Dry Eye Treatment in Lubbock, TX

At West Texas Eye Associates, we look beyond temporary symptom relief to identify what may be causing your dry eye and recommend treatment based on your individual needs.

What is Dry Eye?

Dry eye is more than simply not producing enough tears. It is a condition that affects the tear film and surface of the eye, causing irritation, fluctuating vision and ongoing discomfort.

Your tears are made up of several important components, including water and oils. Together, they create a protective layer that keeps the eyes comfortable and helps provide clear, stable vision. When that tear film becomes unstable, evaporates too quickly or does not contain the right balance of components, dry eye symptoms can develop.

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Sufferring from Dry Eye can be treated and improve your quality of life at West Texas Eye Associates

Dry Eye Symptoms

Dry eye does not always feel dry. Some patients actually experience excessive watering because irritation can cause the eyes to produce reflex tears.

Common dry eye symptoms include:

  • Burning, stinging or scratchy eyes
  • A gritty or sandy sensation
  • Redness or irritation
  • Watery eyes
  • Blurry or fluctuating vision
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Eye fatigue
  • Difficulty wearing contact lenses
  • Discomfort in wind or air conditioning

What Causes Dry Eye?

There is rarely one single cause of dry eye. Some people do not produce enough tears, while others produce tears that evaporate too quickly. Many patients experience a combination of both.

One of the most common contributors is meibomian gland dysfunction, or MGD. The meibomian glands are tiny oil-producing glands located along the edges of your eyelids. Each time you blink, these glands release oils that help prevent your tears from evaporating. When the glands become blocked or stop producing healthy oils, the tear film may break down too quickly. This can lead to evaporative dry eye.

Imagery of an eye and meibomian gland affect dry eye.

Other Factors That Contribute To Dry Eye

Aging

Blepharitis or eyelid inflammation

Rosacea

Certain medications

Autoimmune conditions

Contact lens wear

Extended screen use

Dry or windy environments

Incomplete blinking

How Is Dry Eye Diagnosed?

Effective dry eye treatment begins by understanding why your eyes are dry. Your West Texas Eye Associates eye doctor may evaluate your symptoms, medical history, medications, eyelids, tear film, cornea and meibomian glands.

Your dry eye testing may include an evaluation of:

  • Tear production
  • Tear-film stability
  • The surface of the cornea
  • Meibomian gland function
  • Tear osmolarity
  • The quality of the tear-film oil layer

Dry eye can have several contributing factors, so there is not a single test that will tell the entire story. Your doctor uses your symptoms and examination findings together to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

Dry Eye Treatment Options

1

Artificial Tears

Artificial tears can provide temporary relief from dryness and irritation but may not treat the underlying cause.

2

Warm Compresses and Eyelid Care

Warm compresses and eyelid hygiene can improve oil flow and reduce eyelid inflammation.

3

Prescription Dry Eye Medication

Prescription eye drops can reduce inflammation and improve tear production to help manage dry eye.

4

Punctal Plugs

Punctal plugs help natural tears stay on the eyes longer by slowing tear drainage.

5

LipiFlow

LipiFlow uses controlled heat and gentle pressure to clear blocked meibomian glands and improve oil flow.

6

Intense Pulsed Light Therapy

Intense Pulsed Light, or IPL uses controlled light pulses to improve meibomian gland function and reduce inflammation associated with dry eye.

Get to the Cause of Your Dry Eye

If you constantly rely on eye drops but your symptoms keep returning, it may be time to find out what is causing the problem. Schedule your dry eye evaluation online or contact West Texas Eye Associates today.

Schedule Eye Exam (806) 792-5900

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. An unstable tear film can create fluctuating or blurry vision. Some patients notice their vision briefly becomes clearer after blinking.

Dry or irritated eyes can trigger reflex tearing. These watery tears may not contain the right balance of oils and other components needed to stabilize the tear film.

Meibomian gland dysfunction occurs when the oil-producing glands in the eyelids become blocked or do not release healthy oils normally. This can cause tears to evaporate too quickly.

Screen use can contribute to dry eye because people tend to blink less frequently and less completely while looking at digital devices.

They may be enough for mild symptoms, but persistent dry eye may require treatment of underlying inflammation, meibomian gland dysfunction or reduced tear production.

It depends on the cause. Some cases improve when a trigger is corrected, while others require ongoing treatment and management.

Schedule an evaluation if dryness, burning, watering or fluctuating vision persists, interferes with your daily activities or does not improve with over-the-counter eye drops.

Yes. Treatment may include artificial tears, prescription medication, eyelid care, punctal plugs or in-office treatments such as LipiFlow or IPL, depending on the underlying cause.

Locations

50th Street

806-792-5900

3611 50th St
Lubbock, TX 79413

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