woman with dry eye in front of a computer

Dry Eye Treatment in Byron

Offering Lasting Relief For Dry, Itchy & Gritty Eyes

(815) 234-2020

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 EyeCare Dimensions 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 Byron 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 Sjรถgrenโ€™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 donโ€™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
90 Reviews
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- Jul. 26, 2024
Went here for our son's kindergarten check up, they did great with him.
- Jul. 16, 2024
Thank you to the staff and Dr. Penner for taking care of my mother-in-law. My former RTHS student, K... arla, helped her make excellent choices for appropriate glasses for her eyesight and lifestyle.
- May. 30, 2024
I really enjoy the staff from the Doctors, to the office staff they are all professional, and caring... . I really think the culture of the workplace must be awesome to always find everyone in a decent mood. I would recommend this establishment to anyone looking for glasses or contacts.
- May. 26, 2024
It is very easy to schedule an appointment and everyone is very friendly. There is a large selectio... n of glasses to choose from & I found one I really liked. The exam was thorough, explained well and there was very little wait.
- May. 14, 2024
The staff here are super nice and always make it fast. Everyone always has a smile on their face and... they treat everyone of their patients with the best care. Thank you for making my eye exams not scary and easy to go to๐Ÿ’—
- Apr. 29, 2024
Professional staff that was extremely helpful in getting my glasses with defective frames replaced a... t no cost.
- Apr. 10, 2024
Everyone was very kind and helpful!
- Feb. 26, 2024
Best place eye,v ever seen ๐Ÿ˜‰
- Feb. 13, 2024
Excellent optometrist, Dr. Penner and excellent staff.
- Jan. 18, 2024
Recommended 10/10
- Jan. 18, 2024
So happy we found Eyecare Dimensions! The staff goes above and beyond to make you feel comfortable. ... My child had a bad experience previously, and they were so kind and understanding. The doctor was great and the office was clean.
- Dec. 15, 2023
We love coming here! The staff is always fun and enjoyable and the atmosphere is professional yet ho... mey. Highly recommend.
- Dec. 09, 2023
Great experience.
- Oct. 16, 2023
Excellent customer service from Chris, Kim, and Lauren. I was able to get my entire family in for ap... pointments on the same day. Dr. Penner was very thorough and listened to our needs! Was our first time at this office and worth the drive from Rockford!
- Sep. 02, 2023
Friendly, Patient and Friendly Oriented!
- Jul. 31, 2023
Truly an amazing experience here as everyone was welcoming, knowledgeable, and genuinely seemed to e... njoy their work. I would highly recommend this team to anyone!
- Jun. 14, 2023
A very good place to go.
- Jun. 07, 2023
Dr. Penner was so sweet,kind and thorough. An emergency appointment was needed and her wonderful sta... ff got me right in! I couldn't be happier with them! Thanks so much and well done!
- May. 23, 2023
Every one is nice and helpful
- May. 18, 2023
Excellent staff and services. Would highly recommend, This location is in Bryon close and convenie... nt for those that don't want to go into Rockford.

View All 90 Reviews

Dry Eyes Treatment in Byron

Our optometry practice in Byron

Photograph of Amie  Gandhi
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday Closed
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • United Healthcare
  • Spectera
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • Blue Cross
  • MetLife
  • Aetna

senior couple with dry eye

Don't suffer in silence

Contact us for lasting dry eye relief!

(815) 234-2020