Dry Eye Evaluations

Do your eyes often feel dry, irritated, or tired—especially after a long day outdoors or in front of a screen? You might be dealing with dry eye, a common condition that affects many people in San Antonio. A proper dry eye evaluation is the first step to understanding what’s really going on with your eyes and finding long-lasting relief. Whether your symptoms are mild or disruptive, getting a personalized diagnosis and treatment plan can make a meaningful difference in your comfort and overall eye health.
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What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the quality of your tears is poor. Tears are essential for lubricating the eyes, protecting them from infection, and keeping your vision clear. When that tear film becomes unstable, you may experience a range of uncomfortable symptoms.

There are two main types of dry eye:

• Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye – Caused by reduced tear production from the lacrimal glands.

• Evaporative Dry Eye – Occurs when the tears evaporate too quickly, often due to Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD).
  
  

Why Is Dry Eye So Common?

San Antonio's hot, dry climate, combined with high pollen counts and year-round allergens, creates the perfect storm for dry eye symptoms. Add to that long hours of screen time, aging, and underlying health conditions, and it's easy to see why so many residents struggle with this condition. Certain medications can also contribute to dry eye, including antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and medications for high blood pressure.

One of the biggest contributing factors is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)—a condition where the oil-producing glands along the eyelid margins become blocked or don’t function properly. Without a stable oil layer, tears evaporate too quickly, leaving your eyes feeling dry and irritated.

Common Symptoms of Dry Eye

• Burning, stinging, or gritty sensation

• Red or watery eyes

• Blurred vision

• Light sensitivity

• Eye fatigue or discomfort during computer use

• Difficulty wearing contact lenses
  
  

The Importance of a Professional Diagnosis

If left untreated, dry eye can lead to more serious complications, including damage to the corneal surface and increased risk of infection. A professional diagnosis ensures we’re not only treating the symptoms but addressing the root cause—whether it’s MGD, inflammation, environmental triggers, or other underlying conditions.

At Eyes of San Antonio, our dry eye evaluations use advanced diagnostic tools to assess the volume and quality of your tears, examine your Meibomian glands, and evaluate the overall health of your ocular surface.

What to Expect During Your Dry Eye Evaluation

A dry eye evaluation is a detailed yet comfortable experience designed to uncover the root cause of your symptoms. We begin by reviewing your symptoms, lifestyle habits, and medical history to get a clear picture of what you’re experiencing day to day. This conversation helps us understand how your environment and overall health may be contributing to your dry eye.

Next, we conduct a series of diagnostic tests. Tear analysis may include measuring your tear break-up time, tear volume, and osmolarity to assess the stability and quality of your tear film. We’ll also evaluate the health of your Meibomian glands, which help us determine if blockages or dysfunction are contributing to evaporative dry eye.

Each step of this evaluation provides valuable information, allowing us to accurately diagnose the type and severity of your dry eye—and more importantly, to tailor a treatment plan that targets the underlying cause.

What Comes Next?

Based on the results of your evaluation, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Depending on your condition, this plan may include prescription eye drops or medications to reduce inflammation and improve tear production, nutritional supplements to support eye health, and eyelid hygiene products to address issues like Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.

Ongoing follow-up appointments will help us monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments along the way. Our goal is to develop a long-term care strategy that keeps your eyes comfortable, your vision clear, and your quality of life intact.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of dry eye, it’s time to get answers. Contact Eyes of San Antonio to schedule your comprehensive dry eye evaluation and take the first step toward clearer, more comfortable vision