woman with dry eye in front of a computer

Dry Eye Treatment in Hermitage

Offering Lasting Relief For Dry, Itchy & Gritty Eyes

(615) 889-2274

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 Hermitage 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 Hermitage 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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583 Reviews
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- Oct. 22, 2024
They were extremely busy and short staffed when I went in but they made sure I knew I was being wait... ed on. My eye exam helped my vision tremendously and I really liked their glasses options. I will go back.
- Oct. 12, 2024
Great staff
- Sep. 25, 2024
I went in for an eye exam (naturally) and was taken back by first, the atmosphere. It’s nice, clea... n, and very welcoming. The lady at the front desk was super sweet, cheerful, and made the checking in process go by very smoothly for a new patient. I was then taken back to the room by the technician. Her name is Misty. She is so fun! Her personality was great, her punctuality was on point. I then saw Dr Ditto, who in my opinion is the best at what she does. She’s very warm, super detailed, very thorough. After the exam I was greeted by a lady name Tasha, who helped me pick glasses that seem like that were made especially for me. She had no issue answering any question I had. She was exceptionally patient as I sent photos to my husband to help me pick the right ones. She and my husband actually chose the same pair. I was super comfortable at this establishment. If you’re needing an exam and wanting and needing that feel of being comfortable in every step possible, this is your place.
- Aug. 08, 2024
The staff were absolutely great! Highly recommend!
- Aug. 07, 2024
Excellent....I never have to wait long, and everyone is friendly and professional.
- Aug. 04, 2024
I am 73 years old and have been a patient of Dr. Hammond for close to 40 years. Of all of the numero... us medical doctors I have been to, Dr. Hammond is the most sincere and caring medical provider that has treated my medical needs. I had some really unique issues and many previous procedures with my eyes that made my case quite a challenge for any optomerist. Dr. Hammond diligently worked through my numerous vision issues and came up with an excellent solution utilizing some speciallly made rigid contact lens. My vision has been 20/20 for the past several years as a result of his care and treatment...... Dr. Hammond, I appreciate all of you diligent work with my vision needs for these many years and wish you nothing but the best during the next chapter of your life!
- Jun. 27, 2024
This was my first time visiting Hermitage Eye Care. The whole staff was friendly and helpful, and Dr... . Parsely was wonderful. Highly recommend.
- Jun. 26, 2024
Dr. Hammond has been the PERSONALITY of Hermitage Eye Care to my family. I am hopefully that same p... ersonality continues as he retires. Enjoy your personal time in retirement Dr. Hammond!
- Jun. 16, 2024
Dr. Sickman was awesome. The rest of the staff was as well. Nice location. Nice frame options as ... well.
- Jun. 15, 2024
Great experience start to finish! Highly recommend. 5 Stars 👀
- Jun. 11, 2024
Excellent experience.. The knowledge of the staff was great as well as they were all kind!
- Jun. 07, 2024
These people rock. Plain and simple
- Jun. 04, 2024
Amazing staff
- May. 31, 2024
Dr. Ditto and the staff at Hermitage Eye Care have been an absolute breath of fresh air for our fami... ly! Compassionate care, and everyone makes you feel comfortable. I highly recommend them!
- May. 24, 2024
Every visit I've experienced is welcoming, thorough and informative. Upon departing my visits, I lea... ve with the certainty that i will return to Hermitage Eyecare for future needs.
- May. 21, 2024
I injured my eye during routing lawn maintenance and needed to see someone immediately. They were ve... ry accommodating, professional, friendly, and efficient. It was my first time but based on first impressions, I will be back
- May. 08, 2024
I've been a patient of Dr Hammond's for years and have always had the best experience when I am seen... in their office.
- May. 05, 2024
Great staff . Everyone was great at their job. I would definitely recommend.
- May. 02, 2024
Nice place friendly staff would recommend you go see them for your eye needs!!
- Apr. 30, 2024
Great!

View All 583 Reviews

Dry Eyes Treatment in Hermitage

Our optometry practice in Hermitage

Photograph of David  Nelson
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 7:00 am - 1:00 pm
  • Thursday 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 7:00 am - 1:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

senior couple with dry eye

Don't suffer in silence

Contact us for lasting dry eye relief!

(615) 889-2274