Offering Lasting Relief For Dry, Itchy & Gritty Eyes
Dry Eye Treatment in Ashtabula
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 - Ashtabula for effective and lasting dry eye relief.
How Dry Eye Disease Develops & How to Treat It
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 Ashtabula 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?
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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.
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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.
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Autoimmune disease
Certain autoimmune diseases, like Sjogren'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.
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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
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.
Unfortunately, there is no known cure for dry eye syndrome. There are, however, many treatment options that offer lasting dry eye relief.
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.
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
4.3
149 Reviews
Angel- Sep 3, 2026
Everyone was extremely kind, patient, and pleasant to work with. The staff took the time to explain ... Show Moreeverything and answer our questions, and both the staff and doctor were very knowledgeable and made us feel comfortable throughout the process.
I will say that I was a little confused in the beginning about the differences between the Acuity, Performance, and Basic lens options. With our particular prescription and situation, I understand why Basic wasn't an option. Unfortunately, glasses can become extremely expensive nowadays, even when you choose a frame that stays within the amount covered by your insurance.
One thing I especially appreciated was the thoroughness of the eye exam. Rather than relying solely on the machine that takes the initial measurements of the eyes, the doctor also performed the traditional testing where each eye is checked and the prescription is fine-tuned by asking which lenses look better or worse. I understand that some other locations may rely more heavily on the automated measurements without doing as much of that additional fine-tuning, so I really appreciated the extra care taken to make sure the prescription was right.
Overall, my experience with the staff and doctor was very positive. Everyone was knowledgeable, kind, patient, and willing to take the time to explain things rather than making us feel rushed.
Michelle D.- Jul 31, 2026
The staff is very friendly ! Always feel welcomed when arriving !
Dry Eyes Treatment in Ashtabula
Don't suffer in silence
Contact us for lasting dry eye relief!