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Dry Eye Treatment in Mount Zion Township

Offering Lasting Relief For Dry, Itchy & Gritty Eyes

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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 International Eyecare Center - Mount Zion Township for effective and lasting dry eye relief.

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Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

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 Mount Zion Township 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 Treatment in Mount Zion Township

Our optometry practice in Mount Zion Township

Photograph of Ryan  Thoele
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • Aetna
  • VSP
  • Anthem
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Spectera
  • Blue Cross
  • MetLife
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
Patient Reviews
4.8
207 Reviews
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- Jan. 17, 2024
Very friendly and thorough doctor, Dr Ryan Thoele. Also his staff is great!
- Oct. 21, 2023
Good, comfortable experience.
- Sep. 27, 2023
Quick, friendly and conveniently located!
- Aug. 13, 2023
Great service, friendly staff
- Jul. 24, 2023
Everyone is kind and amazing! Love the staff and care received there!
- Jul. 21, 2023
Very thorough eye exam and wonderful doctor and staff.
- Jun. 21, 2023
The staff were friendly and the doctor listened to my questions and concerns.
- May. 09, 2023
Was having an issue with my eye & the team was able to get me in same day to check it out. They have... great staff & Dr. is very kind & informative!!
- May. 04, 2023
I must say that of all the places Ive visited to recieve eye care and glasses, this place is above b... ar for quality service. From the reception desk, to the Dr, to the eye tech helping pick out frames all around the best service. Highly recomend!
- Apr. 20, 2023
The personnel was awesome!! The glasses can be very expensive!! One pair of glasses can cost you ove... r $600 unless you get a stripped down pair without the options. They do have some awesome glass frames.
- Mar. 31, 2023
Dr Thoele is the best! Great listener, has tons of patience, communicates in easily understandable w... ords, answers every question and is a very pleasant Christian man. The staff is welcoming, kind, knowledgeable and caring. I've never felt rushed. Thanks IEC Mt Zion!
- Jan. 21, 2023
Timely, professional, fun!
- Nov. 22, 2022
Great people!
- Oct. 21, 2022
Always nice and helpful..will continue to go back.
- Sep. 12, 2022
Very thorough exams and friendly staff. Dr Thoele is genial and kind with a sense of humor.
- Aug. 16, 2022
friendly,quick service, professionism,
- Jul. 28, 2022
Friendly, professional staff. Clean office.
- Jul. 28, 2022
Excellent!!!
- May. 31, 2022
Fantastic facility! Everyone is very helpful and knowledgeable.
- May. 02, 2022
Everyone is very friendly and very caring. Ive gone to IEC for years and highly recommend

View All 207 Reviews

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

senior couple with dry eye

Don't suffer in silence

Contact us for lasting dry eye relief!

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