At Custom Eye Care at the Rim in San Antonio, we’re seeing more and more patients who spend long hours on screens, often in dry, air-conditioned environments. By the afternoon, their eyes may feel gritty, tired, and irritated — sometimes even burning or watering. Many have tried over-the-counter drops, but the relief doesn’t last.
What many people don’t realize is that these symptoms are classic signs of dry eye syndrome — a common condition that won’t go away on its own.
Here’s a closer look at what dry eye is, why it happens, and how our San Antonio clinic can help restore comfort and clarity to your vision.
What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough quality tears to keep the surface of your eyes lubricated. This can happen for several reasons: decreased tear production, poor tear quality, or increased tear evaporation. At its root, dry eye is often caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)—a common issue where the oil glands in your eyelids become blocked or underactive.
Common Symptoms of Dry Eye
Many people with dry eye don’t realize they have it. They just know their eyes don’t feel right. Here are some common signs:
- Gritty, sandy, or burning sensations
- Redness and irritation
- Blurred vision that improves after blinking
- Tired or sore eyes, especially after screen time
- Watery eyes—yes, even excessive tearing can be a symptom
- Sensitivity to wind or air conditioning
As Dr. Elaine explained, the sensation of watery eyes is actually your body’s response to irritation. The tears produced in this case are low-quality, reflex tears—not the kind that nourish and protect the eye.
Is It Allergies or Dry Eye?
Many people initially think their symptoms are from seasonal allergies, especially in Texas where allergens are a year-round concern. While allergies can cause eye irritation, itchiness is usually the key symptom. If you’re feeling more burning, stinging, or grittiness than itchiness, dry eye is likely the real issue.
Why Dry Eye Worsens Throughout the Day
People often notice their symptoms get worse in the afternoon. That’s because working on screens reduces how often you blink. Each blink helps spread tears evenly over the surface of the eye. Without blinking, your tear film breaks down—leading to blurry vision, eye fatigue, and discomfort.
What Causes Dry Eye?
Dry eye can result from a variety of contributing factors:
- Screen time and reduced blinking
- Dry environments, like air-conditioned offices or ceiling fans
- Poor sleep habits
- Hormonal changes
- Medications, including antihistamines or antidepressants
- Contact lens use
- Age-related tear gland changes
During your dry eye visit at Custom Eye Care at the Rim, we take the time to explore all potential causes and tailor a treatment plan just for you.
What About Artificial Tears?
Artificial tears can be helpful—but they’re only part of the solution. If you’re using eye drops more than four times a day, Dr. Elaine recommends switching to preservative-free options to avoid long-term irritation. More importantly, we’ll help identify the root of your dry eye and offer targeted treatments that go beyond symptom relief.
Our Dry Eye Treatments in San Antonio
We offer a range of advanced dry eye therapies, including:
- Comprehensive dry eye evaluations to determine the cause
- OptiLight IPL treatment, which restores meibomian gland function
- Blepharitis management
- Lifestyle recommendations, such as using nighttime ointments or humidifiers
- Custom recommendations for artificial tears and home care routines
When to See a Doctor
Trying over-the-counter drops is fine, but if you’re still experiencing symptoms like blurry vision, discomfort, or frequent watering, it’s time to get expert help. Our team will pinpoint the reason your eyes are dry and work with you to find lasting relief.
Book Your Dry Eye Evaluation with Us
We’re passionate about helping patients regain comfortable, clear vision—especially when dry eye starts interfering with daily life. If your eyes feel dry, tired, or just not quite right, book a dry eye consultation with us in San Antonio. We’ll help you feel like yourself again.
Ready to take the next step? Call 210-981-3937 to schedule your dry eye evaluation. You can also visit us at 17503 La Cantera Parkway #115 to speak with our friendly team in person about lasting relief for dry, irritated eyes.
Saturday hours are available by appointment only as our hours vary*