Dry Eyes in Austin: Why It’s Getting Worse & What You Can Do

If you’ve noticed your eyes feeling gritty, burning, or constantly irritated lately, you’re not alone. Dry eye syndrome is becoming increasingly common - especially in Austin, where the combination of climate, allergies, and lifestyle habits can make symptoms worse. Understanding what’s behind this trend and how to manage it effectively can make a world of difference in your daily comfort.

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye is a common condition that occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to irritation and discomfort. Healthy tears are essential for keeping the surface of your eyes smooth, clear, and protected from dust and infection. When the tear film becomes unstable or insufficient, it can cause symptoms such as burning, stinging, redness, blurred vision, and a gritty or “foreign body” sensation.

Why Dry Eyes Are Getting Worse in Austin

Austin’s unique environment contributes heavily to the rise in dry eye symptoms. A few key factors include:

• High pollen and allergy counts: Austin is known for its heavy cedar, oak, and ragweed seasons. Allergens inflame the eyes and can interfere with tear production and quality, making dryness and irritation more frequent.

• Dry, windy conditions: Though Austin isn’t a desert climate, periods of hot, dry air and wind can quickly evaporate the moisture in your tear film - especially if you spend time outdoors or in air-conditioned spaces.

• Increased screen time: Between remote work, smartphones, and entertainment streaming, most of us spend more time staring at screens than ever before. Focusing on a screen reduces blinking, which in turn limits tear distribution and causes the eyes to dry out faster.

What You Can Do to Relieve Dry Eye Symptoms

While environmental and lifestyle factors can’t always be avoided, small changes can help reduce discomfort and protect your eyes:

• Take regular breaks from screens: Follow the 20-20-20 rule; every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

• Use a humidifier: Adding moisture to the air indoors can keep your tear film from drying out.

• Wear sunglasses outdoors: Wraparound sunglasses help block wind and allergens that can irritate the eyes.

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support healthy tear production.

• Use artificial tears as needed: Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can provide temporary relief when your eyes feel dry.

When to See Your Optometrist for Advanced Treatment

If your symptoms persist despite home remedies, it may be time to visit your optometrist for professional evaluation and treatment. At Texas State Optical, we offer a range of advanced therapies designed to treat the root cause of dry eyes, not just the symptoms. These may include:

• Prescription eye drops: Medications that reduce inflammation and increase tear production for lasting comfort.

• Tyrvaya (varenicline nasal spray): A prescription treatment that stimulates natural tear production by activating the nerves connected to your tear glands.

• Scleral lenses: Specialized contact lenses that create a smooth, moisture-rich surface over the cornea, protecting the eyes from dryness and providing clear, comfortable vision for patients with moderate to severe dry eye.

Our experienced optometrists can assess your specific condition and develop a customized treatment plan to help you find lasting relief.

Get Expert Care for Your Dry Eyes in Austin

Dry eyes can affect everything from your work productivity to your quality of life - but you don’t have to live with the discomfort. By understanding what’s causing your symptoms and getting the right treatment, you can keep your vision clear and your eyes comfortable year-round.

Schedule a consultation at Texas State Optical to discuss your dry eye symptoms and explore advanced treatment options. Visit our office in Austin, Texas, or call (512) 452-5735 to book an appointment today.