Dry Eye Disease

Get relief from bothersome, red, and irritated eyes in just 15-minutes

From reading to spending time with family, we rely on our eyes to lead us in the things we enjoy the most. Uncomfortable and irritated eyes distract us, preventing us to being able to really enjoy these important moments.

Dry Eye Disease is common but easily treatable. We use the latest technology called Equinox Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT), giving you a gentle, painless, and effective tool for treating your dry eyes. Treatment only takes 15-minutes and 85% of patients report noticeable improvements after just one application.

Dry eye treatment is covered by most medical insurance plans

Self-pay costs start at only $95

What is Dry Eye Disease?

Also called Dry Eye Syndrome, Dry Eye Disease is a common and treatable eye condition. It occurs when your eyes are not making enough tears to keep your eyes moist. This causes them to feel irritated, sensitive to light, or like you constantly have something in your eye.

The medical term for this condition is keratoconjunctivitis sicca.

Sometimes certain situations can cause dry eyes, such as being in an airplane or working in front of a computer screen for too long. But if you’ve had ongoing red, irritated, tired, or painful eyes, it’s time to see a doctor.

[Video overview of dry eye]

Dr. Julie Ervin and Dr. Kristen Watt explain what Dry Eye Syndrome is, who is most at-risk for it, common symptoms, and how it’s treated.

How is Dry Eye Disease diagnosed?

Our board-certified doctors use a microscope called a slit lamp to see if your eyes are making enough tears.

This and other dry eye tests are quick and painless, similar to what happens at a normal eye doctor visit.

If you suspect that you may have Dry Eye Disease, schedule an appointment and we’ll evaluate your eyes.

A patient with Dr. Kristen Watt, using a slit lamp to check on tear production.

How is Dry Eye Disease treated?

Dry Eye Disease is easily treated with Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT), a gentle and effective way to treat dry eyes. Within just a few hours of Equinox LLLT, patients report noticeable improvements in their symptoms.

Equinox LLT is the latest in dry eye treatment technology and looks like a super-hero mask with specially designed LED lights. It gets to the root cause of your dry eye by gently warming up your eyelids, causing your meibomian glands to unclog and release the natural oils your eye needs.

Safe for both adults and children
Non-invasive procedure. It’s comfortable (just a warm light) and painless
No recovery time is needed, so you can drive yourself to and from your appointment, with no impact on your day
LLLT has positive side-effects, as it may help decrease the appearance of facial wrinkles, acne , and rosacea

A patient being treated with Equinox LLLT therapy.

What are the symptoms of Dry Eye Disease?

It’s common to have dry eyes every now and then, but when it starts to impact your day-to-day life, it’s time to seek help.

Our board-certified optometrists are here to help.

Blurry vision after blinking
Burning, stinging, or scratching sensation
Sensitivity to light
Frequent dryness
Excessive tears
Feeling like you always have something in your eyes

All dry eye testing and treatment services listed with full pricing

"A few treatments can make such a big difference in the quality of your life. Your eyes can feel healthy again, letting you go back to doing what you love."

Dr. Julie Ervin, Fort Worth Clinic

Are you at high risk of Dry Eye Disease?

There are certain risk factors that can make you more likely to have Dry Eye Disease.

Knowing your risk lets you be more aware of understanding the difference between normal irritated and dry eyes and Dry Eye Disease.

Over the age of 50
Post-menopausal women
Certain medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, vitamin A deficiency, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, sarcoidosis, or Certain medical conditions including Sjogren's syndrome, or eye allergies
Nerve damage to your eyes
Corneal nerve desensitivity caused by contact lens use
Take antihistamines, decongestants, hormone replacement therapy, or antidepressants

Common questions about dry eyes

We want to ensure you feel confident in the health of your eyes. Dry eye syndrome can cause discomfort and impact your ability to do things you love.

We’re here to help you every step of the way.

What causes Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry eyes can be caused by medications, existing conditions, changes in your body as you age, or anything that disrupts your healthy tear film that is in your eye.

Your tear film has three layers: fatty oils, aqueous fluid, and mucus. This combination keeps the surface of a healthy eye lubricated, smooth, and clear. When something disrupts any part of the tear film, it can cause dry eyes.

Are Dry Eye Syndrome and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction the same thing?

No, Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) and Dry Eye Syndrome are two different problems, although MGD is the most common cause of Dry Eye Syndrome.

In addition to Dry Eye Syndrome, MGD can also cause eyelid inflammation, called Blepharitis, especially along the rims of your eyes.

It’s possible to have MGD, Dry Eye Syndrome, and Blepharitis all at once, which is why it’s important to talk to your optometrist about any eye discomfort or vision problems you may be experiencing.

My eyes are watery all the time. Could that be Dry Eye Disease?

Yes, if you are experiencing watery eyes, this can also be a symptom of Dry Eye Disease.

Your body can be reacting to your eyes being dry, causes more tears than normal.

Every person is unique and can experience dry eye symptoms differently. Your eye doctor can help you determine if your watery eyes are Dry Eye Disease or something else.

What if I don't treat my Dry Eye Disease?

Just like any other part of your body, leaving dry eyes untreated can cause complications. You may experience:

An increase in eye infections. Your tears play an important role in protecting the surface of your eyes from infection. Without enough tears, your eyes cannot fight off infection as easily.
Impact on your day-to-day life. We rely on our eyes so much! Enjoying hobbies, safely driving, and spending time with our family can become harder to enjoy because of irritated, sensitive, and bothersome eyes.
Damage to the surface of your eyes. Dry eyes leave your eyes in a constant state of inflammation, causing the corneal surface to be irritated. This can lead to corneal ulcers and even vision loss.

Does treating my Dry Eye Disease hurt?

No! Treating your Dry Eye Disease is painless.

Equinox is a two-step process. During the first part, you’ll put on special glasses to protect your eyes. Light pulses will be administered around your entire eye and cheekbones.

In the second part, you’ll wear a protective mask and the LLLT will be administered. You get to lay in a comfortable chair for about 15-minutes.

When you’re done, you can safely go about the rest of your day. It’s really that easy!

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Dry Eye Disease

Get relief from bothersome, red, and irritated eyes in just 15-minutes

Dry eye treatment is covered by most medical insurance plans

What is Dry Eye Disease?

How is Dry Eye Disease diagnosed?

How is Dry Eye Disease treated?

What are the symptoms of Dry Eye Disease?

Are you at high risk of Dry Eye Disease?

Common questions about dry eyes

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