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Dry Eye Treatment in Barrington

Offering Lasting Relief For Dry, Itchy & Gritty Eyes

(847) 381-5313

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 Barrington Eye Care for effective and lasting dry eye relief.

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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 Barrington 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
142 Reviews
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- Aug. 17, 2024
They spent time with me and explained everything
- Aug. 04, 2024
Excellent eye care
- Jul. 24, 2024
Very professional and friendly
- Jul. 22, 2024
Great Dr. and over all great staff!!!!!
- May. 03, 2024
I've seen Dr. Kowar for over 20 years. She's great at diagnosing medical conditions and terrific at... improving vision. My vision changed dramatically when I started working with her. She's a true professional, one with a big heart.
- Apr. 26, 2024
Went to Barrington Eye Care for my annual eye exam after moving out in the area. I had no major conc... erns with my vision however I wanted to stay on top of everything. Everyone at Barrington Eye Care was kind and helpful, and extremely thorough in explaining everything and making sure I had no questions.
- Apr. 24, 2024
The practice runs on-time, the findings are thoroughly explained. The staff is very pleasant to work... with.
- Mar. 23, 2024
Always good service.
- Mar. 21, 2024
Everyone is so amazing, super friendly environment. They make you feel right at home. I’d give the... m 100 stars if it left me. Everyone makes you feel right at home and they make the experience extremely comfortable. I’ve only been in the barrington area for 2 years now and they’re one of the reasons that made the move worth it. All around amazing in every category !
- Feb. 28, 2024
Dr. Lisa Kowar is brilliant. She also is kind and respectful and a good listener. We travel from Chi... cago to see her -- 'nuff said!
- Feb. 06, 2024
Dr. Lisa Kowar is wonderful.She helped me resolve an eye infection and I am very grateful. She is ex... tremely knowledgable, efficient and professional. Thank you Dr. Kowar.
- Feb. 03, 2024
Great staff and Drs! Everyone was so friendly and professional
- Nov. 16, 2023
Dr. Kate is a knowledgeable and caring professional seeking the optimal results. She brought new ins... ights to my follow-up appointment and suggested alternative approaches to correct my vision. Thank you, Dr. Kate!
- Nov. 10, 2023
Got a same day appointment when I needed it and the doctor was fabulous
- Nov. 02, 2023
Best place for complete eye solution. I had an appointment with Dr. Kate Schooley. She was responsiv... e to all my questions and paid great attention examining my eye.
- Oct. 21, 2023
The best place to get glasses. Great selection, great prices, and great staff to help with picking a... pair a glasses.
- Oct. 02, 2023
All of the staff is very professional and my eye dr is so efficient and very nice.
- Oct. 01, 2023
Excellent eye health care!
- Sep. 15, 2023
Dr. Kowar is fantastic! Highly recommend her to anyone looking for a quality eye exam with an exper... ienced and caring doctor.
- Sep. 11, 2023
Always happy with the experience.

View All 142 Reviews

Dry Eyes Treatment in Barrington

Our optometry practice in Barrington

Photograph of Joseph Aschenbrenner
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • Davis Vision
  • United Healthcare
  • Spectera
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • MetLife
  • Blue Cross
  • Aetna

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Don't suffer in silence

Contact us for lasting dry eye relief!

(847) 381-5313