The condition
Dry eye is not “just a lack of tears”
Dry eye is a multifactorial condition. It can be due to tear-film instability, inflammation, meibomian gland dysfunction or changes in the ocular surface. That is why effective treatment starts with a structured diagnosis. In Mexico, more than 60 % of young adults report symptoms compatible with dry eye —largely because of intensive screen use—, yet most are treated only with artificial tears, without looking for the cause.
At the clinic we work in phases: first we identify the dominant cause, then we combine specific therapies and, finally, we follow up to maintain results.
- Multifactorialtears, eyelids, glands and inflammation
- In phasestreatment targets the dominant cause
The symptoms
Common symptoms
- Burning, itching, a gritty feeling
- Redness and discomfort in the wind
- Fluctuating vision, worse at the end of the day
- Discomfort with screens or reading
- A feeling of tired or heavy eyes
- (Paradoxical) watering caused by irritation
Our method
From precise diagnosis to treatment in phases
Structured diagnosis
We identify the dominant cause (evaporative, inflammatory, mixed or other associated conditions) and assess the ocular surface and the meibomian glands to define an effective plan.
- 01Medical history and habits (screens, environment, contact lenses).
- 02Tear-film assessment: break-up time (BUT), osmolarity and ocular surface staining.
- 03Examination of the eyelid margin and meibography of the meibomian glands.
- 04Definition of the therapeutic goal and the follow-up plan.
Treatment in phases
We combine therapies progressively. The goal is to stabilize the ocular surface and maintain the result over time.
- 01Foundation: eyelid hygiene, proper lubrication and habits.
- 02Optimization: evaporation control and tear stabilization with in-office therapies.
- 03Inflammation control: intense pulsed light (IPL), LLLT phototherapy and medical treatment when indicated.
- 04Maintenance: check-ups and adjustments to prevent relapses.
Your environment
Living in Mexico City dries out your eyes
Mexico City combines three factors that worsen dry eye: the dry climate of high altitude, air pollution that inflames the ocular surface, and workdays of more than 9 hours in front of screens. When you stare at a screen, your blink rate can drop by half and tears evaporate before they are renewed.
Small changes in habits also help: regular visual breaks, conscious blinking, good hydration and placing the screen slightly below eye level.
- Screens + altitudeblinking can drop by half and tears evaporate sooner
- Dante 6, Anzureswe treat dry eye at our clinic in the Anzures neighborhood (Miguel Hidalgo), minutes from Polanco, Roma and Condesa
In-office therapies
Advanced treatments for dry eye
In addition to medical treatment, we offer in-office therapies aimed at the cause of evaporative dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction:
Eyelid margin cleaning and exfoliation
Removes the deposits and bacterial biofilm that block the outflow of the tear’s oil layer. Painless and with no downtime.
Infrared thermotherapy
Controlled heat that liquefies the thickened secretion of the meibomian glands and stimulates the production of new secretion.
Meibomian gland expression
Controlled release of the blockages in the ducts to restore the lipid layer of the tear film.
Intense pulsed light (IPL)
Controlled light pulses on the eyelid margin that reduce inflammation and improve gland function; especially useful in ocular rosacea.
Low-level light therapy (LLLT)
Red and blue LEDs that reduce inflammation and activate the cellular function of the glands. Non-invasive and completely painless.
The combination of therapies and the number of sessions are defined by each patient’s diagnosis, within a phased plan with follow-up.
Before surgery
Dry eye and eye surgery
An unstable tear film alters the measurements taken before cataract, presbyopia or laser refractive surgery, and can compromise the final visual quality. That is why we assess and optimize the ocular surface before operating, and monitor it afterwards: any eye surgery can temporarily worsen dry eye.
Request an evaluation for dry eye
If you have persistent symptoms or fluctuating vision, we can carry out a complete diagnosis and propose a treatment plan adjusted to your case.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Why doesn’t my dry eye improve with artificial tears alone?
Because in many cases the main cause is not “a lack of tears” but evaporation, inflammation or gland dysfunction. Treatment must target the dominant cause.
Can dry eye affect vision?
Yes. The tear film is part of the eye’s optical system. When it is unstable, vision can fluctuate and contrast can drop.
Can it be cured for good?
In many patients it is controlled very effectively with the right diagnosis, personalized treatment and maintenance. Follow-up is key to preventing relapses.
Which drops work for dry eye?
It depends on the type of dry eye. As a general rule, we prefer preservative-free tears for frequent use. If you need drops many times a day, it is a sign that the cause is not being treated and an evaluation is advisable.
Does dry eye go away on its own?
Usually not. It is a chronic, progressive condition: without treatment, the meibomian glands can atrophy irreversibly. Detecting it early allows simpler and more effective treatments.
How much does dry eye treatment cost in Mexico City?
It depends on the type and severity. The first step is a complete diagnostic evaluation; with the result you receive a treatment plan with clear costs and no unnecessary therapies.
How long does the treatment take?
It depends on the cause and the intensity of each case. The goal is to stabilize the ocular surface in the first weeks and then keep you comfortable with a simple maintenance plan and regular check-ups. In many patients dry eye is a chronic condition that is controlled very effectively.