woman with dry eye in front of a computer

Dry Eye Treatment in Erie

Offering Lasting Relief For Dry, Itchy & Gritty Eyes

(814) 824-3937

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 - East Erie 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 Erie 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
4.5
120 Reviews
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1
- Oct. 05, 2024
The whole entire staff is amazing. Jennifer was absolutely helpful with figuring out the issue with ... my insurance coverage
- Aug. 04, 2024
Great place, only downfall is how busy they are. Scheduling is months in advance .
- Jul. 28, 2024
Everyone was very friendly and professional. The doctor was thorough and honest. I will be going bac... k for future eye needs.
- Jun. 08, 2024
My experience with Shawnee optical was great and the staff was friendly who helped me and explained ... to me options that I had with them. I had a good experience.
- Apr. 20, 2024
Me and my fam has been going to Shawnee for years, never disappointed. Staff is always with a smile ... on. Dr. Fisher is very professional and always treats us very nice. Office is usually busy but the staff is always on top and get jod done very quick. Come in and out at no time. Definitely recommend.
- Mar. 26, 2024
Service was great.
- Feb. 28, 2024
Always friendly and helpful!!
- Feb. 19, 2024
Great staff, always friendly and helpful. Helped with fixing my broken frames in 3 days. Certainly r... ecommend.
- Feb. 10, 2024
A great place to go. The exam was very good. The staff is extremely friendly and helpful. Dr Fischer... is very nice and tells you what he's doing and why.
- Jan. 22, 2024
I've been going to our local Shawnee since my daughter was prescribed glasses at 2yrs old. They've a... lways been very welcoming and accommodating. Recently, we went down for her new RX and had an issue with her insurance, it was on the insurance's end and we could easily have been told to come back once straightened out. Instead, the wonderful associate had my daughter pick out her glasses, took down a copy of the card and my phone number. She told me not to worry she would keep checking and as soon as her coverage showed active she would send it in. Sure enough that's exactly what she did! Not only did she believe me when I told her it was the insurance's error, but she made my daughter feel comfortable and made sure she was able to get the glasses she wanted. To my that's exceptional service and true definition of going ABOVE AND BEYOND for your customer. Thank you! I highly recommend this location.
- Jan. 14, 2024
Highly recommend office on 38th St.
- Nov. 04, 2023
Have been going there for many year. Staff is friendly and willing to help.
- Oct. 10, 2023
Dr Fischer is incredibly efficient and informative. Front desk and support staff is on point with ev... erything.
- Aug. 16, 2023
Everyone is always helpful and nice.
- Jun. 25, 2023
FIRST TIMER....WISH I HAVE BEEN COMING FOREVER..BUT.. DOCTOR AND SATFF WERE GREAT...IN AND OUT....TH... ANKS
- May. 25, 2023
I have been coming here for three years now and the ladies are amazing. They make you feel comfortab... le and assist with finding the perfect glasses. I have three children that also come here and they are so good with my children.
- Oct. 12, 2022
Went above and beyond to help me with an emergency, so thankful to the entire staff for taking such ... good care of my eye pain!
- Oct. 03, 2022
Great experience. Would recommend.
- Aug. 19, 2022
Thank you Mary. As promised five stars & 👍👍
- Jul. 21, 2022
Nice friendly atmosphere. All staff are polite . A huge variety of frames.

View All 120 Reviews

Dry Eyes Treatment in Erie

Our optometry practice in Erie

Photograph of John  Fischer
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Saturday 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Medicaid
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • Blue Cross

senior couple with dry eye

Don't suffer in silence

Contact us for lasting dry eye relief!

(814) 824-3937