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Dry Eye Treatment in Ballwin

Offering Lasting Relief For Dry, Itchy & Gritty Eyes

(636)-391-1309

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 Crown Vision Center - Ballwin 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 Ballwin 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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182 Reviews
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- Jul. 24, 2024
Always a great time at crown!
- May. 31, 2024
They are so helpful and know exactly what they are doing
- May. 13, 2024
Melissa is excellent there ! Always taking her time to help out and very patient . Always have a ple... asant experience there ! DR. Kara is excellent t as well !
- Mar. 22, 2024
Rebecca was kind and thoughtful. Dr. Kara was efficient and knowledgeable. I had a great experience....
- Mar. 09, 2024
The store was very nice and clean and organized. The staff was friendly and helpful. I was there a t... otal of 30 min which was fantastic because I had a very busy day. They were upfront and knowledgeable about my exam and treatment plan. I loved their glasses selection, it was very easy to pick a new frame. Glasses came in a lot sooner than expected and the quantity seems pretty good so far. I have already recommended them to my family and they now have a lifetime customer.
- Feb. 06, 2024
A beautiful blend of professionalism and warmth. During the comprehensive examination and fitting, ... I was treated like family. I waited to write this until I had some time to take my glasses for a test ride. Like my experience at the center, it's "all good".
- Jan. 31, 2024
Wonderful staff! Customer service skills were amazing!!
- Dec. 02, 2023
I had an appointment 9/14/2023 with Crown Vision in Ballwin. I went in for an exam and glasses. The ... doctor was on maturity leave so I had a different doctor. I believe her name was Dr. Yifu? She was sensational. Very thorough. Took the time to explain everything. The support staff was equally impressive. Cecily Cintron and Melissa Stellhorn were very attentive to my needs. 3 months later I'm very pleased with the glasses (the frames for exactly what i wanted) and the service. Would highly recommend Crown Vision in Ballwin.
- Nov. 11, 2023
Amazing staff. Great Dr who explained everything in words I understood. They are just good people w... ho actually care about their clients!
- Oct. 28, 2023
Excellent care for my husband. Thanks
- Jul. 06, 2023
I was pleasantly surprised at the friendliness, and promptness of the whole experience, but also ver... y professional.
- Feb. 20, 2023
Friendly, efficient, and great prices.
- Feb. 07, 2023
The entire staff is super friendly and helpful. Dr. Rackovan took the time to explain, and go into d... etail, about any possible concerns she might have come across.
- Jan. 09, 2023
Great experience from the exam to the glasses received.
- Nov. 01, 2022
Everyone was nice and friendly, I had a great experience!
- Oct. 06, 2022
Friendly staff that provides fast and efficient service.
- Oct. 01, 2022
The staff is always friendly and helpful. They listen to my concerns and find ways to address them.... I feel appreciated as a customer.
- Sep. 20, 2022
Nick is great!
- Mar. 12, 2022
The whole staff is knowledgeable about what is covered and what's not. They are very friendly. And t... oe the most important part was that it was all covered. They worked it out to be covered by insurance 100%
- Mar. 05, 2022
With alot of different eye vision places I have been too, I have to say the associates are very frie... ndly and put their client's first. The one associate really helped me pick out the perfect type of glasses that fit me best and quality wise. When I picked up my glasses she knew me by name and welcomed me.

View All 182 Reviews

Dry Eyes Treatment in Ballwin

Our optometry practice in Ballwin

Photograph of Kara  Rackovan
Hours
  • Monday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tuesday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Medicaid
  • Anthem
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross
  • MetLife

senior couple with dry eye

Don't suffer in silence

Contact us for lasting dry eye relief!

(636)-391-1309