Dry Eyes

​​​​​​​What Are Dry Eyes?

Dry eye syndrome occurs when your tear production is low or when your tears evaporate too quickly. This eye irritation can lead to discomfort and, if left untreated, potential damage to the eye's surface.

Common Symptoms of Dry Eyes:

• Stinging or burning sensation
• Feeling like something is in your eye
• Red eyes
• Blurry Vision
• Light sensitivity
• Contact lens discomfort

Causes of Dry Eyes

Several factors can contribute to dry eyes:

1. Age: Dry eyes become more common as we get older
2. Certain medications
3. Medical conditions like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis
4. Extended screen time
5. Environmental factors like wind or dry air
6. Hormonal changes, especially in women
7. LASIK or other eye surgeries

Diagnosing Dry Eyes at Pflugerville Vision Center

If you are experiencing symptoms of dry eyes, it is important to get a proper diagnosis. At Pflugerville Vision Center, our comprehensive eye exams use advanced diagnostic tools to evaluate your tear production and quality. This may include:

• Tear production testing
• Measure of inflammation in tears
• Tear break-up time (TBUT) test
• Meibomian gland evaluation
• Corneal staining to check for surface damage

Treatment Options for Dry Eyes

After diagnosing your specific type of dry eye, we will create a personalized treatment plan. This may include:

1. Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter or prescription eye drops to supplement your natural tears.
2. Lifestyle Changes: Adjusting your environment or habits to reduce eye strain and irritation.
3. Nutritional Supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids can help improve tear quality.
4. Prescription Medications: Drugs like Restasis or Xiidra can help increase your natural tear production.
5. Punctal Plugs: Tiny silicone or gel plugs that block tear drainage to keep your eyes moist.
6. iLux Thermal Expression: An in-office procedure that unblocks oil glands in your eyelids to improve tear quality.
7. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy: A treatment that can help with meibomian gland dysfunction, a common cause of dry eyes.

Contact Our Optometrists in Pflugerville, TX, for Dry Eye Treatment Near You

If you are experiencing symptoms of dry eyes, do not wait. Call (512) 251-4099 to schedule an appointment with our team at Pflugerville Vision Center. Remember, healthy eyes are comfortable eyes. Take the first step towards relief today!