Dry Eye Treatment in San Antonio, TX

Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry Eye Syndrome is a chronic condition that occurs when the eyes do not produce enough quality tears to keep the surface properly lubricated. This can result in irritation, discomfort, and fluctuating vision, making everyday activities like reading, driving, or staring at screens more difficult.
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Tears are essential for eye health, providing moisture, nutrients, and protection from infections. When tear production is insufficient or tears evaporate too quickly, it can lead to inflammation, redness, and discomfort. Dry eye can be triggered by aging, hormonal changes, environmental factors, prolonged screen use, medications, and underlying health conditions such as autoimmune disorders.
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At Trinidad Vision, we specialize in diagnosing and treating dry eye syndrome, helping patients restore comfort, reduce symptoms, and improve overall eye health.

When to See a Doctor About Dry Eye in San Antonio, TX

Occasional dry eyes are common, especially in dry or windy climates or after prolonged screen time. However, if symptoms persist or interfere with daily life, a comprehensive eye exam may be necessary. You should seek medical evaluation if you experience the following dry eye symptoms:

Persistent dryness, itching, or burning sensations in the eyes
Redness, irritation, or the feeling of something stuck in the eye
Excessive tearing (which can be the eye’s response to dryness)
Sensitivity to light and difficulty wearing contact lenses
Blurred or fluctuating vision that worsens throughout the day

If left untreated, chronic dry eye can lead to corneal damage, increased risk of infections, and long-term discomfort. Our team at Trinidad Vision can determine the underlying cause of your dry eye and develop a customized treatment plan to provide lasting relief.

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Our Dry Eye Diagnosis Process

Step 1: Comprehensive Eye Examination

Dr. Jake Trinidad and our team start with a detailed evaluation of your eye health, tear film, and symptoms. We’ll discuss your lifestyle, medication use, and any contributing health conditions.

Step 2: Advanced Tear Film Testing

To accurately diagnose dry eye syndrome, we use specialized diagnostic tools that evaluate tear production, quality, and evaporation rate. Schirmer’s Test measures the volume of tears produced over a set time, helping identify cases of aqueous-deficient dry eye. Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT) assesses how quickly tears evaporate from the eye’s surface, indicating tear instability or insufficient oil layers. Additionally, a Meibomian Gland Evaluation checks for blockages in the oil-producing glands, which are essential for maintaining a stable tear film and preventing excessive tear evaporation. These advanced tests allow us to determine the underlying cause of dry eye and develop a personalized treatment plan for long-term relief..

Step 3: Personalized Treatment Plan

Once we identify the root cause of your dry eye, we create a customized treatment plan that may include artificial tears, prescription eye drops, in-office procedures, or lifestyle adjustments to enhance tear production and retention.

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What to Expect with Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye symptoms can be temporary or chronic, depending on its cause. Mild cases may improve with simple interventions like increased hydration, reducing screen time, or using lubricating drops. However, moderate to severe cases often require a more comprehensive treatment approach to manage dry eye symptoms and prevent further irritation.

There are two main types of dry eye:

Evaporative Dry Eye: Caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), where oil-producing glands in the eyelids become blocked, leading to faster tear evaporation.
Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye: Occurs when the lacrimal glands fail to produce enough tears, often linked to autoimmune conditions like Sjogren’s syndrome.

At Trinidad Vision, we determine the specific type of dry eye affecting you to ensure the most effective treatment plan for long-term relief.

Dry Eye Treatment Options

Artificial Tears & Lubricating Eye Drops

For mild cases, over-the-counter artificial tears provide temporary relief by supplementing moisture to the ocular surface. We may also recommend preservative-free formulas for patients with sensitivities or frequent use needs.

Prescription Medications

For persistent dry eye, prescription eye drops may be prescribed to increase tear production and reduce inflammation. These medications help the lacrimal glands produce more natural tears over time.

Punctal Plugs

For patients with severe dry eye, punctal plugs are tiny biocompatible devices inserted into the tear ducts to prevent tears from draining too quickly. This helps retain moisture longer, providing lasting hydration for the eye’s surface.

Meibomian Gland Therapy (Lid Hygiene & Warm Compresses)

When blocked oil glands contribute to dry eye, treatments like eyelid cleansing, warm compresses, and in-office gland expression can restore healthy tear stability and prevent evaporation.

Lifestyle & Environmental Adjustments

Simple changes like reducing screen time, increasing omega-3 intake, staying hydrated, and using a humidifier can help manage symptoms and improve tear quality naturally.

Dr. Jake Trinidad

Medical Director & Lead Surgeon

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Why Choose Trinidad Vision?

At Trinidad Vision, we take dry eye seriously because we understand how much it can impact your daily comfort and quality of life. Dr. Jake Trinidad and our expert team use state-of-the-art diagnostics to pinpoint the cause of your dry eye and customize the best treatment. Whether you need simple hydration solutions or advanced therapies like punctual plugs or prescription eye drops, we are committed to helping you achieve lasting relief.

