Find Relief From Dry, Irritated, and Uncomfortable Eyes
Do your eyes frequently feel dry, gritty, tired, or irritated? Do you experience burning, redness, excessive tearing, or fluctuating vision throughout the day?
You may be experiencing Dry Eye Disease, a common condition that affects the quality of your tears and the health of your eyes.
At North Texas Eye Clinic, we provide comprehensive dry eye evaluations and personalized treatment plans designed to identify the underlying cause of your symptoms, improve comfort, and support long-term eye health.
Our goal is simple: Help you feel better, see more comfortably, and manage your dry eye symptoms effectively.
What Is Dry Eye Disease?
Dry Eye Disease occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when your tears evaporate too quickly.
Healthy tears are essential for maintaining a smooth, comfortable eye surface and providing clear vision. When the tear film becomes unstable, your eyes may become irritated, inflamed, or uncomfortable.
There are two common forms of dry eye:
- Evaporative Dry Eye: Occurs when tears evaporate too quickly, often because the oil-producing glands in your eyelids (meibomian glands) are not functioning properly.
- Aqueous-Deficient Dry Eye: Occurs when your eyes do not produce enough of the watery portion of your tears.
Many patients experience a combination of both conditions.
Identifying the type and underlying causes of your dry eye is an important part of developing an effective treatment plan.
Common Symptoms of Dry Eye
Dry eye symptoms can range from occasional discomfort to persistent irritation that interferes with daily activities.
Common symptoms include:
- Dryness, burning, or stinging
- Gritty or sandy sensations
- Redness or irritation
- Excessive watering or tearing
- Blurry or fluctuating vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Eye fatigue, especially during computer use
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses comfortably
- A feeling that something is stuck in your eye
Did you know? Excessive tearing can actually be a symptom of dry eye.
When the surface of the eye becomes irritated, your body may produce additional watery tears that do not adequately lubricate or protect the eyes.
What Causes Dry Eyes?
Dry Eye Disease can develop for several reasons, and many patients have more than one contributing factor.
Common causes and risk factors include:
- Aging & Hormonal Changes: Tear production and tear film quality can change with age.
- Computer & Screen Use: Prolonged screen time can reduce blinking and increase tear evaporation.
- Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD): Blocked or poorly functioning eyelid oil glands can cause tears to evaporate too quickly.
- Contact Lens Wear: Some patients experience increased dryness or discomfort while wearing contacts.
- Environmental Factors: Air conditioning, heating, wind, low humidity, and seasonal allergies may contribute to symptoms.
- Medications: Certain antihistamines, antidepressants, and other medications can contribute to dry eye symptoms.
- Medical Conditions: Diabetes, thyroid disorders, Sjögren’s disease, and other autoimmune conditions may affect tear production or ocular surface health.
- Eyelid Conditions: Blepharitis, eyelid inflammation, and other disorders can interfere with a healthy tear film.
Because dry eye has many potential causes, finding the right treatment often requires more than simply purchasing over-the-counter eye drops.
What Happens During a Dry Eye Evaluation?
At North Texas Eye Clinic, our dry eye evaluations focus on identifying the factors contributing to your symptoms and developing a treatment plan suited to your needs.
Depending on your examination findings, your evaluation may include:
- Medical & Symptom History: Reviewing your symptoms, medications, medical conditions, contact lens use, and daily activities.
- Tear Film Evaluation: Assessing the quality and stability of your tears.
- Tear Production Testing: Measuring how well your eyes produce tears when clinically appropriate.
- Meibomian Gland Assessment: Evaluating the oil-producing glands along your eyelids for signs of blockage or dysfunction.
- Eyelid & Ocular Surface Examination: Looking for inflammation, irritation, or abnormalities affecting the eyelids and surface of your eyes.
- Corneal Staining: Using diagnostic dyes when appropriate to identify areas of dryness or surface damage.
Additional diagnostic testing may be recommended depending on your symptoms and clinical findings.
We take the time to explain our findings so you understand what’s causing your symptoms and the available treatment options.
How Is Dry Eye Treated?
Personalized Treatment for Long-Term Comfort
There is no single treatment that works for every patient. Dry eye management depends on the underlying causes, severity of symptoms, and overall eye health.
