Popular Blog Tags

Related Posts

Need help finding something?

Office Location & Hours

903 William D. Fitch Pkwy
College Station, TX 77845
Phone Number: (979) 779-9000
Fax Number: (979) 690-1510

Get Directions

Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri:
Wednesday:

8am - 5:30pm
9am - 5:30pm

Patient Testimonials

  • Matthew G.

    Absolutely amazing facility! They helped my son and even helped watch him for a minute when my bank gave me trouble. They were very kind and understanding....

  • Rebecca K.

    I went in for vitamins and information. The young lady at recept. Desk did an awesome job with my qqq and handled the vitamin sale with more information needed for my eye condition....

  • Bernadette H.

    Had to find a new eye doctor for my family and I due to insurance changes. I was very pleased with my first experience. Staff and Dr. Dobson are very friendly and professional. Felt comfortable and welcomed to the practice. Would recommend giving...

  • Alexander M.

    I am new to the bryan college station area being a college student. I needed to find a new eye doctor. I am one of those people that, take a long time exsploring my options online. When I first started my search they were the first ones that poped onto my screen. When I looked at there website I intantly felt like this was the one...


    Itching, burning, watering, red, irritated, tired eyes... what is a person to do? The symptoms aforementioned are classic sign of Dry Eye Syndrome (DES), which affects millions of adults and children. With increased screen time in all age groups, the symptoms are rising.

    What causes this? One reason is that when we stare at a computer screen or phone, our blink reflex slows way down. A normal eye blinks 17,000 times per day. When our eye functions normally, the body usually produces enough tears to be symptom free, however, if you live in a geographical area that is dry, or has a high allergy rate, your symptoms could be worse.

    Dry eye syndrome can be brought on by many factors: aging, geographical location, lid hygiene, contact lens wear, medications, and dehydration. The lacrimal gland in the eye that produces tears, in a person over forty years old, starts slowly losing function. Females with hormonal changes have a higher incidence of DES (dry eye syndrome). Dry, arid climates or areas with high allergy causes lend to higher incidences of DES as well.

    Blepharities, a condition of the eyelids, can cause a dandruff-like situation for the eye, exacerbating a dry eye condition. Contact lenses can add to DES, so make sure you are in high oxygen contact lens material if you suffer from DES. Certain medications such as antihistamines, cholesterol and blood pressure meds, hormonal and birth control medications, can also cause symptoms of a dry eye. Check with your pharmacist if you are not sure.

    And finally, overall dehydration can cause DES. Some studies show we need 1/2 our body weight in ounces of water per day. For example, if you weigh 150 lbs, you need approximately 75 ounces of water per day to be fully hydrated. If you are not at that level, it could affect your eyes.

    Treatment for DES is varied, but the main treatment is a tear supplement to replace the evaporated tears. These come in the form of topical ophthalmic artificial tears. Oral agents that can help are Omega 3 supplements such as fish oil or flax seed oil pills. They supplement the function of meibomian glands located at the lid margin. Ophthalmic gels used at night, as well as humidifiers, can help keep your eyes moisturized. Simply blinking hard more often can cause the lacrimal gland to produce more tears automatically.

    For stubborn dry eyes, retaining tears on the eye can be aided by punctal plugs. They act like a stopper for a sink, and they are painless and can be inserted by your eye care practitioner in the office. Moisture chamber goggles can also be used in severe cases to hydrate the eyes with their body’s own natural humidity. This may sound far out but it gets the job done.

    Being aware of the symptoms and treatments for dry eye syndrome can prevent frustration and allow your eyes to work more smoothly and efficiently in your daily routine. If your eyes feel dry as the Sahara or they water too much, know that help is on the way through proven techniques and products. You do not need to suffer needlessly in the case of Dry Eye Syndrome anymore. Make an appointment to talk with your eye doctor about the best treatments for you!

     

    This blog provides general information and discussion about eye health and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately licensed physician. The content of this blog cannot be reproduced or duplicated without the express written consent of Eye IQ.

    Exceptional Staff

    Exceptional Staff

    You'll be hard-pressed to find a more experienced, caring vision care team in all of Texas!

    Our History

    Our History

    Since its inception in 1983 by Dr. Sue Simpson, O.D., Eye Care Center has always been committed to quality eye wear, top-notch eye exams, and exceptional patient satisfaction.

    Common Patient Questions

    Common Patient Questions

    Odds are that someone else has asked us the very same question you're wondering about. If not, feel free to reach out to us!

    What Sets us Apart

    What Sets us Apart

    From the moment you arrive for your visit, YOU are our number one priority. Our belief is that if we truly get to know our patients and what makes them happy, we can visually accommodate them in every stage of life.

    Featured Video

    Please take a moment to browse our high definition educational animations and videos to learn about vision health. Please contact us with any questions.

    bcm_videoplayer_banner

    Office Location & Hours

    903 William D. Fitch Pkwy
    College Station, TX 77845
    Phone Number: (979) 779-9000
    Fax Number: (979) 690-1510

    Get Directions

    Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri:
    Wednesday:

    8am-5:30pm
    9am-5:30pm

    Accepted Payment Methods

    payment cashpayment checkpayment care creditpayment visaMastercardDiscoverAmerican Express