woman with dry eye in front of a computer

Dry Eye Treatment in Dover

Offering Lasting Relief For Dry, Itchy & Gritty Eyes

(931) 232-5118

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 Dover Eye Clinic for effective and lasting dry eye relief.

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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 Dover 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
4.9
172 Reviews
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- Nov. 07, 2024
I had a great experience here they are very sweet girls professional very clean and Dr Maria is awes... ome I love my glasses 🩷
- Nov. 02, 2024
I'm coming just on account of the way yall treated my wife ! Very professional
- Sep. 27, 2024
My daughter has anxiety from eye doctors so bad and I was worried with the mix of reviews online. Bu... t I loved our kind female technician and Dr Anna Anderson so much! Apologies to the gentlemen after us because we ran over our appointment time but they were so kind and patient explaining everything to my 10 year-old. Dee was great as well when we tried glasses on. Highly recommend.
- Sep. 18, 2024
Great Service
- Sep. 12, 2024
The optometrist was very informative about my scans and eye test. The staff was helpful. By the time... I finished my paperwork they were ready for my exam.
- Aug. 29, 2024
Dr Anna Anderson was very professional, personable, and knowledgeable. I felt well informed and take... n care of. The rest of the staff were friendly helpful and moved me along quickly to the next step. It was a good visit.
- Jul. 27, 2024
Dr. Maria, Tammy and the rest of the staff are always amazing! I feel confident that I received a t... horough exam, and enjoyed visitng with my friends at the Dover Eye Clinic!
- Jul. 12, 2024
Great customer service!!
- Jun. 19, 2024
Very friendly and very professional.
- May. 15, 2024
Dr John maria is the best.
- Mar. 25, 2024
Dr. Maria is awesome, I was super nervous because I’ve been seeing lots of floaters but after chec... king my eyes he assured me they were fine. Explained everything thoroughly and was very personable. Also did not belittle me about being nervous during my visit! The rest of the staff was so kind as well! I left feeling taken care of.
- Mar. 04, 2024
Love my Dover Eye Clinic people ❤️
- Feb. 09, 2024
Great vision care by Dr. Maria and his staff. I have used this clinic for years and I have never bee... n disappointed.
- Feb. 06, 2024
Knowledgeable staff, great diagnostic technology, experienced doctor, and no long waits! Been going... there for years and I trust them.
- Feb. 05, 2024
Great service and fast turnaround for eyewear!!!
- Jan. 15, 2024
Great atmosphere, clean and great people
- Nov. 30, 2023
Friendly and knowledgeable staff, convenient location, and I love the new online scheduling option!
- Sep. 25, 2023
Love Dr. Maria's enthusiasm when I ace all my tests.
- Aug. 22, 2023
Best eye doctor ever!
- Jun. 23, 2023
The entire staff is friendly and professional

View All 172 Reviews

Dry Eyes Treatment in Dover

Our optometry practice in Dover

Photograph of John  Maria
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 7:00 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

senior couple with dry eye

Don't suffer in silence

Contact us for lasting dry eye relief!

(931) 232-5118