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Dry Eye Treatment in Spring Branch

Offering Lasting Relief For Dry, Itchy & Gritty Eyes

(830) 980-3306

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

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 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
Patient Reviews
4.9
286 Reviews
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- Jun. 29, 2025
Great experience all around. Highly recommend.
- Jun. 06, 2025
Great service, professional staff and reasonable pricing
- May. 27, 2025
Great experience. Everyone was very friendly and Dr Gladdis Thomas was great
- May. 20, 2025
A Nice friendly place.
- May. 18, 2025
Great staff, friendly and efficient without feeling rushed at all.
- May. 15, 2025
Very good doctor with a friendly staff.
- May. 12, 2025
Quick easy visit everytime
- May. 12, 2025
Great service! Dr Thomas has a wonderful friend-vibe and her staff is gold. Thank you for a great fi... rst-ever eye appointment experience.
- Apr. 18, 2025
Doctor and staff are so very helpful and friendly.
- Apr. 05, 2025
Very friendly and welcoming staff. From the front desk to the Drs. 100% recommend
- Apr. 02, 2025
We took my youngest son for annual eye checkup. Dr. Thomas was outstanding and Christa was exception... al. My son has autism and the entire staff was very kind, patient, and just overall a great experience. I highly recommend!
- Mar. 24, 2025
I've been going to Dr. Gladdis Thomas at Hill Country Vision for years and have recommended her and ... the office to multiple friends and neighbors. It's always a great experience and I get exactly what I need whether it's new glasses, sunglasses, and/or contacts. (The computer glasses were a total game changer!) Plus, I love that the staff helps me pick out the frames that look best on me. 🙂
- Mar. 19, 2025
Great experience here! All the staff was friendly, timely and the doctor was thorough. I left with ... a better understanding of my current vision and enjoyed my time spent there selecting my new frames!
- Mar. 03, 2025
Great service !
- Feb. 25, 2025
Great service, friendly staff, and a great selection of glasses.
- Feb. 24, 2025
Staff was nice and helpful. Dr. Thomas was very knowledgeable.
- Jan. 25, 2025
Great experience and outstanding customer service. Highly recommended!
- Jan. 24, 2025
Excellent service A+++++
- Jan. 23, 2025
Wonderful experience from when I walked in to when I walked out!
- Jan. 16, 2025
All the staff are professional and kind here. Great place to go for all your glasses.

View All 286 Reviews

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

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Don't suffer in silence

Contact us for lasting dry eye relief!

(830) 980-3306