Dry eye in San Antonio, TX | Dr. J.T. Kavanagh

What is dry eye?

A healthy tear film has three layers: oil, water and mucus. When the oil glands in the eyelids (meibomian glands) clog or the eyes don't make enough tears, the surface dries out and becomes inflamed.

The illustration shows what we see with a special dye during an exam: green dots mark small dry spots on the cornea. South Texas heat, wind and air conditioning make dry eye especially common here.

Dry eye care in San Antonio

Patients come to our San Antonio – Medical Center office at 10935 Wurzbach Rd, Suite 202 for dry eye care from Stone Oak, Alamo Heights, Shavano Park, Leon Valley, Helotes, Universal City and across San Antonio. With three San Antonio offices (Medical Center, North Central and South), there is usually one close to home or work. Dr. Kavanagh operates at three San Antonio surgery centers, plus GRMC Outpatient in Seguin.

Symptoms

Burning, stinging or gritty feeling
Vision that blurs and clears with blinking
Watery eyes (reflex tearing)
Redness and tired eyes, worse with screens
Contact lens discomfort

Risk factors

Age, especially over 50
Long hours on screens
Meibomian gland dysfunction and blepharitis
Some medications (antihistamines, blood pressure, antidepressants)
Autoimmune conditions, hormonal changes, prior LASIK

How we evaluate it

We measure tear break-up time, look at the oil glands and lid margins, and use dye to show dry spots on the eye's surface. Treating dry eye before cataract or LASIK surgery also makes pre-op measurements more accurate.

Treatment options

Artificial tears and gelsPreservative-free options for daily relief.

Warm compresses and lid careHelps clogged oil glands flow again.

Prescription dropsMedications that reduce surface inflammation or increase tear production.

Punctal plugsTiny plugs placed in the tear drainage openings so your own tears stay on the eye longer. A quick, painless in-office procedure.

Amniotic membranesA thin, natural healing tissue placed on the eye like a contact lens for several days. It calms inflammation and helps a damaged corneal surface heal in moderate to severe dry eye.

IPL (intense pulsed light)Gentle light pulses applied around the eyes reduce inflammation and the abnormal blood vessels along the lids, helping clogged oil glands work again. Usually a short series of in-office sessions.

Treating the causeManaging blepharitis, screen habits, and medications when possible.

Dr. Kavanagh and our team see patients for dry eye at our San Antonio office and across South Texas. Every plan is tailored to your eyes after an exam.

For educational purposes. This page explains common conditions and treatments to help you prepare for your visit. Your exam determines the right plan for your eyes.

NormalFluctuating, smeared vision

How it can look

Dry eye, seen through the patient's eyes

Drag the slider to compare normal vision with a simulation of fluctuating, smeared vision. Everyone's experience is different, and early stages may cause no visible change at all.

Questions

Common questions

Why do my eyes water if they are dry?

Irritation from a dry surface triggers reflex tears that are watery and don't coat the eye well.

Can dry eye affect my cataract surgery?

Yes. An unhealthy tear film can skew lens measurements, so we treat dry eye first for the best result.

Related conditions

Dry eye treatment in San Antonio, TX