Understanding Dry Eye: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Dry eye is a common yet often misunderstood condition that can significantly impact your daily life. It occurs when your eyes either don't produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to discomfort and vision problems. If left untreated, dry eye can lead to inflammation and damage to the surface of your eyes. At Texas State Optical, we are committed to helping you understand this condition, recognize its symptoms, and explore effective treatments.

What Causes Dry Eye?

Dry eye is influenced by several factors that affect tear production and quality. Some common causes include:
 

• Age: Tear production tends to decrease as you get older, making dry eye more common in adults over 50.
   

• Eyelid Problems: Blepharitis or meibomian gland dysfunction can disrupt the production or quality of tears.
   

• Environmental Factors: Wind, dry air, and exposure to screens can contribute to dry eye by increasing tear evaporation.
   

• Medical Conditions: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid disorders can affect tear production.
   

• Medications: Certain medications, including antihistamines, decongestants, and antidepressants, may reduce tear production.
   

• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, particularly in women during pregnancy or menopause, can contribute to dry eye.
   

Symptoms of Dry Eye

The symptoms of dry eye can range from mild to severe and may include:
 

• A stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation in the eyes
   

• Sensitivity to light
   

• Redness in the eyes
   

• A feeling of something in your eye (foreign body sensation)
   

• Blurred vision, especially with prolonged screen time
   

• Difficulty wearing contact lenses
   

• Excessive tearing
   

If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to seek an eye exam at Texas State Optical. Left untreated, dry eye can lead to further complications, including corneal damage.
 

Advanced Treatments for Dry Eye

Fortunately, there are several effective treatments available to address dry eye. At Texas State Optical, we offer a range of advanced therapies designed to target the root cause of the condition:
 

• Tyrvaya: Tyrvaya is a prescription nasal spray that stimulates natural tear production. Unlike traditional eye drops, Tyrvaya works by activating pathways that increase tear production, helping to improve both the quality and quantity of tears.
   

• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy: IPL therapy uses pulses of light to treat the underlying cause of dry eye, particularly meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). It helps improve oil gland function, reducing tear evaporation and providing long-term relief from dry eye symptoms.
   

• Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT): LLLT is a non-invasive treatment that uses light energy to stimulate the function of the meibomian glands, improving tear film stability. LLLT is especially effective for patients with chronic dry eye or MGD.
   

• TearCare: TearCare is a comfortable, wearable treatment that applies gentle heat to the eyelids, helping to liquefy and clear blockages in the meibomian glands. This improves the natural flow of oils in your tears, reducing evaporation and dryness.
   

• LipiFlow: LipiFlow is a cutting-edge treatment that combines heat and gentle massage to clear blocked meibomian glands. It targets the root cause of dry eye—gland dysfunction—providing long-lasting relief with just one session.
   

• MiBo ThermoFlo: MiBo ThermoFlo delivers soothing, thermoelectric heat to the eyelids to help unclog the meibomian glands. This treatment is gentle, non-invasive, and effective for improving the quality of your tears and alleviating dryness.
   

Personalized Dry Eye Treatment Plan

At Texas State Optical, we recognize that dry eye affects each patient differently. That’s why we offer a personalized approach to treatment. After a thorough eye examination, we will recommend the best treatment option based on the cause and severity of your dry eye symptoms. Whether it's prescription therapies like Tyrvaya or advanced in-office treatments such as IPL, LLLT, or LipiFlow, we’re here to help you find relief.
 

If you’re experiencing dry eye symptoms, contact Texas State Optical to learn more about dry eye treatments and take the first step toward comfortable vision. Visit our office in Humble, Texas, or call (281) 360-5151 to book an appointment today.