Learn how to prevent and treat dry eye disease this fall and winter. Dr. Garza at Eyes of Cresta Bella offers personalized care and IPL treatment in San Antonio.
What Is Dry Eye Disease?
If your eyes have been feeling gritty, tired, or irritated lately, you’re not alone. Cooler, drier air and increased indoor heating can trigger or worsen Dry Eye Disease (DED)—a condition where your eyes don’t make enough quality tears to stay hydrated and protected.
The outer layer of your tears comes from tiny oil glands in your eyelids (meibomian glands). When these glands become clogged or inflamed—called Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)—your tears evaporate too quickly, leaving your eyes dry and uncomfortable.
Common causes include long screen time, contact lens wear, hormonal changes, and environmental dryness.
Common Dry Eye Symptoms
- A gritty, burning, or stinging sensation
- Redness or irritation
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurry or fluctuating vision
- Watery eyes (a sign of tear film imbalance)
Dry eye often starts mild but can progress if untreated—leading to chronic irritation and damage to the eye’s surface.
What Science Tells Us About Modern Treatment
Advances in dry eye research have led to better treatments than ever before. Studies show that early, personalized therapy can improve both comfort and eye health:
- IPL with gland expression improves tear quality and comfort (PubMed 36595759).
- A 2024 meta-analysis confirmed IPL “probably results in a clinically relevant reduction” in dry eye symptoms (PubMed 39611367).
- Next-generation IPL devices showed measurable improvement in tear film stability and gland function (PubMed 35974296).
- Perfluorohexyloctane eye drops also improve tear film balance and comfort in evaporative dry eye (PubMed 39206330).
These studies reinforce that dry eye care is more than symptom management—it’s about restoring long-term eye health.
Why Fall and Winter Are the Best Time for IPL
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) therapy gently targets inflammation and helps restore oil gland function for lasting relief. Because IPL can temporarily increase sun sensitivity, fall and winter are the ideal time to start treatment—with less UV exposure and drier air, your eyes benefit from both prevention and protection.
How We Treat Dry Eye at EYES of Cresta Bella
Every patient’s eyes are unique, which is why we create personalized treatment plans that may include:
- Prescription eye drops or anti-inflammatory therapies
- In-office treatments like IPL, radiofrequency, or gland expression
- Eyelid hygiene and home care routines
- Nutritional or lifestyle recommendations to support healthy tears
Taking action early prevents dry eye from worsening and helps you feel—and see—your best all year long.
Schedule a Dry Eye Consultation in San Antonio
If you’re experiencing dryness, irritation, or fluctuating vision, let’s get to the root cause. Our advanced diagnostic testing and modern therapies, including IPL, are designed to bring comfort back to your eyes.
EYES of Cresta Bella
See the good.
www.eyesofcrestabella.com | (210) 361-7720
Recommended Reading
- Rong, B. et al. Efficacy of Intense Pulsed Light Combined with Meibomian Gland Expression for Dry Eye Disease: A Meta-Analysis. Ophthalmic Research, 2023. PubMed 36595759
- Nistor, M. et al. Intense Pulsed Light for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Ocul Surf, 2024. PubMed 39611367
- Toyos, R. et al. Evaluation of a Next-Generation IPL Device for the Treatment of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. Clin Ophthalmol, 2022. PubMed 35974296
- Tauber, J. et al. Perfluorohexyloctane for the Treatment of Evaporative Dry Eye Disease. J Clin Med, 2024. PubMed 39206330
