Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

If you live in San Antonio, you know how our hot, dry climate can take a toll on your eyes. Many residents experience dry, irritated, or watery eyes without realizing they may be dealing with dry eye syndrome. At Eyes of San Antonio, we’re here to help you understand the causes, recognize the symptoms, and explore treatment options tailored to your needs.
 

What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Tears are essential for keeping the surface of the eyes smooth, clear, and comfortable. Without a stable tear film, you may experience irritation, blurred vision, and a gritty sensation.
 

Common Causes of Dry Eye

Several factors can contribute to dry eye syndrome, including:
 

• Aging: Tear production naturally decreases with age, especially after age 50.
• Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD): When the oil glands in the eyelids become blocked, the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to dry eye symptoms.
• Blepharitis: This chronic inflammation of the eyelids can disrupt the tear film and contribute to ongoing dryness and irritation.
• Screen Time: Staring at screens for long periods reduces blink rate, leading to tear evaporation.
• Environment: Windy, dry, or air-conditioned environments can dry out the eyes.
• Medical Conditions: Conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, and autoimmune diseases such as Sjögren's syndrome can affect tear production.
• Medications: Antihistamines, antidepressants, and certain blood pressure medications may reduce tear production.
• Contact Lens Use: Prolonged wear can contribute to dryness and discomfort.

Symptoms to Watch For

Dry eye symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include:
 

• Burning or stinging sensation
• Redness or watery eyes
• Blurred or fluctuating vision
• Sensitivity to light
• A gritty, sandy feeling in the eyes
• Discomfort while wearing contact lenses

If these symptoms are persistent, it’s essential to consult an eye doctor for a proper diagnosis.
 

Treatment Options for Dry Eye

At Eyes of San Antonio, we offer a variety of effective treatment options tailored to the underlying cause of your dry eye symptoms. For many patients, artificial tears and lubricating drops provide quick, temporary relief by supplementing the natural tear film. These over-the-counter or prescription-strength drops help soothe irritation and restore moisture throughout the day. When inflammation is contributing to dry eye, prescription eye drops such as cyclosporine may be recommended. These medications reduce inflammation on the surface of the eye and support long-term tear production.
 

In some cases, punctal plugs can be inserted into the tear ducts to help tears stay on the surface of the eye longer. These small devices help maintain moisture and reduce the need for frequent artificial tear use.
 

For patients experiencing Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), targeted in-office treatments may be needed. One advanced solution is The OCuSOFT Thermal 1-Touch system, which applies controlled heat and gentle pressure to the eyelids to unblock oil glands and restore healthy tear film. Additional treatment options may include thermal pulsation or manual expression of the glands.
 

Maintaining proper eyelid hygiene is also essential for managing chronic dry eye, particularly when blepharitis is present. Regular cleaning of the eyelid margins using recommended lid scrubs or foams can reduce inflammation, prevent gland blockages, and improve overall tear quality.
 

Find Long-Term Dry Eye Relief in Stone Oak

Living with dry eye can be frustrating, but you don’t have to manage it alone. Whether your symptoms are occasional or chronic, identifying the root cause is key to finding lasting relief. At Eyes of San Antonio, we use advanced diagnostics and a personalized approach to create effective treatment plans that restore comfort and protect your long-term eye health.
 

If you’re experiencing dry, irritated, or watery eyes, schedule an eye exam with Eyes of San Antonio to find the right dry eye treatment for your needs. We proudly serve eye care in Stone Oak, San Antonio, TX, call us at (210) 366-1021 to book an appointment today.