woman with dry eye in front of a computer

Dry Eye Treatment in Highland

Offering Lasting Relief For Dry, Itchy & Gritty Eyes

(618) 654-9999

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 Highland 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 Highland 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
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136 Reviews
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- Oct. 05, 2024
Everyone was extremely thorough and very pleasant. Highly recommend.
- Sep. 27, 2024
I felt like I was being hear.
- Aug. 28, 2024
I don’t normally leave reviews but they deserve a great one! I got my appointment day wrong and th... ey managed to get me in. The staff was so kind and understanding. The new doctor I saw was amazing. Very friendly and made things quick and simple. Highly recommend!
- Aug. 25, 2024
Great service and product.
- Jul. 26, 2024
Best care anywhere!
- Jul. 03, 2024
Very professional and very personable at the same time!
- Jun. 14, 2024
Great atmosphere with all very respectful staff!
- May. 22, 2024
My autistic adult son was seen for his yearly exam and dr. & staff provided nothing short of amazing... service to him; from explaining various parts of his visit to helping him pick out glasses. They were kind & patient from start to finish =)
- Jan. 20, 2024
Nice place
- Jan. 19, 2024
I was very pleased with my care and friendliness I received. The Doctor was excellent.
- Nov. 04, 2023
Great doctor and stuff. Very caring and helpful.
- Oct. 05, 2023
The staff is so friendly & helpful! That is why we have been coming here since 1996!
- Jul. 21, 2023
Dr Michael Jones has been my dr since my cataract surgery 7 years ago. He is thorough, snd spends as... much time as needed answering questions and providing information. He is the best!!
- May. 20, 2023
Dr. Jones is fantastic. Very personable and knowledgeable.
- Apr. 23, 2023
Always friendly and helpful
- Apr. 23, 2023
I came in with my eye hurting me and really bothering me. Dr. Kleinhoffer and his team squeezed me i... n today. Everyone was pleasant from the upfront staff to Dr. Kleinhoffer. I would refer anyone here. A big thank you to the staff and Dr. Kleinhoffer!
- Apr. 11, 2023
I have been seeing Dr. Michael Jones for close to 10 years. He is a very compassionate and understa... nding doctor and shows great concern for his patients!
- Mar. 31, 2023
Very happy with the service. Everyone is very knowledgeable.
- Mar. 22, 2023
Dr. Kleinhoffer is extremely knowledgeable and friendly. He explains things in a way that's easy for... me to understand. His staff are always very friendly and helpful. We love Kleinhoffer Family Eyecare!
- Feb. 09, 2023
Very thorough eye exam. Very pleasant employees. Dr. Is very professional.

View All 136 Reviews

Dry Eyes Treatment in Highland

Our optometry practice in Highland

Photograph of Natalie  Hutchison
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday Appointment Only
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Spectera
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross
  • MetLife
  • Aetna

senior couple with dry eye

Don't suffer in silence

Contact us for lasting dry eye relief!

(618) 654-9999