Dry Eye Treatment

Name: Dry Eye Treatment
Brand: Ophthalmology Associates

Dry eye disease occurs when your eyes don't produce enough tears or produce tears of poor quality, and while it's rarely serious on its own, it can cause ongoing discomfort and even affect your vision if left unmanaged.

Relief for a Condition That Affects More Than Comfort

Dry eye disease is one of the most common conditions seen in an eye care practice, affecting patients of nearly every age. It happens when the eyes can't maintain a healthy layer of tears, either because too few tears are produced or because the tears that are produced evaporate too quickly. Ophthalmology Associates treats dry eye across North Texas with a range of options, from simple daily habits to advanced in-office procedures, tailored to what's actually causing your symptoms.

Schedule a dry eye evaluation to find out what's causing your symptoms and which treatment fits your case.

What Causes Dry Eye?

Dry eye can stem from a number of overlapping factors, and identifying the right cause is often the key to effective treatment.

Aging: Tear production naturally declines with age, making dry eye more common in older adults.
Environmental Factors: Wind, dry climates, and air conditioning or heating can all speed up tear evaporation.
Screen Time: Extended screen use reduces how often you blink, which disrupts the tear film over time.
Underlying Conditions: Autoimmune conditions like Sjögren's syndrome, along with certain medications, can significantly reduce tear production.
Contact Lens Wear: Long-term contact lens use can affect the tear film and contribute to chronic dryness.

Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye can show up in a few different ways, and not every patient experiences it the same way.

Gritty or Burning Sensation: A persistent feeling of irritation, as if something is in the eye.
Redness: Ongoing inflammation of the eye's surface caused by insufficient lubrication.
Light Sensitivity: Discomfort in bright light or when transitioning between light and dark environments.
Blurred Vision: Vision that fluctuates and often improves temporarily with blinking.
Watery Eyes: Reflex tearing that can occur when the eye is irritated by a lack of stable, healthy lubrication.

Who's at Risk for Dry Eye?

Dry eye becomes more common with age, particularly after menopause, and is more frequent in people who spend long hours on digital screens or live in dry, windy, or air-conditioned environments.

Patients with autoimmune conditions, those who wear contact lenses regularly, and anyone taking medications like antihistamines or antidepressants also face a higher risk.

How Dry Eye Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis typically starts with a discussion of your symptoms and daily habits, followed by a closer examination of your tear film and the surface of your eye. Specialized tests can measure tear production and evaluate how quickly your tears evaporate, helping your ophthalmologist determine whether the issue is related to tear quantity, tear quality, or both.

woman smiling | city in the distance | close up of a person's eye

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Staff was courteous and informative. Dr Parchue has such a positive attitude. I appreciate his honesty and helpfulness. I thought I might lose my eyesight. Instead I'm almost healed!! Thank you for his expertise and guidance!

Susan Slick

Treatment Options for Dry Eye

Because dry eye has so many potential causes, treatment is rarely one-size-fits-all.

Artificial Tears and Lubricating Drops: Often the first line of treatment, used to supplement your natural tear film throughout the day.
Prescription Medications: Anti-inflammatory eye drops that address the underlying inflammation contributing to chronic dry eye, rather than just masking symptoms.
Punctal Plugs: Tiny devices placed in the tear ducts to slow tear drainage, helping keep the eye's surface lubricated longer.
In-Office Procedures: Advanced treatments, including light-based and thermal therapies, can target the oil glands responsible for a stable tear film.
Lifestyle Adjustments: Simple changes like taking regular screen breaks, using a humidifier, or adjusting contact lens habits can meaningfully reduce symptoms.

Why Choose Ophthalmology Associates?

Ophthalmology Associates treats dry eye disease across North Texas, led by board-certified, physician-owned ophthalmologists rather than outside investors. We look beyond symptom relief to identify the underlying cause of your dry eye, offering a full range of treatments from simple daily solutions to advanced in-office therapy under one roof.

Dry Eye Treatment Frequently Asked Questions

Is dry eye a permanent condition?

For many patients, dry eye is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management rather than a one-time cure, though consistent treatment can significantly reduce symptoms.

Can dry eye actually affect my vision?

Yes. An unstable tear film can cause blurry or fluctuating vision, particularly during activities like reading or screen use, even though the effect is usually temporary.

Does dry eye get worse as I get older?

For many people, yes. Tear production naturally decreases with age, which is why dry eye becomes more common and often more noticeable later in life.

Can allergies cause symptoms that feel like dry eye?

Yes. Eye allergies can cause redness, itching, and irritation that overlap significantly with dry eye symptoms, which is why an accurate diagnosis matters before starting treatment.

Is dry eye only caused by too much screen time?

No. Screen time is a common contributing factor, but dry eye can also result from aging, environmental conditions, contact lens wear, or underlying health conditions.

Can dry eye be cured completely?

It depends on the underlying cause. Some cases, particularly those linked to a temporary environmental factor, can resolve fully, while chronic causes typically require ongoing management to stay comfortable.