Dry eye disease is a common condition that occurs when the eyes don’t produce enough quality tears to stay properly lubricated. While occasional dryness can be caused by factors like dehydration, allergies, or dry weather, chronic dry eye is a medical condition that affects the stability and health of the tear film. It can lead to irritation, inflammation, and damage to the eye surface, often causing discomfort, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light. If left untreated, it can interfere with daily activities and overall eye health.
At Mi Vision Eye Care, our local optometry professionals specialize in dry eye treatment options for our patients in San Antonio, TX, including Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy.
If you are experiencing dry eye symptoms in the Bexar County area, we invite you to explore all of the options and treatments available in our clinic!
Dryness and irritation – A gritty or scratchy sensation, as if something is in the eye.
Redness – The eyes may appear bloodshot or inflamed.
Burning or stinging – A persistent sensation of heat or irritation.
Watery eyes – Paradoxically, dry eyes can trigger excessive tearing as the eyes try to compensate for dryness.
Blurred vision – Vision may become intermittently blurry, especially when reading or using screens.
Sensitivity to light (photophobia) – Bright lights may cause discomfort or strain.
Eye fatigue – The eyes may feel heavy, tired, or strained, especially after prolonged screen time or reading.
Mucus in or around the eyes – Stringy mucus can accumulate, leading to discomfort.
Difficulty wearing contact lenses – Lenses may feel uncomfortable or dry out quickly.
Dry eye disease can be caused by a combination of factors that affect tear production, tear quality, and overall eye health. Some of the most common causes include:
Screen time – Prolonged computer and phone use reduces blinking, leading to faster tear evaporation.
Contact lens wear – Long-term use can disrupt the tear film and cause irritation.
Lack of sleep – Poor sleep quality can contribute to eye fatigue and dryness.
Poor diet – A diet lacking essential nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin A can worsen dry eye symptoms.
Lack of exercise – Physical activity promotes circulation and helps reduce inflammation.
Stress, anxiety, and depression – Mental health conditions can affect tear production and overall eye health.
Environmental factors – Dry, windy, or polluted air, as well as air conditioning and heating, can speed up tear evaporation.
Allergies – Seasonal and environmental allergies can lead to inflammation and increased eye irritation.
Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) – Blocked or inflamed oil glands in the eyelids lead to poor tear quality.
Inflammation and bacteria – Conditions like blepharitis can contribute to dry eyes by affecting the eyelids and tear film.
Hormonal changes – Pregnancy, menopause, and birth control use can alter tear production.
Genetics – A family history of dry eye disease may increase the risk.
Autoimmune and inflammatory diseases – Conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorders, and diabetes can lead to chronic dry eye.
Medications – Antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and some acne treatments can reduce tear production.
Eyelid issues – Problems like incomplete blinking or conditions such as ectropion (outward-turning eyelid) and entropion (inward-turning eyelid) can prevent proper tear distribution.
Refractive surgeries (LASIK, PRK) – These procedures can temporarily or permanently affect tear production and sensitivity.
Since dry eye disease is multifactorial, identifying the underlying causes is essential for effective treatment and long-term relief. Lifestyle adjustments, proper nutrition, and medical interventions can all help improve symptoms and protect overall eye health, Dr. Cuba will make an assessment and provide you with the best treatment option for your condition.
We can diagnose dry eye disease—even in its early stages—through a comprehensive eye exam using advanced diagnostic tools and assessments:
Special dyes, such as fluorescein or lissamine green, are used to highlight damage to the eye’s surface.
These dyes reveal epithelial cell damage, dryness patterns, and inflammation.
Meibography captures high-resolution images of the meibomian glands to detect blockages, atrophy, or structural abnormalities.
Identifies gland dropout, which is a key contributor to evaporative dry eye.
Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT) – Measures how quickly the tear film evaporates, indicating tear instability.
Tear Meniscus Height – Evaluates the volume of tears along the lower eyelid to assess tear production.
Lid Margin and Eyelash Examination – Detects signs of blepharitis, bacterial overgrowth, or Demodex mites that contribute to dryness.
Evaluates how often and completely a patient blinks.
Incomplete blinking can lead to meibomian gland dysfunction and tear film instability.
Measures tear production using small strips of paper placed under the lower eyelid.
By combining these tests, we can identify the type and severity of dry eye disease and create a personalized treatment plan to restore comfort and eye health.
Dry eye disease is a multifactorial condition, and no single treatment works for everyone. We offer a variety of solutions to help relieve your symptoms, with a special focus on long-term relief. Here’s an overview of the most common treatments:
Systane and other over-the-counter artificial tears help provide temporary moisture to the eyes and ease dryness.
Prescription lubricants may be recommended for more severe cases, providing longer-lasting relief.
Restasis is an immunosuppressive medication that helps increase tear production.
Although effective, Restasis can be expensive and may take several weeks or even months to show noticeable improvement. It is typically used for long-term management.
Lotemax is a corticosteroid eye drop that helps reduce inflammation associated with dry eye disease.
These are often prescribed for short-term flare-ups but should be used cautiously due to potential side effects with long-term use.
These tiny plugs are inserted into the tear ducts to prevent tears from draining too quickly, helping maintain moisture on the eye surface.
Ideal for patients who experience tear film instability due to excessive evaporation.
