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Dry Eyes
New Patient Appointment or 214-645-2020
Many people experience dry eyes, which result from a lack of fluid in the eyes. But for some patients with certain health conditions, dry eyes can be a more serious health risk.
At UT Southwestern Medical Center, our experienced eye doctors specialize in diagnosing and treating patients with dry eyes due to underlying health conditions. We offer the latest diagnostic techniques and treatments to alleviate symptoms and improve eye health.
What Are Dry Eyes?
Dry eye disease, also known as dry eye syndrome, is a common condition that occurs when the eyes don't produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead to discomfort and, if left untreated, may damage the surface of the eyes.
UT Southwestern eye specialists have access to advanced diagnostic technologies and offer a range of treatments, from prescription medications to innovative therapies like eyelid thermal pulsation and intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment.
The ophthalmologists and optometrists at our Advanced Dry Eye Specialty Clinic partner with experts across the medical center to personalize treatment plans that start with diagnosing a patient’s underlying condition.
What Are Causes of and Risk Factors for Dry Eyes?
Several factors can increase a person's risk of developing dry eye disease, such as:
- Advanced age (especially over 50)
- Being female, particularly after menopause
- Medications, such as antihistamines, antidepressants, or blood pressure medications
- Extended screen time or prolonged visual tasks
- Environmental factors (wind, dry air, air conditioning)
- Previous eye surgery, including LASIK
- Wearing contact lenses
Conditions That Can Cause Dry Eyes
What Are the Symptoms of Dry Eyes?
Common symptoms of dry eye disease include:
- Stinging or burning sensation in the eyes
- Feeling of grittiness or foreign body sensation
- Redness and irritation
- Blurred vision that improves with blinking
- Excessive tearing (as a response to irritation)
- Light sensitivity
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
How Are Dry Eyes Diagnosed?
Our doctors use leading-edge techniques to assess tear production, quality, and eye surface condition. Diagnostic tools we may use include:
- Tear osmolarity tests, to measure the salt concentration in your tears
- Meibography, to evaluate the meibomian glands, which produce the oil component of tears
- Schirmer’s test, to assess tear production by placing a small strip of paper under the lower eyelid
- Imaging tests, including topography or interferometry
- Corneal and conjunctival staining to detect surface damage
What Treatments Are Available for Dry Eyes?
The first line of treatment for dry eyes includes self-care therapy such as:
- Avoiding air blowing in or across your eyes
- Blinking more often
- Taking an eye break
In addition, we’ll often recommend treatments such as:
- Artificial tears
- Eye gel or ointment
- Warm compress
- Lid scrubs
If those don’t help, we offer more advanced treatments, including:
- Medication adjustment, if the medication is known to worsen dry eyes
- Prescription eye drops, including steroids
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to ease discomfort
- Autologous serum eye drops, made from your own blood, to fight inflammation
- Specialty contact lenses to protect the surface of the eye and trap moisture
- Eyelid thermal pulsation to unblock oil glands
- Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy to decrease inflammation
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