Frequently asked questions about dry eye

Most dry eye is 'evaporative,' caused by meibomian gland dysfunction — the oil glands in your eyelids stop producing the healthy oils that keep tears from evaporating. Inflammation, screen use, contact lenses, hormonal changes, and environmental factors can all contribute. A consultation determines the specific cause behind your symptoms and the right plan.

It sounds backwards, but reflex tearing is a classic sign of dry eye. When the surface of the eye becomes dry and irritated, it triggers a flood of watery tears that lack the oily layer needed to stay put — so they simply run off instead of soothing the eye. Treating the underlying dryness usually calms the watering.

Artificial tears can relieve symptoms briefly, but they don't treat the cause and some contain preservatives that, with frequent use, can irritate the ocular surface. This is consistent with findings from the TFOS DEWS II report on preservative toxicity. Drops have their place, but lasting relief comes from restoring your own tear production.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) uses pulses of light to reduce the inflammation and abnormal blood vessels that drive meibomian gland dysfunction, and gently warms the glands so they flow again. It's one of the most effective in-office treatments for evaporative and rosacea-related dry eye. Your response is assessed over a short series of sessions.

PRP (platelet-rich plasma) eye drops are made from your own blood, so there's no risk of donor disease transmission or preservative reactions. They're prepared under sterile conditions and contain natural growth factors that help heal the cornea. Dr. Wells reviews your health history to confirm they're appropriate before recommending them.

Cost varies widely because every treatment plan is built around the cause and severity of your dry eye. Rather than quote a single price, we determine the right combination of therapies during your consultation — and our free workshops are a great way to understand the options before you commit.

It depends on your diagnosis. Therapies like IPL and radiofrequency are typically delivered as a short series spaced a few weeks apart, sometimes followed by periodic maintenance. Some patients need only a few sessions; others with more advanced disease need a longer plan. Your consultation sets realistic expectations.

Our live workshops let you see the treatment technology in person, learn what's actually causing dry eye, and ask Dr. Wells your questions in a relaxed setting. It's an easy, no-pressure way to understand your options before scheduling a full evaluation and personalized plan.

Yes. Carousel Eyecare is in Katy, TX and regularly cares for patients from Cinco Ranch, Cypress, Memorial, West Houston, and the greater Houston area. Our location off I-10 and the Grand Parkway makes us convenient for much of west Houston.

Dry eye is usually a chronic condition, but it is very manageable. By treating the root cause — rather than masking symptoms — many patients achieve lasting comfort and reduce or eliminate their reliance on drops. The goal is to stabilize the ocular surface so you stop thinking about your eyes.

MGD is the leading cause of dry eye. The meibomian glands in your eyelids produce the oily layer of your tears; when they become clogged or inflamed, tears evaporate too quickly and the eye dries out. Most of our in-office therapies are designed to restore these glands.

Yes. Staring at screens dramatically lowers your blink rate, which destabilizes the tear film, and contact lens wear can stress the ocular surface. Both are common contributors to dry eye, especially combined with the Houston-area climate. We build these lifestyle factors into your plan.

The easiest first step is to reserve a seat at one of our live dry eye workshops, or call us to schedule a consultation. Dr. Wells will evaluate the cause of your dry eye and recommend a personalized plan.