woman with dry eye in front of a computer

Dry Eye Treatment in Dayton

Offering Lasting Relief For Dry, Itchy & Gritty Eyes

937-435-0315

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 - Dayton 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 Dayton 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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136 Reviews
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- Oct. 26, 2024
Dr. Hardin was thorough, very knowledgeable, and kind. The office had state of art equipment, and th... e appt went through with no issues. Would recommend to friends and patients.
- Oct. 23, 2024
Great experience. Everyone is friendly and knowledgeable.
- Sep. 30, 2024
Staff and service is great!
- Sep. 14, 2024
This staff has the charm and courtesy of bygone years! Sam, Debbie, Janice, and Dr. Hardin are the ... reason we were so impressed. There wasn't the slightest degree of partiality shown by anyone. I loved the mix of generations in this office; all worked to ensure customer satisfaction. The doctor's un-rushed conversation and recommendation for future care / cost should a medical need arise was most reassuring. This is an ace of a place!
- Sep. 09, 2024
Everyone was very nice and the doctor explained everything. I didn't feel rushed through my appointm... ent.
- Sep. 07, 2024
Professional in everyway. Very friendly.
- Aug. 16, 2024
Dr. Hardin has been the best optometrist at this practice. She's also likely the best optometrist I'... ve ever had, and she speaks very highly of her staff, which is a good indication of effective management. The staff is extremely helpful. Yesterday, they searched online for my glasses while I was in with Dr. Hardin, because I have a difficult time finding frames that are large enough, and I have a very specific style. I hadn't even asked them to do this, and it was an extremely welcome surprise, because browsing the internet for any product is exhausting. I like all members of Dr. Hardin's staff, but - specifically - Debbie is my favorite. There are many reasons for this.
- Aug. 12, 2024
Wonderful experience
- Aug. 03, 2024
After 2 incorrect prescriptions from another company, I tried Shawnee Optical. What a difference!! D... r Hardin was very thorough and gave me a correct prescription, plus actually looked at my eye physiologyand noted an issue that required an ophthalmologist visit. I am very thankful for the complete examination. The section with all the glasses to choose from is also quite nice, as are all the staff!
- Jul. 17, 2024
I wanted to share how Dr. Hardin & staff are patient and friendly. Dr. Hardin was very caring and to... ok time to explain in detail for me to understand.
- Jun. 06, 2024
Love the staff and Dr. Hardin is compassionate along with being very thorough and knowledgeable.
- May. 24, 2024
After having a bad experience at my old doctors office I was on the search for a new one.. with a qu... ick search through my health insurance I found Shawnee and Dr. Hardin. Every one there was so nice to me and my mom and Dr.Hardin was fabulous! Definitely recommend!!
- May. 14, 2024
Very thorough and friendly service.
- May. 05, 2024
Everyone was quite courteous and personable and knew exactly what they were doing. Dr Hardin was gr... eat she discovered things with my eyes that Cincinnati Eye Institute didn't even find I was thrilled with my experience there.
- May. 04, 2024
The staff at Shawnee Optical is so very friendly and they make you feel so welcomed. Dr, Hardin is ... so professional and so very nice. She explains things to you whereas you understand what’s going on.
- Apr. 22, 2024
Best eye doctor and caring staff in town!
- Apr. 04, 2024
The staff here are top notch! So kind and helpful. Dr Hardin is a true gift!
- Mar. 26, 2024
All women; very professional; very thorough. I could not be happier with my experience there.
- Mar. 25, 2024
Great service
- Feb. 28, 2024
Dr. Hardin is the best. Very knowledgeable. I've gone here for years and she is the best doctor to b... e there. I highly recommend.

View All 136 Reviews

Dry Eyes Treatment in Dayton

Our optometry practice in Dayton

Photograph of Elizabeth  Hardin
Hours
  • Monday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Anthem
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • MetLife

senior couple with dry eye

Don't suffer in silence

Contact us for lasting dry eye relief!

937-435-0315