Dry Eye Treatment San Antonio Loves

I’ve found the ophthalmologist that I was looking for!!

“This was the most comfortable Dr appointment I’ve ever had.. there was no waiting.. the machines for checking out your eyes were so easy.. and I was so happy to reunite with a first grade student that I had the pleasure of teaching .. Dr. Trinidad!! What a sweet surprise..
His office has great technicians and the atmosphere was very welcoming !! I’ve found the ophthalmologist that I was looking for !!"

Trudy A.

Dr Trinidad and his staff are a great team.

“They are well organized. Office wait time has been very short, about 5 minutes each time I have visited! Just had surgery and now I have 20/20 vision. I highly recommend Dr Trinidad”

Keelin W.

Dr Trinidad is absolutely the best!

“I’m almost 86 years old been to a lot of ophthalmologists and he is without a doubt the most communicative, caring, brilliant, best kept secret in San Antonio! Highly recommend not doing anybody with him he has it all.”

Trudy A.

Very compassionate and professional and gave me peace of mind.

"My visit with Dr.Trinidad and his staff was for my annual Diabetic eye exam. It went extremely well, Dr Trinidad's staff made me feel very much at ease. After Dr. Trinidad examined my eye's.He took his time to explain his findings and scheduled a followup.I would highly recommend Dr. Trinidad. He was very compassionate and professional and gave me peace of mind. Thank you so much to Dr. Trinidad and staff."

Joseph Luciano

They were helpful and knowledgeable.

"I had an excellent experience with Dr. Trinidad and his medical assistants and other employees... The Dr. and his staff was wonderful, and they were able to diagnose my problems effectively, providing me with the information and advice needed."

Grant H.

Just had surgery and now I have 20/20 vision

"Dr Trinidad and his staff are a great team. They are well organized. Office wait time has been very short, about 5 minutes each time I have visited! Just had surgery and now I have 20/20 vision. I highly recommend Dr Trinidad"

Keelin W.

Absolutely the warmest Dr. Visit I had in awhile

"Absolutely the warmest Dr. Visit I had in awhile, the communication how Dr. Trinidad explained everything so detailed was very impressed. Honestly felt like I was talking to a childhood friend 👌. Nicole as a representative at the front was incredibly pleasant. They also had T. Ford, Versace, CHANEL and offer botox (I think)."

Donivon Y.

Above and beyond

"Everyone had patience, was understanding, and went above and beyond to calm my nerves through out my whole visit. Not only did Dr.Trinidad take his time to make sure I understood what he was seeing/going on with my eyes but he truly does care and is passionate about his work. I definitely will be making him the person I go to for all my eye visits."

Kayla W.

Insurance & Financing Options

Dry eye evaluations and treatments may be partially or fully covered by medical insurance, depending on the severity and underlying cause. At Trinidad Vision, we work with major insurance providers, including VSP and other vision plans, and offer financing options for treatments not covered.

Our team is happy to assist with insurance questions and financing plans so you can access the care you need without financial stress.

Financing & Insurance Options

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dry eye be cured?

While chronic dry eye cannot always be cured, it can be effectively managed with the right treatments. Many patients experience significant symptom relief with ongoing care and proper treatment adjustments.

Is dry eye dangerous?

Although not typically dangerous, severe untreated dry eye can lead to corneal damage, infections, and long-term vision issues. Seeking treatment early helps prevent complications and improves eye comfort.

Can wearing contact lenses cause dry eye?

Yes, extended contact lens wear can contribute to dry eye by reducing oxygen flow and moisture to the cornea. If you experience discomfort, switching to daily lenses, using rewetting drops, or considering alternative vision correction may help.

Does screen time make dry eye worse?

Yes, prolonged screen use reduces blink rate, leading to faster tear evaporation and increased eye strain. Taking frequent breaks, adjusting screen brightness, and using artificial tears can help minimize symptoms.

How do I know if I have evaporative or aqueous deficient dry eye?

A comprehensive dry eye exam at Trinidad Vision can determine the specific type affecting you. We use specialized tests to evaluate tear quality, production, and evaporation rate, ensuring the best possible treatment plan.

What are the most common dry eye symptoms?

Dry Eye Syndrome can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms that vary in severity. The most common dry eye symptoms include persistent dryness, itching, burning, or a gritty sensation as if there is something in the eye. Many people experience redness, irritation, and excessive tearing, which may seem counterintuitive but is the body’s response to chronic dryness. Fluctuating or blurred vision, light sensitivity, and difficulty wearing contact lenses are also frequent complaints. Symptoms often worsen in dry or windy environments, after prolonged screen use, or during activities that require intense focus, such as reading or driving. If left untreated, chronic dry eye can lead to inflammation, eye fatigue, and an increased risk of corneal damage or infections. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, a comprehensive dry eye evaluation can help determine the underlying cause and best treatment options.

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