Naperville & Plainfield, IL

Dry Eye Diagnosis & Treatment

Find relief from dry, itchy, irritated eyes

Do your eyes often feel dry, itchy, or uncomfortable? You might be dealing with dry eye, a condition that can make your eyes feel gritty, like there’s sand in them, and even affect your vision. Also known as dry eye syndrome, this condition can lead to more serious complications if left untreated, including increased risk of eye infections and damage to the eye surface. At Vision Care Group, we offer dry eye treatment in Naperville and Plainfield to help you find lasting relief and improve your quality of life.

What is dry eye syndrome?

Dry eye is a very common and often underdiagnosed condition. It occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the right quality of tears to keep the eyes properly lubricated. Tears keep your eyes healthy by providing moisture and nutrients. When tear production is low or the tear film is unstable, it can lead to dryness, irritation, and sometimes blurred vision.

Common dry eye symptoms

Many patients come to us with dry eyes, and some don’t even realize they are suffering from this condition. Here are some of the symptoms we commonly see:

Stinging or itching eyes
A scratchy or sandy feeling
Increased sensitivity to light
Eye pain or redness
Stringy mucus or discharge
Fluctuating vision

Common causes of dry eyes

Dry eye can be triggered by a variety of factors, including:

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)

When the meibomian glands in your eyelids get blocked, your tears evaporate too quickly.

Aging

After age 40, your tear production generally decreases.

Environmental factors

Exposure to smoke, wind, or dry air can result in dry eye.

Prolonged screen time

Spending a lot of time on digital devices increases your risk.

Certain medications

Various medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, and antidepressants, can cause dry eye as a side effect.

Health conditions

Certain conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, diabetes, and thyroid disorders, can cause or worsen dry eye.

Hormonal changes

Dry eye can occur due to hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause or from taking birth control.

Contact lens use

Wearing contacts for too long or wearing the wrong type of contacts can contribute to dryness.

How is dry eye disease diagnosed?

At Vision Care Group, Dr. Boots will perform various tests to look for signs of dry eye and try to determine the root cause. He will ask about your symptoms and medical history. He may want to know about any medications you have been taking since certain drugs can contribute to dry eye symptoms. In some cases, he will ask about your daily activities or environmental factors that could be causing your dry eyes, such as prolonged screen time or exposure to dry air. Understanding the underlying cause will help him recommend the most effective treatment.

Dry eye treatment in Naperville & Plainfield

If Dr. Boots diagnoses you with dry eye, he will develop a treatment plan to fit your specific needs. Depending on the severity of your condition, treatment options may include over-the-counter eye drops (known as artificial tears) to provide immediate relief, prescription eye drops to help improve tear production, or anti-inflammatory medications to reduce irritation. He may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as adjusting screen time habits or using a humidifier, as well as nutritional supplements like omega-3 fatty acids to support long-term eye health.