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Dry Eye Treatment in Springfield Commons

Offering Lasting Relief For Dry, Itchy & Gritty Eyes

(937) 323-1233

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 - Springfield 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 Springfield Commons 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
4.8
133 Reviews
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- Dec. 01, 2024
Always thorough & professional.
- Nov. 23, 2024
A great experience overall! The doctor was great, very informative, and the staff was helpful. A n... ice selection to choose from as well.
- Nov. 02, 2024
great service by caring professionals
- Oct. 12, 2024
VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE AND PROFESSIONAL--KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!
- Sep. 10, 2024
I’ve started going to Dr Penny the past couple of years. The staff is always friendly and helpful... . Dr Penney is wonderful and takes time to explain what’s going on as well as my options. It’s an excellent office in the Springfield area for glasses or contacts!
- Aug. 30, 2024
The doctor was very thorough and sweet, took his time and explained everything to me, and actually f... ound something that would work when nobody in the past has done that!
- Aug. 16, 2024
We usually go to another provider. Husband went in to pick out glasses…staff was so friendly and h... elpful, I decided to go there also for my eye exam. Wait times are reasonable and always had my questions answered. I recommend…..
- Aug. 05, 2024
A Great place
- Aug. 01, 2024
It was a good place to visit!! Everybody was so warm and friendly!!
- Jul. 30, 2024
Very courteous, friendly and Dr. Penny was very professional and thorough. Highly recommend
- Jul. 30, 2024
Great staff, kind and patient people all around. Dr Penny was punctual with the appointment time and... displayed a real desire to get my vision back to 20/20. I wish all the Dr appointments we have to have were this pleasant.
- Jul. 17, 2024
All good.
- May. 29, 2024
The diagnostic tests and supportive treatment for eye care at the Springfield Shawnee office was top... notch and totally acceptable for me.
- May. 12, 2024
Comfortable setting, patient , friendly staff. Small issue with my glasses resolved in just a few mi... nutes with staff doing some adjustments
- Apr. 23, 2024
The whole process from scheduling, to the exam and checkout is very efficient. The entire staff seem... s competent and are all very friendly.
- Apr. 21, 2024
Every single time I go here I leave feeling happy as everyone is so helpful and wants to be sure you... have what you need to be your best self. I would recommend this place over any other place due to the positive energy and kindness they always have when I’m there. Thank you!
- Apr. 18, 2024
Excellent Service
- Feb. 27, 2024
I went to another company & after several attempts to correct my vision at 2 different locations, th... ey finally admitted they they didn't know how to do it. Dr. Penny immediately recognized the problem & addressed it appropriately.
- Dec. 04, 2023
Staff is helpful and knowledgeable. Never have a long wait time and the office is always nice and cl... ean.
- Nov. 10, 2023
Courteous, Professional and prompt! Best eye exam I have ever had.

View All 133 Reviews

Dry Eyes Treatment in Springfield Commons

Our optometry practice in Springfield Commons

Photograph of Richard  Penny
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Saturday 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
  • Dec. 25 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Spectera
  • Anthem
  • 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!

(937) 323-1233