Dry Eye FAQs

Dry Eye Syndrome (or Ocular Surface Disease) is a common condition that occurs when either your eyes don’t produce enough tears to stay lubricated and/or the outermost oily layer of the tear film is insufficient.  As a result, you may experience discomfort, irritation, excessive tearing, and even vision problems. At Pflugerville Vision Care in Pflugerville, TX, we provide various treatments to not only relieve your symptoms but to treat the underlying cause of the dryness and help you see clearly. Here are some frequently asked questions about dry eye:

What Causes Dry Eye?

Dry eye can be caused by a variety of factors, such as aging, hormonal changes, environmental conditions, certain medications, autoimmune disorders, and procedures such as LASIK and cataract surgery. Additionally, insufficient blinking, which often occurs when staring at screens for extended periods, contributes greatly to dry eye.

What are the Symptoms of Dry Eye?

Symptoms of dry eye can vary from person to person, but common signs include redness, grittiness, a burning sensation, and sensitivity to light. You may also experience excessive tearing and blurry, fluctuating vision. It’s important to seek treatment when you notice symptoms because early treatment will be quicker and easier for restoring the tear film to a healthy state. 

How is Dry Eye Diagnosed?

To diagnose dry eye, our optometrists will conduct tests to measure the quantity and quality of your tears. These tests may include a tear film evaluation, measuring tear production, testing for inflammation of the eye, assessing the health of the cornea and surrounding tissues, as well as imaging and evaluating the oil glands of the eyelids.

What are Some Treatment Options for Dry Eye?

Treatment for dry eye depends on the underlying cause and severity of your symptoms. In mild cases, over-the-counter artificial tears or lubricating eye drops may provide relief. Warm compresses and eyelid cleansers can be very beneficial.  In more severe cases, prescription medications such as cyclosporine or corticosteroid eye drops may be prescribed. Our eye doctors might also recommend lifestyle changes, environmental modifications, punctal plugs to block tear drainage, or in-office treatments such as iLux, IPL or LLLT red mask.

Can Dry Eye Be Prevented?

While dry eye can't always be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk and manage symptoms. This includes maintaining good eyelid hygiene, using a humidifier to add moisture to the air, taking regular breaks during screen time including five full minutes away from screens every hour, and wearing sunglasses when going outdoors.

Contact Us for an Appointment Today

If you’re seeking dry eye treatment, let our team at Pflugerville Vision Care in Pflugerville, TX, help. With personalized care, we can alleviate your discomfort and keep your eyes healthy. To learn more about our treatments or to schedule your appointment, contact us at (512) 251-4099 today. When you need an optometrist near me, we are happy to assist you!