Omega-3 fatty acids (such as those found in fish oil) can help improve the quality of tears and reduce inflammation.
Supplements like Vitamin A and Vitamin D may also promote tear production and eye health.
Omega-3 fatty acids (such as those found in fish oil) can help improve the quality of tears and reduce inflammation.
Supplements like Vitamin A and Vitamin D may also promote tear production and eye health.
Autologous Serum Drops – Made from your own blood serum, these are used in more severe cases when other treatments have failed.
Lid Hygiene – Regular cleaning of the eyelids helps manage conditions like blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), which can contribute to dry eyes.
While lubricating eye drops and other treatments can offer temporary relief, they often need to be applied regularly, and they do not address the underlying causes of dry eye disease. This is where Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) stands out as a long-term solution.
By focusing on the root causes, IPL offers an effective, long-term solution that can significantly reduce reliance on daily treatments and improve your quality of life.
IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light, a non-laser therapy that uses high-intensity light to treat dry eye disease and improve meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Unlike lasers, IPL uses a xenon flash lamp to deliver controlled, pulses of light with wavelengths ranging from 400 to 1200 nm. These gentle, short bursts of light last only a few milliseconds but can have a powerful effect on the eye area.
This therapy works by targeting the underlying causes of dry eye disease, including blocked meibomian glands, poor tear production, and inflammation. By stimulating the glands and improving tear quality, IPL provides long-lasting relief for millions of dry eye patients.
Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) is a common condition caused by insufficient tear production or poor tear quality, both of which can lead to discomfort and irritation. IPL can help address these issues, giving you more stable, natural tears and improving your overall eye health.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) was originally developed in dermatology to treat vascular conditions like hemangiomas, rosacea, and telangiectasias (dilated blood vessels). Over time, IPL became widely popular for photofacials, which are used to rejuvenate the skin, reduce wrinkles, and address pigmentation issues such as sunspots and age spots.
As research on IPL expanded, its anti-inflammatory properties were discovered to have significant therapeutic benefits beyond just skin treatments. This led eye care specialists to explore its potential for treating dry eye disease. Today, IPL is used by eye doctors to target meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), reduce inflammation on the ocular surface, and improve the stability of the tear film. This has brought lasting relief to patients suffering from chronic dry eyes.
In addition to treating dry eyes, IPL continues to be used as a secondary benefit for photofacials, offering improvements to the skin and reducing the appearance of wrinkles and skin imperfections around the eyes.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is an effective treatment for a variety of dry eye causes. Ideal candidates for IPL treatment include individuals with:
IPL offers an excellent solution for patients with complex dry eye issues, particularly when conventional treatments haven’t provided long-term relief.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a powerful, non-invasive treatment that works by delivering light energy to targeted tissues around the eyes. This light stimulates a variety of biological processes to help restore eye health, improve comfort, and reduce inflammation:
A series of four sessions, spaced 2-4 weeks apart.
No downtime – you can resume normal activities immediately.
Noticeable improvements often occur after 2-3 treatments.
Optimal results are typically seen after four sessions.
Maintenance treatments every 3-6 months, depending on symptom severity, help sustain results.
Most patients compare the sensation to a rubber band lightly snapping against the skin. Discomfort is minimal, and no anesthesia is required.
Gentle heat technology to unclog glands and improve tear quality.
RF (Radio Frequency) is a non-invasive treatment that uses controlled heat to stimulate the skin and underlying tissues. During the procedure, RF energy is delivered to the skin, increasing its temperature for a specific amount of time. This heat triggers your body’s natural response to produce new collagen.
As the collagen fibers regenerate, they become tighter and denser, which helps reduce excess skin around the upper and lower eyelids. This process can improve the appearance of sagging skin and give a firmer, more youthful look.
RF treatment is safe for all skin types and is often recommended as part of a series of treatments. To maintain the benefits, we suggest regular maintenance appointments to counteract the natural loss of collagen that occurs with aging.
Non-invasive photobiomodulation to soothe and rejuvenate dry, irritated eyes.
Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT), also known as photobiomodulation, is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate healing and promote tissue repair. In the case of dry eyes, LLLT helps reduce inflammation and stimulates the production of natural, healthier tear films.
This therapy works by delivering gentle light energy to the tissues around the eyes, improving blood flow and promoting the regeneration of damaged cells. For dry eye patients, LLLT can reduce symptoms like irritation, dryness, and redness by addressing the root causes of inflammation and improving the overall health of the ocular surface.
LLLT is safe and effective for all skin types and can be combined with other treatments to maximize its benefits. It’s a great option for patients seeking a gentle, non-invasive treatment to support their dry eye care routine.
Radiofrequency (RF) therapy gently heats the skin, stimulating collagen production. This helps:
RF is suitable for all skin types and is recommended as part of a series of treatments with periodic maintenance to combat collagen loss due to aging.
IPL, RF and LLLT treatments offer a safe, effective, and non-invasive way to improve both eye health and facial appearance. If you’re considering these treatments, consult with your eye care specialist to determine the best approach for your needs.
Book online or call us today to make an appointment with our eye care professionals in San Antonio, TX for a comprehensive eye exam & to explore your options for dry eyes.
We are centrally located at 4522 Fredericksburg Rd, 78201, just off i10 and 410, which means you won’t have to drive far to see an eye doctor nearest you on the same day. Book your appointment online!
