Common Causes of Dry Eye From Our San Antonio Optometrist

Normally, our eyes remain moist and comfortable with a protective tear film, but sometimes the quantity and/or quality of this film can become disrupted. This may lead to uncomfortable dry eye symptoms, including itchy, burning eyes, eye redness, a gritty sensation in the eye, blurry vision, and, perhaps counterintuitively, excessive watery discharge that may dry and leave a crusty residue on the eyelids overnight. 

Symptoms of Dry Eyes

What causes these symptoms? Our eye doctor in San Antonio, Dr. Trevino, has found the following: 

• Drug and medication side effects
• A consequence of aging (especially in people over the age of 50)
• Hormonal changes (especially in pregnant, menopausal, or post-menopausal women)
• Environmental factors (e.g., smoke, wind, allergies, eye make-up, poor contact lens hygiene)
• An underlying health condition that affects tear production, like Meibomian gland dysfunction, blepharitis, and autoimmune diseases including Sjoren's syndrome, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis
• Excessive use of a phone or computer (because when using such devices we tend to blink less, an action that helps replenish the protective tear film)

Effective Dry Eye Treatment

Dry eye symptoms may be temporary or long-lasting. You should see an eye doctor for help to avoid a small problem developing into a bigger one (e.g., infection or eye injury from scratching or itching). 

Of course, the right dry eye treatment for you will depend on what's causing your symptoms. That's why our optometrist in San Antonio takes the time needed to gather important information via a physical examination, personal and family history, and special tests and procedures, in order to determine the factors leading to your acute or chronic condition. 

Treatments may include over-the-counter and/or prescription medications to reduce inflammation and restore eye moisture, environmental changes, and medication changes with your primary care physician. 

Our San Antonio Optometrist Can Help

If you're looking for dry eye treatment in San Antonio, call or visit Vision Source Castle Hills today. Our team, led by San Antonio optometrist Dr. Trevino, does everything in our power to make every patient feel comfortable, welcome, and confident in their vision and eye health solutions!

As a first time client, you'll receive 15% off your initial examination fee. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our San Antonio eye doctor!