Living in Austin has its perks—vibrant culture, scenic greenbelts, and year-round sunshine. But for many residents, it also comes with an unwelcome side effect: dry eyes. If your eyes burn, itch, or feel constantly irritated, you’re not alone. Dry eye is one of the most common reasons people visit our optometrists at Westlake Eyecare.
In this blog, we’ll break down what causes dry eye, why it’s so common in Central Texas, how to tell if you might have it, and what actually works to relieve the symptoms—both at home and in the clinic.
What Is Dry Eye?
Dry eye happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears—or the tears they do make aren’t high quality. This leads to that familiar feeling of dryness, burning, or even watery eyes (yes, that’s a real symptom!).
Dry eye is often linked to a condition called meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). These tiny oil glands in your eyelids help keep your tears from evaporating too quickly. When they get blocked or don’t function properly, dry eye follows.
Common Symptoms of Dry Eye
- A gritty or sandy feeling
- Eyes that sting or burn
- Itchiness or redness
- Blurry vision that comes and goes
- Sensitivity to light
- Eye fatigue, especially at the computer
- Watery eyes (your body trying to compensate)
Why Is Dry Eye So Common in Austin?
Whether you live downtown, out in Four Points, or in the hill country of West Lake Hills, the answer is the same: Austin’s environment is tough on eyes.
- High pollen counts and allergens: Austin ranks as one of the top cities for seasonal allergies. Allergens inflame the eyes and worsen dryness.
- Dry heat + wind: Our climate pulls moisture from the surface of your eyes faster than you can blink.
- Screen time: Tech-heavy lifestyles mean fewer blinks per minute, reducing tear production.
- Age and hormones: Dry eye is more common as we age—especially among women in their 40s and 50s.
- Contact lens wear: Long days in lenses can dry the eyes out further.
What Actually Helps? Dry Eye Treatments That Work
In-Office Treatments at Westlake Eyecare
We offer the latest in dry eye technology at all three locations:
- iLux Thermal Pulsation: Gently warms and clears blocked meibomian glands.
- BlephEx: Deep cleans the eyelid margins to remove bacteria and debris.
- Prescription eye drops: Target inflammation and boost tear production.
- Punctal plugs: Tiny inserts that help retain your natural tears.
At-Home Dry Eye Relief Tips
While in-office treatments offer long-term relief, daily care makes a big difference:
- Use warm compresses: A few minutes a day can help unclog oil glands.
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Hydrate: Drink more water, especially during allergy season.
- Add omega-3s: Flaxseed or fish oil may improve tear quality.
- Switch to preservative-free drops: These are gentler for chronic dry eye.
When to See an Eye Doctor
If you’ve tried drops and home remedies but still deal with redness, itchiness, or blurry vision, it’s time to get checked. Chronic dry eye can lead to damage if untreated—and it’s often mistaken for allergies or aging.
Some patients come in thinking they have “just allergies” or even early cataracts, but the real issue is meibomian gland dysfunction. With the right diagnosis, we can recommend a treatment plan that actually works.
Dry Eye Help, Right in Your Neighborhood
At Westlake Eyecare, we treat patients across all stages of dry eye. Whether you're a downtown tech worker like Tyler, a Four Points parent juggling screen time and school drop-offs, or a West Lake retiree noticing increased irritation, we can help.
With locations in Downtown Austin, West Lake Hills, and Four Points, you’re never far from dry eye relief.
Ready to Feel Better?
Book your dry eye evaluation today and let’s find a solution that actually works for your eyes—and your lifestyle.