Real Relief for Dry, Irritated Eyes in Texas

We help patients find lasting relief through thoughtful care, precise diagnosis, and modern in-office treatments that go beyond temporary fixes. 

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What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye happens when your eyes don’t produce enough quality tears, or when your tears evaporate too quickly to keep your eyes comfortable.

It’s one of the most common vision-related complaints we see, especially in adults 40+, people who use screens heavily, and anyone with autoimmune conditions or a history of contact lens irritation. 

There are two main types: 

  1. Evaporative dry eye, usually caused by blocked oil glands (meibomian gland dysfunction, or MGD).
  2. Aqueous-deficient dry eye, when your eyes don’t produce enough of the watery component of your tears.

Do These Symptoms Sound Familiar?

Many patients come to us after trying over-the-counter drops that no longer work. If you’re experiencing any of the following, it may be time for a closer look: 

  • Burning, stinging, or tired eyes, especially after screens 
  • A gritty or sandy sensation 
  • Redness or light sensitivity 
  • Fluctuating vision 
  • Watery eyes that still feel dry 
  • Difficulty wearing contact lenses 
  • A feeling like something’s always in your eye 

You don’t have to live with these symptoms. We’re here to help you understand what’s causing them and what to do next. 

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What Causes Dry Eye?

Dry eye is a combination of factors that look a little different in every patient. That’s why we take the time to understand your history, lifestyle, and symptoms before recommending treatment. 

Common causes include: 

  • Long hours on computers, phones, or tablets.
  • Natural aging and hormonal changes, especially in women.
  • Allergies or environmental dryness (fans, heaters, wind, A/C).
  • Autoimmune conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Certain medications (antihistamines, antidepressants, etc.).
  • Meibomian gland dysfunction, often overlooked and under-treated.
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How We Diagnose & Treat Dry Eye at Child and Family Eye Care

We begin with a clear, focused exam, guided by your concerns and comfort level. You’ll never feel rushed. Instead, you’ll leave your visit with answers, a plan, and people who actually know your name. 

Your dry eye evaluation may include: 

  • Imaging of your meibomian glands 
  • Tear film analysis (how fast your tears evaporate) 
  • Lid and blink assessment 
  • Discussion of symptoms, habits, and environment 

Once we understand the cause, we’ll recommend a care plan that’s right for you, one that fits your lifestyle and supports long-term comfort.

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Dry Eye Treatment Options at Our Practice

We don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. Your plan may include a mix of in-office treatments, prescription support, and at-home routines. 

LipiFlow® Thermal Pulsation 

A 12-minute in-office treatment that uses warmth and gentle pressure to unblock your meibomian glands and restore the oily layer of your tears. 

Lumenis IPL & OptiLight™ 

Light-based treatments that reduce inflammation around the eyelids and improve gland function, especially effective for patients with rosacea, visible lid redness, or chronic irritation. 

Prescription Eye Drops 

When appropriate, we may recommend medications to reduce inflammation, boost tear production, or improve tear stability. 

Custom Home Care Routines 

These may include heat masks, lid scrubs, omega-3 supplements, or blinking exercises, all personalized based on what your eyes need. 

We’ll walk you through your options clearly, help you weigh the pros and cons, and adjust your plan as needed. 

OptiPLUS®

OptiPLUS® uses radiofrequency (RF) energy to gently heat the skin and underlying tissue around the eyes.

This warmth stimulates collagen production and improves circulation, which can help support healthier meibomian gland function.

It’s a non-invasive treatment that also offers added skin-tightening benefits.

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Image of a Lumenis machine with a touch screen and various controls

OptiLift®

OptiLift® is designed to complement the effects of OptiPLUS® by focusing on rejuvenating the delicate skin around the eyes.

In addition to supporting dry eye relief, many patients notice a smoother, firmer appearance.

Making it a popular option for those looking to improve both comfort and cosmetic concerns at once.

Dry Eye & Aesthetic Support At Our Woodlands Location

For some patients, dry eye symptoms come with visible inflammation around the eyes or cheeks, often linked to rosacea, clogged glands, or poor tear quality.

At our Woodlands location, we offer aesthetic-focused dry eye care using Lumenis OptiLight™ treatments that improve tear function and reduce cosmetic skin symptoms like: 

  • Flushing or facial redness 
  • Broken blood vessels (telangiectasia) 
  • Lid margin inflammation 
  • Uneven skin tone around the eyes 

These services are part of our medical approach, not separate from it, and are always guided by your eye health needs. If you’re dealing with both dryness and redness, this may be a comfortable next step in your care.

Aesthetic dry eye services are currently available only at our Woodlands location. 

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