woman with dry eye in front of a computer

Dry Eye Treatment in Spring Branch

Offering Lasting Relief For Dry, Itchy & Gritty Eyes

Schedule Eye Exam

Tired of your eyes constantly watering?

Want to find a solution for your red, dry, itchy eyes?

Dry eye disease can seriously harm your quality of life. It can cause severe irritation and even infection in severe cases.

Symptoms of dry eye disease include:

  • Red, dry eyes
  • Itchiness in and around the eye
  • A gritty-feeling in the eye
  • Light sensitivity
  • Excessive watering of the eyes

Visit Hill Country Vision Center - Bulverde for effective and lasting dry eye relief.

lady with dry eyes

Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

How Dry Eye Disease Develops & How to Treat It

man with dry eye sneeze

Dry eye disease is an increasingly common eye condition that can happen either because the eye is not producing enough tears, or because tears are evaporating too quickly, leaving the eyes without enough moisture to function comfortably.

This can happen for several reasons including allergies, side effects from medications, hormonal changes, and illness.

Depending on the cause and exact symptoms of your dry eyes, our Spring Branch eye doctors will be able to prescribe treatments and medications aimed at increasing the amount of tears your eye produces and/or slowing the evaporation of tears to better hydrate your eyes.


What Are the Main Causes of Dry Eye?

  • Aging

    Dry eye disease tends to affect people over the age of 50. This is because tear production slows as we age. As the lacrimal glands produce fewer tears, dry eye develops.

  • Hormonal changes

    It's not uncommon for some women to experience dry eye symptoms during pregnancy, menopause, or while using birth control pills. That's because hormone imbalances can reduce tear production.

  • Autoimmune disease

    Certain autoimmune diseases, like Sjögren’s syndrome, can cause white blood cells to attack your tear glands, thus reducing tear production. Other diseases like arthritis, lupus, and diabetes can also cause poor or insufficient tear production.

  • Medications

    Certain medications can reduce mucus production (one of the 3 tear components) thus contributing to chronic dry eye.

    They include antihistamines, antidepressants, diuretics, and beta-blockers.

Note that this is just a handful of causes. There are many other factors that can contribute to dry eye, including pollution and dry air, allergies, poor tear quality, dehydration, contact lens wear, and more.


Dry Eyes Treatment in Spring Branch

Our optometry practice in Spring Branch

Photograph of Gladdis Thomas
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 1:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • EyeMed
  • Blue Cross
Patient Reviews
4.9
175 Reviews
5
4
3
2
1
- Nov. 17, 2023
This team is very friendly, kind, knowledgeable, and patient! I highly recommend them!
- Oct. 26, 2023
This group of workers were so very kind and helpful when I really needed them. Thank you!!
- Oct. 22, 2023
Best eye doctor experience! Everyone was kind and accommodating for my needs. They really paid atten... tion to my concerns and educated me on some things I should watch out for. My glasses arrived faster than expected and they got them to me so quick. I felt really cared for here and I appreciate all they do! Thank you for everything!!!
- Sep. 30, 2023
Awesome staffs and the doctor was very thorough with the exam. Completly happy with this place.
- Sep. 28, 2023
Very smart and kind people!
- Aug. 18, 2023
Great experience here with Dr. Thomas and everyone else I came into contact with.
- Aug. 11, 2023
Very pleasant visit
- Aug. 07, 2023
They saw me with an eye emergency and was very happy.
- Aug. 06, 2023
Great doctors and staff. They were recommended by a friend and did not disappoint. Most thorough eye... exam I’ve had in many years and I’m seeing better than I have in years. The staff listens and was very helpful picking out new frames.
- Aug. 06, 2023
The staff and physician took provided exceptional care.
- Aug. 01, 2023
Excelente staff, from the doctor all the way to the receptionist. Would definitely recommend.
- Jul. 29, 2023
The doctor was very nice and she was very thorough with the exam, the ladies in the front office wer... e very kind and knowledgeable
- May. 17, 2023
Excellent service
- May. 06, 2023
The staff is wonderful & so helpful and nice. My appt was on time and quick, yet thorough
- May. 04, 2023
I’ve been here the last few years for updating my prescription and getting new glasses. I like th... e staff and how personal, friendly and professional they are. Highly recommended.
- Feb. 11, 2023
Great service !
- Feb. 09, 2023
Dr Thomas is the best. She is caring and knowledgeable. I love her.
- Jan. 20, 2023
Nice people, got in and out quickly and got glasses quick.
- Jan. 05, 2023
The entire staff is amazing!! They make you feel like you’re important and valued. Dr. J didn’t ... rush through my appointment even though I asked a ridiculous amount of questions. Evelyn, Deemah and Stephanie were all so kind and helpful! I’ve already recommended them to my friends and family and will continue to do so. Thank you, ladies!!
- Nov. 11, 2022
Dr Thomas was Fabulous! The staff were great! Everyone was very knowledgeable & helpful.

View All 175 Reviews

Dry Eyes FAQs

Can I still wear contact lenses if I have dry eye syndrome?

Yes, some people can still wear contact lenses with dry eye syndrome. However, depending on its severity, you may need to carefully select the adequate contact lens for optimal clarity and comfort.

Oftentimes, because contact lenses sit on the eye, it's difficult for vital oxygen to reach the eye. This can worsen dry eye symptoms, and increase the risk of scratching or otherwise damaging your eye. Make sure to ask your eye doctor which contact lenses are most adapted to your condition.

Can dry eye syndrome be cured?

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for dry eye syndrome. There are, however, many treatment options that offer lasting dry eye relief.

Can dry eye syndrome cause blindness?

In rare extreme cases, dry eye syndrome can cause corneal ulcers. These ulcers can result in scarring on the eye, making it difficult for the cornea to focus light accurately. If left untreated, corneal ulcers and the associated scarring can result in blindness.

How can I prevent dry eye symptoms?

Below are a few tips that will help prevent dry eye symptoms:

  • Point fans, heaters, and air vents so that they don’t directly blow into your eyes
  • Eat foods high in omega-3 fatty acids
  • Stay properly hydrated
  • Take breaks during long tasks, especially those that require extended visual focus

senior couple with dry eye

Don't suffer in silence

Contact us for lasting dry eye relief!

Schedule Eye Exam