Dry Eye Treatment in Helotes, TX
Dry, irritated eyes are more than just a nuisance. At The Eye Clinic, we offer targeted treatment for dry eye disease using advanced diagnostics and custom care plans. Whether your eyes feel gritty, burn throughout the day, or water constantly, we can help you find long-term relief.
What is Dry Eye Disease?
Dry eye happens when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead to burning, blurry vision, light sensitivity, or a feeling like something is in your eye. Over time, it can affect both your comfort and your long-term vision.
What Causes Dry Eye?
Dry eye can result from several factors, including:
Aging and hormonal changes
Meibomian gland dysfunction
Excessive screen time or poor blinking
Certain medications or medical conditions
Environmental exposure to wind, dry air, or smoke
We will assess these risk factors during your evaluation and explain what is contributing to your symptoms.
How We Diagnose Dry Eye
We use a combination of high-level testing to find the source of your dry eye, including:
- Detailed ocular surface evaluation: including blink pattern and eyelid margin assessments
Meibography: imaging to evaluate the structure and function of your oil-producing glands
These tests help us determine whether your dry eye is evaporative, aqueous-deficient, inflammatory, or a combination. From there, we build a care plan that treats the underlying cause, not just the symptoms.
In-Office Treatments for Long-Term Dry Eye Relief in Helotes
We offer several treatments that go beyond over-the-counter drops:
Prescription anti-inflammatory eye drops to help increase tear production
Zocular eyelid therapy to remove debris and improve oil flow.
Meibomian gland expression to clear blocked glands.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy to reduce inflammation.
Punctal plugs to slow tear drainage.
- Autologous Serum Tears to promote healing and treat severe dry eye
These therapies work together to improve both comfort and visual clarity.
OptiLight IPL: Light-Based Relief for Dry Eye
If inflammation is contributing to your dry eye symptoms, OptiLight IPL may be an ideal solution. This FDA-approved, non-invasive treatment utilizes targeted pulses of light to reduce inflammation, enhance oil gland function, and stabilize the tear film—all key components in alleviating dry eye caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
Treatments are quick, typically taking about 15 minutes, and are performed right in our office. Most patients benefit from a series of sessions spaced a few weeks apart, with minimal downtime. If traditional treatments haven’t brought you relief, OptiLight might be your next step toward long-term comfort.
Home Care Plans That Support Your Progress
In addition to in-office care, we’ll recommend a personalized home routine that may include:
Warm compresses
Omega-3 supplements
Eyelid hygiene practices
Lubricating eye drops or gel
Screen use adjustments and blinking exercises
Consistent follow-up and education are key to long-term success.
Real Answers, Real Relief: Personalized Dry Eye Care
At The Eye Clinic, you’re not just handed a bottle of drops and sent on your way. We take the time to understand your symptoms, test for root causes, and walk you through a plan that works with your lifestyle and long-term needs.