Dry Eye Syndrome in San Antonio, TX

Dry eye syndrome occurs when the eye does not produce a sufficient amount of tears or produces poor quality tears. This natural lubrication is needed for healthy nourishment and moisture of the eye. It is also a key factor in maintaining the quality and crispness of your vision. When this condition arises, it can cause dryness, itchiness, blurred vision, and the feeling like something is in the eye that won't flush out. Dry eye syndrome affects hundreds of thousands of people, with more than three million U.S. cases each year. At Stone Oak Ophthalmology Center in San Antonio, TX, we offer several treatment solutions for this common condition. Call our office today to schedule an appointment with one of our seasoned ophthalmologists, Dr. Allison Young and/or Dr. Jana Waters. We look forward to serving you.

The most common signs and symptoms of dry eye syndrome include burning sensation, redness, dryness, itchiness, and a gritty sensation or the feeling like something is in the eye. Additional symptoms may include light sensitivity, poor night vision, and overall blurred vision. 

Dry eye syndrome is caused by the inability of the lacrimal gland to produce sufficient or quality tears for proper eye lubrication and ocular health. There are a number of factors that can contribute to this condition, including advanced age, certain prescription drugs, hormonal changes (pregnancy or menopause), and medical conditions, such as autoimmune disease or blepharitis. Environmental elements, such as smoke, wind, or dry climates may contribute to dry eye syndrome as well. Not blinking for long periods at a time, as often occurs when looking at a computer screen or TV, also exacerbates dry eyes. 

There are several treatment options available to help improve dry eye syndrome, including over-the-counter artificial tears, tear duct plugs, prescription eye drops, and amnion membrane therapy. The type of treatment selected will depend on the severity of your condition, personal preferences, and the recommendation of our board-certified ophthalmologists. Treatments, such as artificial tears or prescription drops, are usually applied several times a day to help bring relief. However, if eye drops are not providing sufficient improvement, we may recommend tear duct plugs. These are tiny silicone devices that are inserted into the tear duct to help retain tears on the ocular surface. 

In severe cases, we may suggest amnion membrane therapy. This is a small piece of freeze-dried tissue, extracted from the innermost layer of the placenta, that is placed on the cornea to help aid in ocular surface reconstruction and healing. Once placed, the disc-like graft is smoothed to adhere to the natural contours of the eyeball and a specialized contact lens is placed over the eye. Patients will then be instructed to keep their eyes closed for 5-10 minutes and will be free to return to their daily activities once their treatment is complete. Aftercare instructions will be provided and a follow-up appointment is usually scheduled after several days.

Our skilled ophthalmology team is highly trained in the diagnosis and treatment of dry eye syndrome and can help bring the relief you need so you can live vibrantly. Don't let dry eyes hinder your vision and ocular function any longer by scheduling an appointment with one of our caring professionals at Stone Oak Ophthalmology Center in San Antonio, TX. We can provide the quality care you need and will walk you through all of your treatment options.