woman with dry eye in front of a computer

Dry Eye Treatment in St. Louis

Offering Lasting Relief For Dry, Itchy & Gritty Eyes

(314) 423-2010

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 - St. Ann 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 St. Louis 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
4.6
309 Reviews
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- Dec. 08, 2024
I have always had a warm, friendly experience at this eye center. The staff are professional and kno... wledgeable, and are willing to discuss your questions and concerns.
- Dec. 06, 2024
I personally appreciate that they are all professional, friendly and timely with their service. Both... my daughters got eye exams and prescription glasses here.
- Nov. 21, 2024
The staff has always been professional, pleasant and easy to work with. I have never had any problem... s whenever I visit for my yearly eye exam.
- Oct. 27, 2024
Everyone was super friendly and smiling! (so rare these days) The doctor and the staff all answered... my questions with no hesitations. I ordered glasses and contacts, and all of them arrived earlier than promised. Thank you for being such a great example of customer service!
- Sep. 15, 2024
Just good service and friendly people! Love my glasses ! 👓
- Aug. 17, 2024
They were very good and patient with my 2 young Autistic children.
- Aug. 16, 2024
The staff is extremely attentive and goes the extra mile to ensure you are satisfied with your purch... ase. They are also patient with kids who are indecisive about making a choice on which glasses to choose. Their service is unmatched.
- Aug. 15, 2024
I always receive excellent customer service by phone and in person at the St. Ann location! Great j... ob!
- Jul. 24, 2024
My experience was very good. I've been other places and they've been terrible. So yeah we'll be comi... ng back🙂
- Jun. 12, 2024
Absolutely love this locating and the staff. They’re all so willing to help and assist as soon as ... you walk in the door. They’re polite when it comes to explaining things and offer a wide array of glasses. They don’t rush your appointment and give you time to get any questions answered. I’ve been for both me and my 4yo and we both were treated gracefully. I will definitely recommend this location to anyone needing an exam or glasses
- May. 26, 2024
Dr. Mark Wade examined both my eyes told me had cataract in both eyes. I had surgery done successful... ly now have heathy vision in both eyes. Thank you Dr. Mark Wade and staff with new sight and glasses.
- May. 08, 2024
Great service! would highly recommend, Everyone was very kind and helpful.Keep up the amazing work c... rown vision team.
- May. 07, 2024
They are very very nice i was able to get my glasses very very fast and very affordable. They have m... any glasses to choose from and they have many affordable and pretty glasses to choose from. 10/10 recommended!!!
- Mar. 18, 2024
Great place with great staff.
- Feb. 19, 2024
I didn’t think they were very good at all until I experienced them. I always thought the other com... pany was more professional, but I was fooled Crown Vision is a very good company to visit. They are very thorough and they know what they’re doing. I would recommend them to anybody
- Feb. 12, 2024
It was so quick and easy. The whole staffs great.
- Dec. 08, 2023
Crown Vision is the place to be! The staff is always friendly and professional!
- Nov. 27, 2023
Cindy Scott was very informative and her customer service skills are impressive.
- Oct. 19, 2023
Love it
- Oct. 17, 2023
Ryanne was great helped me with my broken glasses and got me set up with a eye exam. Thank you very ... nice and polite staff. Answering all my questions.

View All 309 Reviews

Dry Eyes Treatment in St. Louis

Our optometry practice in St. Louis

Photograph of Mark  Wade
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Medicaid
  • Anthem
  • 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) 423-2010