woman with dry eye in front of a computer

Dry Eye Treatment in Quincy

Offering Lasting Relief For Dry, Itchy & Gritty Eyes

(217) 222-8800

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 Specialties - Quincy 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 Quincy 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
334 Reviews
5
4
3
2
1
- Oct. 28, 2024
Great Dr! Great experience+
- Aug. 27, 2024
Great work
- Jun. 20, 2024
Staff was great although they were stressed due to computer issues. The exam room I was in looked r... ather shabby. The exam chair had two large tears in the seat, the extra chairs were badly soiled and the carpet was dirty and worn. I don’t think this is the image you want to portray to your clients whether seasoned or new. Take an objective look at the environment through your customer’s eyes.
- Jun. 13, 2024
I had a very nice experience. I plan on returning if the need arises.
- May. 20, 2024
Great selection on glasses and very professional team
- Mar. 18, 2024
Staff were very helpful. Dr Thoele was great in helping me with my vision options.
- Mar. 11, 2024
(Translated by Google) They are all very professional, the doctor made you feel safe, the reset of m... y glasses was very correct, without a doubt I recommend it 100% (Original) Son muy profesionales todos, el doctor te ase sentir seguro la reseta de mi Lentes fue muy correcta sin duda lo recomiendo 100 %
- Feb. 25, 2024
Very courteous and professional. Doctor answered all my questions and concerns.
- Jan. 31, 2024
Very friendly staff and doctor was professional with a welcoming attitude and showed genuine concern... about my understanding the results of my tests. Thank you & see you next year 🕊️
- Jan. 19, 2024
Everything great from receptionist to the assistant and the Doctor. He explained everything I neede... d to know.
- Dec. 12, 2023
Very professional good service. The doctor explained everything so we can understand what’s going ... on thank you.
- Dec. 07, 2023
Very nice and efficient staff.
- Nov. 02, 2023
Great experience! Easy to schedule, ran on time, provider was down to earth and was thorough yet eng... aging.
- Aug. 15, 2023
Great experience! Dr Carlson and his staff are professional and efficient.
- Aug. 11, 2023
Very friendly and helpful got me right in explained everything and got me fixed up I would definitel... y recommend them to others
- Jul. 17, 2023
The doctor was very friendly and included me in his thoughts about what is going on with my eyes. H... e educated me and included me in diagnostic and treatment plans. The staff was friendly and helpful. My biggest praise for this location is the extended hours they offer. I can make and keep an appointment without having to take time off work.
- Jun. 17, 2023
The ladies at reception were wonderful! They made an extra effort to make my anxious child feel comf... ortable. Doug was great with him during the exam explaining everything as he went and just being really pleasant. Dr. Thoele was quick, professional, and also really nice. Overall, during our very first visit here we were made to feel like we had been customers for years. Would definitely recommend this place!
- Jun. 05, 2023
EXCELLENT CARE. LISTENED TO ALL MY CONCERNS AND QUESTIONS AND ANSWERED THEM. TOP NOTCH
- May. 01, 2023
Great service
- Feb. 22, 2023
I have had Dr Carlson as a dr for years this was the first time seeing him at his new office. And Do... ug the staff who did my initial testing and such is the best. He was super friendly and you can tell he loves his job.

View All 334 Reviews

Dry Eyes Treatment in Quincy

Our optometry practice in Quincy

Photograph of Jonathon Thoele
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday By Appointment Only
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Spectera
  • Medicaid
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

senior couple with dry eye

Don't suffer in silence

Contact us for lasting dry eye relief!

(217) 222-8800