woman with dry eye in front of a computer

Dry Eye Treatment in Central West End

Offering Lasting Relief For Dry, Itchy & Gritty Eyes

314-533-1898

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 - Lindell 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 Central West End 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
4.7
865 Reviews
5
4
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1
- Nov. 09, 2024
Very professional, they seem to effectively manage a high volume business.
- Oct. 22, 2024
Wonderful experience
- Oct. 19, 2024
Friendly, Fast and it didn't take long for my prescription to come.
- Oct. 17, 2024
The staff were friendly, knowledgeable and helpful!
- Oct. 07, 2024
Doctor Fullenwider was super easy to talk to and very professional. Angie helped sort out the insura... nce and payment and was lovely!
- Sep. 10, 2024
The staff greet you with a smile and pleasantz. The office is clean and organized. They get you in a... nd done in a timely matter.
- Sep. 06, 2024
The whole staff is extremely friendly and helpful!
- Aug. 29, 2024
Whole staff is so friendly and helpful also doctor is so polite. He listens everything what I said a... bout problem. It was my first time visit but felt so normal. I haven’t faced any problem.
- Aug. 22, 2024
Excellent customer service!!!
- Jul. 25, 2024
Every time I visit, I walk out feeling like a new person. Especially after picking up my glasses, I ... can see so clear. Great staff and a great doctor too, would recommend!
- Jul. 24, 2024
Great people, very friendly. Visit was quick.
- Jun. 26, 2024
Great staff💕
- Jun. 08, 2024
Kind Friendly Caring, They were very helpful, they care about Customers ☺️☺️
- Jun. 02, 2024
Everyone was great🥰
- May. 29, 2024
Very pleasant experience due to the friendly, helpful and knowledgeable staff.
- May. 21, 2024
They take care of business
- May. 01, 2024
Awesome staff. Treated me like family and got me all fixed up woth everything i needed. I didnt feel... rushed and staff was kind.
- Apr. 30, 2024
I had friendly quick help. The service was rapid and getting glass s was very fast too.
- Apr. 28, 2024
This was my old apartment 2800 Olive St St Louis MO 63130
- Mar. 28, 2024
I'm very satisfied with the eye doctors experience, and the staff as well.

View All 865 Reviews

Dry Eyes Treatment in Central West End

Our optometry practice in Central West End

Photograph of Robert  Fullenwider
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday By Appointment Only
  • Sunday Closed
  • Nov. 28 Closed
  • Nov. 29 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Medicaid
  • Anthem
  • Metlife
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • EyeMed
  • Blue Cross

senior couple with dry eye

Don't suffer in silence

Contact us for lasting dry eye relief!

314-533-1898