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Dry Eye Treatment in Edwardsville

Offering Lasting Relief For Dry, Itchy & Gritty Eyes

(618) 656-3199

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 Eigenbrodt Vision Center 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 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 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
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183 Reviews
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- Nov. 19, 2024
Great staff!
- Oct. 01, 2024
Wonderful attentive staff !
- Jun. 30, 2024
Excellent office, professional, knowlegeable, friendly and obviously respect their fellow staff. Dr ... Engelbrodt is amazing, he listens, does a thorough exam and will work with you until you are completely satisfied with vision
- May. 29, 2024
I’ve been a patient of Dr. Eigenbrodt since I was 16. For 30 years he has been kind and caring, t... horough and never made me feel rushed. His office is welcoming, friendly and always tidy and clean.
- Apr. 19, 2024
Dr. Eigenbrodt and his staff are wonderful. I highly recommend Eigenbrodt Vision Center.
- Mar. 25, 2024
Great service. Quick and efficient.
- Mar. 13, 2024
My son had an eye injury at school, and I brought him to Eigenbrodt Vision Center to be evaluated. T... hey were able to see us the same day, and the staff were all amazing and so attentive. The office was lovely, and we received excellent care from Dr. Oliver. She was exceptional and treated my son with such a calm, reassuring manner. We will absolutely return here for any other vision related needs!
- Feb. 20, 2024
Dr and Staff exceptionally friendly, professional and helpful.
- Feb. 12, 2024
Great care by Dr. Eigenbrodt, both in the actual exam; and in listening to and answering my question... s and concerns.
- Feb. 10, 2024
Professional and courteous staff!
- Jan. 15, 2024
I decided to try Eigenbrodt out after negative experiences with Walmart vision center. They were ver... y helpful, kind, informative and affordable. I will be coming back for anything eye related!
- Jan. 15, 2024
Staff and the doctors can't be beat. We moved two hours away several years ago and still make the tr... ip every year. Totally worth it.
- Dec. 13, 2023
Complete eye exam
- Nov. 17, 2023
Excellent service. Newest technologies. Accommodating staff
- Aug. 13, 2023
Thorough eye exam, great selection of frames, friendly staff.
- Jun. 24, 2023
I have always had a great experience. From my glasses to contacts I've always been satisfied
- May. 09, 2023
Dr. Oliver is the best. She’s very personable and truly cares. She’s quick to offer advice and r... ecommend helpful products and provide samples. She makes the experience easy.
- Apr. 18, 2023
Friendly and very helpful staff.
- Mar. 25, 2023
Very thorough.
- Mar. 22, 2023
Every aspect of my visit was high quality.

View All 183 Reviews

Dry Eyes Treatment in Edwardsville

Our optometry practice in Edwardsville

Photograph of John  Eigenbrodt
Hours
  • Monday 9:30 am - 6:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9:30 am - 6:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

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Don't suffer in silence

Contact us for lasting dry eye relief!

(618) 656-3199