solely on over-the-counter drops.

How Dry Eye Is Diagnosed

At Eyes of San Antonio, diagnosing dry eye goes beyond confirming dryness - we focus on identifying the root cause so treatment can be targeted and effective.

During a dry eye evaluation, your eye doctor may assess:

Tear quantity and tear quality
Oil gland function in the eyelids
Signs of inflammation or infection
Eyelid health and blink patterns
The stability of your tear film

By understanding what is contributing to your dry eye, we can create a treatment plan that addresses the underlying issue rather than just masking symptoms.

Dry Eye Treatment Options

Dry eye treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Your care plan will depend on the underlying causes identified during your exam. Treatment options may include:

Prescription Eye Drops: Medicated drops can help reduce inflammation, improve tear production, and stabilize the tear film for long-term relief.
Nutritional Supplements: Omega-3 fatty acid supplements may support healthy oil gland function and improve tear quality, particularly for patients with MGD.
Thermal 1-Touch: This in-office treatment uses controlled heat therapy to help unclog blocked oil glands, improving tear stability and comfort.
Scleral Lenses: For patients with more severe dry eye, scleral lenses create a protective moisture reservoir over the eye, providing continuous hydration and clearer vision.

Our eye doctor will recommend the most appropriate treatments based on your specific needs and condition severity.

Schedule Your Dry Eye Evaluation Today

Dry eye is a complex condition that often requires more than over-the-counter solutions. With a thorough evaluation and targeted treatment, many patients experience significant improvement in both comfort and vision. Identifying the underlying cause is essential for long-term relief and protecting your eye health.

If you are experiencing ongoing dry eye symptoms, schedule a dry eye evaluation in San Antonio for a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.