Our Optometric Team Offers Dry Eye Treatment in Austin, TX
At our Austin eye clinic, we provide expert dry eye diagnosis and personalized treatment options to help you find relief and protect your vision. With advanced technology and a team that truly listens, we’re here to help you see more clearly and comfortably.
What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the right kind of tears to keep the surface of your eyes healthy. Tears are made up of water, oils, and mucus, and all three parts are important. Without a stable tear film, your eyes can become dry, red, and inflamed.
Dry eye is very common, especially as we age. It can also be caused by certain medications, medical conditions, lifestyle factors, or too much screen time. While it’s not usually serious at first, dry eye can lead to long-term discomfort and even vision problems if not treated.
Common Symptoms of Dry Eye
- Burning, stinging, or scratchy sensation
- Red or bloodshot eyes
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Feeling like something is in your eye (foreign body sensation)
- Watery eyes (your eyes trying to overcompensate for dryness)
- Eye fatigue or heaviness
What Causes Dry Eye?
- Age-related changes
- Hormonal changes (such as during menopause)
- Long hours of computer or phone use
- Contact lens wear
- Certain medications (like antihistamines, antidepressants, or blood pressure meds)
- Medical conditions (like diabetes, thyroid issues, o
How We Diagnose Dry Eye
At our clinic, our Austin eye doctors don’t just guess what’s going on—we take time to examine your eyes thoroughly. Your dry eye evaluation will include questions about your symptoms, lifestyle, and health history. We’ll then use modern diagnostic tools to understand the cause and severity of your condition.
What Happens During a Dry Eye Evaluation
- Tear film analysis: We check the quality, quantity, and stability of your tears.
- Meibomian gland evaluation: These glands in your eyelids make the oil layer of your tears. If they’re blocked or damaged, your tears may evaporate too fast.
- Imaging and staining: Special dyes and imaging techniques let us see inflammation, damage to the eye surface, and tear break-up time.
Dry Eye Treatment Options
Dry eye isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition. That’s why we offer a range of treatments, from lifestyle tips to advanced in-office procedures. Most patients benefit from a combination of treatments designed to improve comfort and long-term eye health.
At-Home Treatments and Lifestyle Changes
- Use artificial tears or preservative-free eye drops
- Take regular breaks from screens using the 20-20-20 rule
- Use a humidifier at home or work
- Wear wraparound glasses on windy days
- Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet
Prescription Eye Drops
- Anti-inflammatory drops (like cyclosporine or lifitegrast)
- Steroid eye drops (short-term use for flare-ups)
- Tear stimulators (oral or eye drop forms)
In-Office Treatments
- Meibomian gland expression: Gentle heat and pressure are used to unclog blocked oil glands.
- Punctal plugs: Tiny plugs are placed in your tear ducts to help your natural tears stay on the eye longer.
- BlephEx or lid hygiene treatments: These help clean the eyelids and remove bacteria that may cause inflammation.
Some patients may also benefit from newer therapies such as light-based treatments or intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, depending on the case.
Dry Eye and Age: What to Know
Dry eye can affect anyone, but age plays a big role in how it develops. Here’s how it often changes with time:
Austin Eye Care for Children and Teens
Though less common, dry eye can happen in younger people, especially those who spend lots of time on digital devices. Kids may not know how to describe their symptoms, so regular eye exams are key.
Adults (20s–50s)
Work, stress, and screen-heavy lifestyles can contribute to dry eye in adults. Women are especially at risk due to hormonal changes, pregnancy, or birth control use.
Seniors (60+)
Dry eye is very common in older adults. Tear production naturally slows down with age, and medications or health conditions often add to the problem. Treating dry eye in seniors helps protect their vision and comfort, especially when cataracts or other eye issues are present.
It’s never too early—or too late—to get help for dry eye. Our team customizes treatment for every age and stage.
FAQs About Dry Eye
Q: Can dry eye be cured?
Dry eye is usually a chronic condition, which means it can’t always be “cured” completely. However, with the right treatment plan, we can manage the symptoms and keep your eyes healthy and comfortable long-term.
Q: Do I have to live with dry eye forever?
Not at all. Even if your dry eye doesn’t go away completely, most people feel much better with the right combination of treatments. You don’t have to just deal with it—relief is possible.
Q: What’s the difference between tired eyes and dry eyes?
Tired eyes from lack of sleep or screen use can feel similar to dry eye, but they aren’t the same. If your eyes burn, sting, or feel gritty even after resting, it’s time to get checked for dry eye.
If you’ve been putting up with dry, irritated eyes, you don’t have to any longer. Schedule a dry eye evaluation with our experienced Austin team and take the first step toward lasting relief.