woman with dry eye in front of a computer

Dry Eye Treatment in Plymouth

Offering Lasting Relief For Dry, Itchy & Gritty Eyes

(574) 935-3937

Tired of your eyes constantly watering?

Want to find a solution for your red, dry, itchy eyes?

Dry eye disease can seriously harm your quality of life. It can cause severe irritation and even infection in severe cases.

Symptoms of dry eye disease include:

  • Red, dry eyes
  • Itchiness in and around the eye
  • A gritty-feeling in the eye
  • Light sensitivity
  • Excessive watering of the eyes

Visit Plymouth Family Eyecare for effective and lasting dry eye relief.

lady with dry eyes

How Dry Eye Disease Develops & How to Treat It

man with dry eye sneeze

Dry eye disease is an increasingly common eye condition that can happen either because the eye is not producing enough tears, or because tears are evaporating too quickly, leaving the eyes without enough moisture to function comfortably.

This can happen for several reasons including allergies, side effects from medications, hormonal changes, and illness.

Depending on the cause and exact symptoms of your dry eyes, our Plymouth eye doctors will be able to prescribe treatments and medications aimed at increasing the amount of tears your eye produces and/or slowing the evaporation of tears to better hydrate your eyes.


What Are the Main Causes of Dry Eye?

  • Aging

    Dry eye disease tends to affect people over the age of 50. This is because tear production slows as we age. As the lacrimal glands produce fewer tears, dry eye develops.

  • Hormonal changes

    It's not uncommon for some women to experience dry eye symptoms during pregnancy, menopause, or while using birth control pills. That's because hormone imbalances can reduce tear production.

  • Autoimmune disease

    Certain autoimmune diseases, like Sjögren’s syndrome, can cause white blood cells to attack your tear glands, thus reducing tear production. Other diseases like arthritis, lupus, and diabetes can also cause poor or insufficient tear production.

  • Medications

    Certain medications can reduce mucus production (one of the 3 tear components) thus contributing to chronic dry eye.

    They include antihistamines, antidepressants, diuretics, and beta-blockers.

Note that this is just a handful of causes. There are many other factors that can contribute to dry eye, including pollution and dry air, allergies, poor tear quality, dehydration, contact lens wear, and more.


Dry Eyes FAQs

Can I still wear contact lenses if I have dry eye syndrome?

Yes, some people can still wear contact lenses with dry eye syndrome. However, depending on its severity, you may need to carefully select the adequate contact lens for optimal clarity and comfort.

Oftentimes, because contact lenses sit on the eye, it's difficult for vital oxygen to reach the eye. This can worsen dry eye symptoms, and increase the risk of scratching or otherwise damaging your eye. Make sure to ask your eye doctor which contact lenses are most adapted to your condition.

Can dry eye syndrome be cured?

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for dry eye syndrome. There are, however, many treatment options that offer lasting dry eye relief.

Can dry eye syndrome cause blindness?

In rare extreme cases, dry eye syndrome can cause corneal ulcers. These ulcers can result in scarring on the eye, making it difficult for the cornea to focus light accurately. If left untreated, corneal ulcers and the associated scarring can result in blindness.

How can I prevent dry eye symptoms?

Below are a few tips that will help prevent dry eye symptoms:

  • Point fans, heaters, and air vents so that they don’t directly blow into your eyes
  • Eat foods high in omega-3 fatty acids
  • Stay properly hydrated
  • Take breaks during long tasks, especially those that require extended visual focus
Patient Reviews
4.2
18 Reviews
5
4
3
2
1
- Nov. 04, 2023
Thank you Jaden for for going above and beyond on getting everything fixed with my glasses. I apprec... iate you so much!
- Aug. 09, 2023
We had a great visit with Dr.Bell today! She answered all my questions and was very patient with my ... son. Very impressed with the entire process.
- Dec. 10, 2021
Dr. Bell & Dr. Beard are both Very knowledgeable, caring and explain so that you can understand, and... if you don't understand they will take the time to help you! I have had 2 separate serious eye incidents and they fitted me right in on the day the incidents happened! The office staff has gone above and beyond without my asking. Thank you Plymouth Family Eyecare
- Oct. 09, 2018
My first experience on visiting an eye Dr. here in the USA for over 20 years.Great Dr. staff and ser... vice.Looking forward to seeing them again. Keith
- Apr. 09, 2018
Great place,super friendly.
- Mar. 01, 2018
Dr. Bell and staff are amazing! Always go above and beyond for their patients.
- Feb. 18, 2018
Friendly staff,very helpful and caring
- Dec. 31, 2017
Love love love the team at Plymouth Family Eyecare ! They take great care of my children's eyes 🙂

View All 18 Reviews

Dry Eyes Treatment in Plymouth

Our optometry practice in Plymouth

Photograph of Kelsey  Bell
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 1:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday 8:30 am - 12:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • Aetna
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Cigna
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed
  • Medicare
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • United Healthcare
  • VSP

senior couple with dry eye

Don't suffer in silence

Contact us for lasting dry eye relief!

(574) 935-3937