Dry Eye Syndrome: Long-Lasting Relief in North San Antonio
What is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome (DES) occurs when your eyes either don’t produce enough tears or when the tears lack the proper balance of oil, water, and mucus. Tears are essential – they lubricate, protect, and nourish the eye’s surface. When this system doesn’t work properly, the result is irritation, discomfort, and sometimes even damage to the cornea.
At Custom Eye Care at the Rim in North San Antonio, we help patients uncover the cause of their dry eye and create personalized plans for lasting relief.
What Causes Dry Eye?
Dry eye can develop from many factors, often overlapping:
- Genetics – family history can increase risk
- Aging – tear production naturally decreases over time
- Medications – antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure drugs are common culprits
- Hormonal changes – especially in women over 50, during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or menopause
- Environmental triggers – dry air, smoke, wind, or prolonged screen use
Knowing the root cause is key to finding the right solution.
Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome
Signs of dry eye can vary, but common symptoms include:
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Burning or stinging
- Persistent dryness
- Gritty or “foreign body” sensation
- Irritation or itching
- Redness
- Eye pain
- Watery eyes (as a reflex to dryness)
If you experience these symptoms regularly, it’s time for an eye exam.
How Patient Behaviors Affect Dry Eye
Many people try to relieve their discomfort on their own, often making things worse:
- Blinking less during screen time reduces natural tear distribution
- Excessive rubbing can irritate eyes further or introduce bacteria
- Frequent artificial tear use provides only temporary relief and may become ineffective or costly
These short-term fixes don’t treat the root cause.
Why Professional Evaluation Matters
Over-the-counter drops may not be enough if the issue stems from inflammation, blocked glands, or poor tear composition.
At Custom Eye Care at the Rim, Dr. Vlasak uses advanced diagnostic technology to evaluate tear film quality, detect inflammation, and measure gland function.
This allows us to recommend targeted treatments designed for long-term comfort and eye health.
Next Steps: Treatment Designed for You at Custom Eye Care
Every patient’s dry eye is different – what works for one person may not work for another. That’s why we take the time to perform comprehensive testing and design a treatment plan tailored specifically to your eyes, your health history, and your daily routine.
Our approach goes beyond temporary relief. By identifying the root cause of your dry eye, we can recommend solutions that address the problem at its source – whether it’s blocked glands, inflammation, or poor tear quality.
Learn more about our dry eye treatments in North San Antonio and how the team at Custom Eye Care at the Rim helps patients achieve lasting comfort, clearer vision, and healthier eyes.
