Vision Therapy in Ashtabula

Spotting the Signs of Dry Eye

(440) 997-2020

Understanding the Symptoms

Dry eye is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and its symptoms can vary in severity. It's crucial to recognize the signs of dry eye early to seek appropriate treatment and improve your eye health and comfort.

man with sore eyes


Common Symptoms to Look Out For

woman with red eyes

Experiencing dry eye symptoms can greatly affect your daily life and overall health. These symptoms can disrupt your work, hobbies, and even your ability to carry out everyday tasks comfortably.

The constant discomfort and distraction caused by these symptoms can lower your productivity and overall quality of life. 

Here are common signs that may indicate dry eye syndrome:

  • Dryness:
    A persistent sensation of dryness, grittiness, or eye irritation.
  • Itching:
    Frequent itching or a burning sensation in and around the eyes.
  • Redness:
    Bloodshot or red eyes, often accompanied by discomfort.·
  • Excessive Tearing:
    Paradoxically, your eyes may produce more tears as a response to dryness, leading to watery eyes.
  • Blurry Vision:
    Vision may become temporarily blurred, particularly when reading or using digital screens.
  • Light Sensitivity:
    Increased sensitivity to light, known as photophobia.
  • Foreign Body Sensation:
    Feeling as though something is in your eye.
  • Eye Fatigue:
    Increased eye fatigue, especially during prolonged periods of reading, screen time, or other visually demanding tasks.

Ignoring dry eye symptoms can lead to worsening discomfort and potential complications. Chronic dry eye can damage the eye's surface and increase the risk of eye infections, scarring, and vision loss. Seeking professional guidance if you're experiencing any of these symptoms is crucial.


Dry Eye Diagnosis and Expert Care

When you choose Shawnee Optical - Ashtabula for your dry eye care, you benefit from our expertise in comprehensive diagnosis. We understand that your unique health history and lifestyle can affect your dry eye differently, which is why we practice personalized care tailored to you. Our approach includes:

  • In-Depth Eye Exams

    During a comprehensive eye exam, we evaluate your eyelids, eye surface, and your complete health history and lifestyle to identify potential underlying causes of dry eyes.

  • Tear Assessment

    We conduct a detailed assessment of your tears, measuring their volume and quality. This assessment helps us identify any deficiencies in tear quantity or quality, crucial factors in dry eye diagnosis.

  • Tear Breakup Time

    Using advanced techniques like tear breakup time measurement, we identify specific areas of your eyes where tears may evaporate more rapidly. This information aids in tailoring your treatment plan.

  • Specialized Dry Eye Test: Schirmer Test

    This test involves placing blotting test paper strips on the lower eyelids to measure tear production over a specific time. It helps determine the volume of tears your eyes produce.

Patient Reviews
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107 Reviews
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- 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 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
  • Dec. 25 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • Aetna
  • VSP
  • United Healthcare
  • Spectera
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • Medicare
  • MetLife

man putting eye drops in eyes

Consult Our Dry Eye Experts

At Shawnee Optical - Ashtabula, our experienced eye care specialists are ready to help you find relief from dry eye symptoms. We understand these symptoms' impact on your daily life and are committed to improving your eye health and comfort.

Contact us to schedule an appointment and discuss your dry eye symptoms. Let's work together to find the most suitable treatment and enhance your quality of life.

(440) 997-2020