woman with dry eye in front of a computer

Dry Eye Treatment in Ashtabula

Offering Lasting Relief For Dry, Itchy & Gritty Eyes

(440) 997-2020

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 Shawnee Optical - Ashtabula 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 Ashtabula 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
4.3
107 Reviews
5
4
3
2
1
- Feb. 20, 2023
I absolutely recommend, especially to women! I’ve only been in twice so far as I’m new to the ar... ea, but I’ll absolutely be sticking with them. I’ve only ever seen women working (again, only been in 2x, 1 for appt & 1 for pick up), which I like seeing as a woman. They’re also all incredibly nice and patient. I witnessed a woman trying on glasses for 20+ minutes and the associate helping her was sooo kind and helpful the entire time.
- Feb. 14, 2023
Great dr. And wonderful staff. Your eyes will be in great hands
- Jan. 29, 2023
Best optometrist around
- Oct. 11, 2022
The doctor and EVERYONE that worked there was kind compassionate and helpful. You don't see enough o... f that in this world anymore.
- Sep. 04, 2022
Great and thorough exam, Doc is Great.. Glasses themselves are pricey......
- May. 23, 2022
Good service, nice frames, easy to work with. You should go see Dr. Chelsea and her staff.
- May. 16, 2022
Great people and very helpful in picking out my new glasses
- Apr. 16, 2022
I just love this Eye Doctor place they are respectful they treat you like family and they help you w... ith your insurance so you don’t have to do anything I highly recommend this place
- Nov. 26, 2021
Very friendly and professional!
- Sep. 11, 2021
Kind, caring and professional associates!!!
- Aug. 06, 2021
I went in for first time contacts and everyone was extremely friendly and helpful. The lady who help... ed me put my contacts in made me feel so comfortable and it was a great experience overall. Will definitely recommend to anyone in town!
- Jul. 21, 2021
Awesome selection and excellent service. Consider me a regular.
- Jun. 22, 2021
My frames were bent and they were able to straightened them.
- May. 04, 2021
I love Shawnee Optical
- Feb. 16, 2021
I have been to Shawnee Optical in the past , very friendly staff ., just made my appointment and sad... to hear they don't accept my insurance . Still going with them though . Hoping Caresource Marketplace will be added to your accepting insurances .
- Jan. 07, 2021
Very professional and courteous service. I had a great experience getting my eye's examined and orde... ring my glasses and contacts.
- Dec. 27, 2020
Excluding having to wear a mask every where I go the actual appt and getting my glasses was good
- Dec. 18, 2020
Friendly and Professional.
- Dec. 12, 2020
Visiting Shawnee is always a good experience. The staff is friendly, patient. and helpful. They ta... ke the time to xxplain everything. Dr. Locy is outstanding. She is very patient, willing to listen, and does an excellent job explaining what she is doing and why. I would definitely recommend Shawnee to everyone. I have been to many eye doctors in other cities as well and this Shawnee Optical is one of the best.
- Nov. 12, 2020
Went there 2 weeks ago for my eyes, got my glasses the other day. outstanding staff, very professio... nal in their line of duty. follow all the corona regulations. I recommend to everyone. Love everyone there!!

View All 107 Reviews

Dry Eyes Treatment in Ashtabula

Our optometry practice in Ashtabula

Photograph of Sarah  Brook
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • Aetna
  • VSP
  • United Healthcare
  • Spectera
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • Medicare
  • MetLife

senior couple with dry eye

Don't suffer in silence

Contact us for lasting dry eye relief!

(440) 997-2020