woman with dry eye in front of a computer

Dry Eye Treatment in Edwardsville

Offering Lasting Relief For Dry, Itchy & Gritty Eyes

Schedule Eye Exam

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 Edwardsville Vision Center for effective and lasting dry eye relief.

lady with dry eyes

Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

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 Edwardsville 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 Treatment in Edwardsville

Our optometry practice in Edwardsville

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 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Medicaid
  • Anthem
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • EyeMed
  • MetLife
Patient Reviews
4.7
303 Reviews
5
4
3
2
1
- Mar. 26, 2024
Had a quick and easy test and no time to get my glasses.
- Feb. 13, 2024
I had an eye vision appointment on 2/13/24. Great overall experience and great environment! Friendly... and very nice staff. I would definitely recommend this place for all your vision needs. Thanks for a great experience. 👍
- Jan. 17, 2024
N/a
- Jan. 11, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ across the board! I had an appointment for a glasses and contacts exa... m with Dr. Boatman 1/10/24. I was greeted warmly by the staff up front and quickly moved into the testing room with the assistant where I had my preliminary tests done (I can’t remember her name but she was informative and kind). After those tests, Dr. Boatman greeted me across the hall and carefully walked me through my exam. She was friendly, thorough and understanding. I have tried several different types of contacts over the last 20+ years and have struggled finding anything comfortable. She listened to my concerns and was able to recommend a new type specific for my astigmatism and even had some trial lenses to give me before I make a final decision. I went back up front to finish my appointment and pay. I had a few questions about my insurance and prescription and the staff were extremely helpful and knowledgeable. I’ve been going to the eye doctor since I was 8 years old; it’s not always a pleasant experience. This is not the case at Edwardsville Vision Center. Dr. Boatman and the staff were fantastic! 10/10 recommend 🤗
- Jan. 08, 2024
I love this establishment. They were very nice and efficient and got the job done.
- Nov. 10, 2023
Highly impressed with how friendly staff members are. The doctor is fabulous. Definitely a great pla... ce to bring children.
- Oct. 05, 2023
They were very very AWESOME
- Sep. 18, 2023
Great staff and convenient location to my home.
- Sep. 14, 2023
Excellent services, helpful staff. Everyone is friendly and knowledgeable!
- Sep. 11, 2023
Everyone was professional and very friendly. Had my new glasses quicker than I expected.
- Aug. 27, 2023
Quick and great experience.
- Aug. 21, 2023
Great staff and plenty of frames to choose from. I have been a customer for years and am always ha... ppy with every visit.
- Aug. 11, 2023
The staff are excellent - friendly, knowledgeable, and make you feel at ease.
- Aug. 09, 2023
Great staff and experience. Dr Ashley Marvin is very knowledgeable and personable. Staff was very fr... iendly and helpful. My son was so nervous about his first exam and he absolutely loved his experience. He can’t wait to go back. Highly recommend!
- Jul. 10, 2023
Great service, kind,courteous staff
- Jul. 09, 2023
Quick and easy to book an appointment. Nice people 🙂
- Jun. 23, 2023
We started going to Edwardsville Vision Center when my son needed his Kindergarten eye exam and we w... ere finding it difficult to get him in anywhere. 4 years later and we go back every year, wonderful staff who have been there as long as we have. The eye Doctors are all great and wonderful with the kiddos and myself.
- Jun. 11, 2023
Great staff and great service. I know I'm not, but it feels like I get special treatment. They a... ctually remember their customers.
- Mar. 23, 2023
Very friendly staff and helpful.
- Mar. 13, 2023
Go every year, Luv this place. Dr. Is awesome and also all staff. Professional, friendly, helpful.... Always helps me choose best frames for my face. I gather 3 Frames I like and girls help with their opinion as to their choice for me. Always works out. Always satisfied with everything. I go there every year.

View All 303 Reviews

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

senior couple with dry eye

Don't suffer in silence

Contact us for lasting dry eye relief!

Schedule Eye Exam