woman with dry eye in front of a computer

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
238 Reviews
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- Oct. 21, 2024
Very professional and friendly office.
- Oct. 13, 2024
Clean and neat office. They got me an appointment quickly and easily. Everyone there from front de... sk, technician, doctor, and ordering glasses/contacts was so friendly and helpful.
- Oct. 07, 2024
They sre the best
- Oct. 01, 2024
The staff and doctors at the Bulverde location actually care about their patients and are able to pr... ovide personal attention to their customers. You don’t have to wait over a week for an appointment like the chain eye doctor offices that in my opinion don’t have the personnel concern for your well being if it doesn’t fit into their schedule. Thanks for being there.
- Aug. 27, 2024
I decided to try this place based on the very high-rated google maps reviews.. and wow, were they ev... er accurate!! Every single employee I interacted with was SO smiley and kind. I’ve always been squeamish about the up-close eye exam (the dreaded old puff machine, and now it’s just the eye touch pencil looking tool) and the 2 young tech’s were so kind and patient with me. Dr. Thomas was so nice throughout the eye exam. Jamie was such a big help with helping me choose my eyeglasses and prescription sunglasses. Thank you so much to everyone who works here!!
- Aug. 21, 2024
Dr. Thomas is wonderful and the staff is so sweet. Hill country vision Center is terrific.
- Aug. 16, 2024
I’m very grateful for the kind services at reception and the doctor at Hill Country Vision. While ... traveling from California to Illinois, I scratched my cornea in a dust storm and the scratch became infected. Of course, the infection exploded at 10:30 at night, the day before we were to leave the area. I spent an hour researching and reading the reviews of all the doctors in San Antonio and the suburbs. I woke up early and arrived at the office five minutes before the opening. I explained my predicament and asked if I could be seen on an emergency basis. The front desk receptionist could not have been kinder and said she would do her best to fit me in or if someone canceled, I could take the appointment. I waited approximately an hour when there was an opening. The doctor was wonderful during the exam and in her explanation of my problem. She gave me a prescription to be filled immediately. Within 24 hours my eye made progress in healing. Within a few days, I was as good as new. As this was the eye that had previously had a retina detachment, I was scared. I’m very grateful for the expertise, kindness and compassion of everyone in the office.
- Aug. 02, 2024
Great place to find a new pair of glasses!
- Jul. 26, 2024
Love this place. They really care. Phil
- Jul. 26, 2024
Very good customer service and very respectful of your budget!
- Jul. 18, 2024
Everyone is so friendly and professional!
- Jul. 03, 2024
Wonderful , kind & patient Dr. & staff!
- May. 31, 2024
What a great place, love getting my glasses here
- May. 13, 2024
Great job, thank you!
- May. 12, 2024
Every since the very 1st time I walked into Hill Country Vision Center, I sure am HAPPY I did! All t... he ladies that work there are GENUINELY KIND & HELPFUL! These people REALLY DO CARE for YOU!😁👍
- Apr. 27, 2024
Great staff, and Dr Thomas prescribed the medicine for my itchy, burning eyes. I'll be back to see t... hem again.
- Apr. 25, 2024
Super friendly staff and quality care
- Mar. 28, 2024
Always outstanding professional and friendly service.
- Mar. 02, 2024
Very friendly staff! They were patient with my son and have a nice selection of frames. Scheduling i... s easy and they have great payment options for people like myself without insurance. Thank you!!
- Mar. 01, 2024
Dr. Thomas is expert at optometry

View All 238 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

senior couple with dry eye

Don't suffer in silence

Contact us for lasting dry eye relief!

(830) 980-3306