woman with dry eye in front of a computer

Dry Eye Treatment in Fredericksburg

Offering Lasting Relief For Dry, Itchy & Gritty Eyes

(830) 997-0131

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 Eye Country 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 Fredericksburg 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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190 Reviews
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- Sep. 23, 2024
Ease of making an appointment. Knowledgeable staff.
- Sep. 20, 2024
Some of the best service and friendly staff I've had. New glasses fit perfectly.
- Jul. 03, 2024
I really enjoyed my visit to Eye Country for my exam. The staff was superb, from the front desk and ... all the way to the exam with the doctor. I got fitted for glasses and received them within a week and a couple of days. The communication with each employee was awesome and each person made me feel valued and respected the whole time. I would highly reccomend Eye Country to anyone looking for eye care in Fredericksburg or the surrounding counties, it is definitely well worth a visit.
- Apr. 13, 2024
Great care. Friendly, quick, and thorough. Pricilla was gentle and kind and explained what she was... doing so there were no surprises. Dr O explained my results so that I understood my issues. Tracy is fantastic at fitting glasses!
- Mar. 23, 2024
Wonderful staff and service!
- Feb. 21, 2024
Excellent doctor and staff. Very friendly and thorough.
- Feb. 14, 2024
Kind staff and prompt service!
- Jan. 12, 2024
Eye country got me in very quickly and diagnosed my issue straightaway. Glasses were ordered and re... ceived within 1 week. Much better than other places I have been in the past.
- Dec. 14, 2023
I love my new glasses!
- Dec. 07, 2023
Friendly, professional environment that has taken the very best care of my sight for over 20 years
- Dec. 06, 2023
Great experience. Warm, friendly, and professional.
- Nov. 15, 2023
Great staff, located close to my house, and the price is right!
- Oct. 08, 2023
Loved the ability to make an online appointment, friendly prompt service, help in chooses lenses and... quick arrival of glasses sooner than expected!
- Sep. 22, 2023
They have gotten us in on two different ,last minute emergency visits and were great! Also, regular ... visits for the family. Highly recommend
- Sep. 21, 2023
Great experience and friendly staff. All go out of their way to make the eye exam and eye glass purc... hase a happy experience.
- Aug. 30, 2023
friendly and competent
- Aug. 18, 2023
Nothing beats great service and customer service and welcoming facility.
- May. 21, 2023
I loved it and professional and friendly service.
- Apr. 17, 2023
The best in the area!
- Apr. 09, 2023
Wonderful doctor, super-competent and friendly staff! I’m so thankful to Dr. Oosterbaan and all of... the staff at Eye Country for helping me keep my vision healthy! Thank you!

View All 190 Reviews

Dry Eyes Treatment in Fredericksburg

Our optometry practice in Fredericksburg

Photograph of Hans Oosterbaan
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross
  • Metlife

senior couple with dry eye

Don't suffer in silence

Contact us for lasting dry eye relief!

(830) 997-0131