woman with dry eye in front of a computer

Dry Eye Treatment in Manchester

Offering Lasting Relief For Dry, Itchy & Gritty Eyes

(636) 225-9300

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 West County Eyecare 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 Manchester 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
4.8
269 Reviews
5
4
3
2
1
- Sep. 10, 2024
I've been coming here since I was in 6th grade. I've had no reason to switch my eye doctor because o... f how great the environment and staff are here. I will always recommend West County Eye care to anybody.
- Aug. 24, 2024
My teenage daughter had only positive things to say after her appointment. I also appreciated the fl... exibility of the staff and Dr. after we had a scheduling mistake on our end. They were still able to get her in the same day.
- Aug. 12, 2024
The staff is always friendly, polite and knowledgeable.
- Aug. 03, 2024
Great employees and great service! Highly recommend!
- Jun. 04, 2024
Dr Haring is a great doc. exams are thorough & accurate. staff is very nice & helpful. hours are g... ood for people who work during the day.
- May. 07, 2024
Everyone I dealt with was very professional and friendly. I really appreciate Dr. Hering taking all... the time I needed.
- May. 05, 2024
Great personalized care. Super attentive and warm. I'm grateful to have switched over!
- Apr. 26, 2024
great service -- friendly
- Mar. 26, 2024
Steve is awesome! Friendly and didn't make me feel rushed.
- Mar. 11, 2024
Excellent customer service care that is unmatched by anyone in this field of practice!! Great job by... everyone there. Thank you,
- Feb. 21, 2024
Excellent care from Dr Harring and his staff. Timely, efficient, and professional. Dr Harring exudes... confidence in a very attentive manner. It’s always a very positive experience.
- Feb. 18, 2024
Dr. Stephen Haring is personable and professional, not to mention thorough. He took his time during... my appointment and addressed my concerns. His staff is very friendly and were helpful while I chose my new glasses. Definitely would recommend West County Eyecare.
- Feb. 12, 2024
West County Eyecare fit me in the day I called with my eye issues. Staff was efficient and courteou... s. Dr. Haring is the best. I recommend them highly.
- Feb. 05, 2024
The office was clean and spacious. The staff were all very friendly and efficient. Dr Emily was prof... essional, knowledgeable, and had great bedside manner. I left feeling great. I would recommend this office.
- Jan. 20, 2024
The doctors and staff are professional and helpful! They go above and beyond!
- Jan. 18, 2024
I appreciated their timeliness and skilled care I receive during the exam.
- Dec. 08, 2023
Always willing to help in resolving issues
- Nov. 15, 2023
I really appreciate how thorough the exams are and how well Dr Pike explained the results.
- Nov. 01, 2023
Knowledgeable and friendly
- Oct. 31, 2023
Great experience and examination by Dr. Haring and his staff!

View All 269 Reviews

Dry Eyes Treatment in Manchester

Our optometry practice in Manchester

Photograph of Stephen  Haring
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 6:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • MetLife

senior couple with dry eye

Don't suffer in silence

Contact us for lasting dry eye relief!

(636) 225-9300