At North Texas Eye Clinic, we develop individualized treatment recommendations that may include:
1. Artificial Tears & Lubricating Eye Drops
Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can help improve comfort and temporarily relieve dryness.
We can recommend appropriate formulations based on your tear film and symptoms, including preservative-free options when indicated.
2. Prescription Dry Eye Medications
For patients with persistent inflammation or more significant dry eye symptoms, prescription medications may be recommended.
Certain prescription eye drops can help address inflammation, support tear production, or improve tear film function.
Your doctor will determine whether prescription treatment is appropriate based on your individual needs.
3. Eyelid Hygiene & Meibomian Gland Care
Healthy eyelids play an important role in maintaining a stable tear film.
Treatment recommendations may include warm compresses, eyelid cleansing, and other methods designed to improve eyelid health and meibomian gland function.
4. Tear Conservation & Additional Treatment Options
Some patients benefit from treatments designed to reduce tear drainage or address persistent ocular surface problems.
Depending on your condition, additional treatment options or specialized procedures may be discussed, including referral for treatments when appropriate.
5. Lifestyle & Environmental Adjustments
Small changes in your daily routine can help reduce dry eye symptoms.
These may include:
- Taking regular breaks during prolonged screen use
- Practicing more frequent, complete blinking
- Using a humidifier in dry environments
- Avoiding direct airflow from fans or air conditioning
- Maintaining proper contact lens hygiene
- Using recommended lubricating eye drops consistently
Our goal is to develop a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and provides sustainable symptom management.
Why Is Ongoing Dry Eye Management Important?
Dry Eye Disease is often a chronic condition that may require continued care.
Without appropriate management, persistent dryness and inflammation can affect the surface of the eyes, interfere with contact lens comfort, and cause fluctuating vision.
Regular follow-up evaluations allow us to monitor your response to treatment and adjust recommendations when necessary.
While dry eye may not always have a permanent cure, many patients can achieve meaningful improvement in their symptoms with appropriate treatment and ongoing care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Dry Eyes Cause Blurry Vision?
Yes. An unstable tear film can cause intermittent blurry or fluctuating vision, especially during reading, computer use, or prolonged visual activities.
Why Do My Eyes Water If I Have Dry Eye?
When your eyes become irritated, they may produce excessive reflex tears. These watery tears may not contain the proper balance of components needed to maintain a stable tear film.
Are Over-the-Counter Eye Drops Enough?
Artificial tears may provide relief for mild symptoms, but they do not always address the underlying causes of dry eye.
If symptoms persist despite using lubricating drops, a professional evaluation can help determine whether additional treatment is needed.
Can I Still Wear Contact Lenses If I Have Dry Eyes?
Many patients with dry eye can continue wearing contact lenses successfully with appropriate treatment, lens selection, and follow-up care.
Your doctor may recommend changes to your contact lenses, wearing schedule, or dry eye treatment routine.
Does Medical Insurance Cover Dry Eye Evaluations?
Dry eye is a recognized medical condition, and medically necessary evaluations or treatments may be covered by medical insurance.
Coverage varies by insurance plan, deductible, and the services performed.
Some specialized treatments may involve additional out-of-pocket expenses.
Our team can help review your insurance benefits before your appointment.
Schedule Your Dry Eye Evaluation Today
Comfortable Eyes Make a Difference in Everyday Life
If you’re experiencing frequent dryness, burning, irritation, excessive tearing, or fluctuating vision, you don’t have to rely on temporary relief alone.
At North Texas Eye Clinic, Dr. Toan Tran and our team are committed to helping patients understand their dry eye symptoms and find appropriate treatment options.
Conveniently located inside Chestnut Hall at the University of North Texas, our clinic proudly serves UNT students, faculty, staff, and patients throughout Denton and the surrounding North Texas communities.
Take the first step toward healthier, more comfortable eyes.
Schedule Your Dry Eye Evaluation Today!
Phone or Text: 940-369-7441
Email: info@northtexaseyeclinic.com
Address: 1800 Chestnut Street, Suite 101, Denton, TX 76201
North Texas Eye Clinic — Comprehensive Eye Care for Every Stage of Life.
