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Dry Eye Treatment in Osage Beach

Offering Lasting Relief For Dry, Itchy & Gritty Eyes

(573) 552-8569

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 Family Eyecare - Osage Beach 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 Osage Beach 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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592 Reviews
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- Dec. 08, 2024
Excellent experience and I appreciate the time that was spent with me to address any questions or co... ncerns
- Nov. 20, 2024
Just want to say how amazing this place is! I was referred to them by a coworker after I had been to... another eye doctor twice spending well over $1000 and still not being able to see properly. First when I came in I was asked if I had insurance, and I told them no the girl still took my insurance card and checked and surprise surprise I did have insurance so because she took the initiative She saved me money just by walking in the door. Then they took pictures of my eyes which were discussed during my exam , which was very thorough and informative. I learned that I needed not only glasses for reading but for distance this was never addressed in prior appointments at the other doctors office. Today I picked up my new glasses and it’s amazing how different it is when you can actually see . I just want to thank everybody doctor and staff for taking the time and doing a great job and making it to where I can see you guys are awesome!
- Nov. 13, 2024
New patient. First impressions all Five Star!
- Nov. 03, 2024
Clean, professional, and friendly environment at this office. You’ll feel welcomed upon arrival a... nd educated upon leaving. Wonderful experience!
- Nov. 01, 2024
Really great experience. Dr. Dettmer and staff were great. Could not recommend this place more!
- Oct. 19, 2024
Dr. Dettemer is the best eye doctor ever. I am 65 years old and for years have had a hard time gett... ing a good prescription. When I got my new glasses I was amazed at all I could see and all that I had been missing. It was like getting glasses for the first time all over. Highly recommend him and his entire staff!
- Oct. 18, 2024
I was very pleased with Family Eye care. The staff are friendly and accommodating. Dr. Dittmer wa... s very informative and explained everything I needed to know. I am very happy with this service.
- Aug. 16, 2024
We were in town for a few days for my mother-in-law's funeral when my husband's glasses fell apart. ... I did a Google search and found Family Eyecare- Osage Beach just .3 mi. from where we were staying. They were SO nice and had his glasses fixed and us back on the road in no time. Thank you all SO much! You saved the day! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
- Aug. 03, 2024
The entire office staff are so kind and wonderful. I was given an explanation of my benefits that I ... had no idea about, I was able to get non prescription sunglasses since I didn't need glasses or contacts this time. Dr. Dettmer is so kind and thorough. I would definitely recommend this office.
- Jul. 22, 2024
Staffs & Dr is so nice & I would recommend this Eyecare to go to, I promise ya'll won't regret it!
- Jul. 10, 2024
The staff is amazing and cares about why you're there. We are thankful to have found this practice....
- Jun. 14, 2024
Was able to take care of my eye when the er and specialist couldn’t greatly appreciate them
- Jun. 04, 2024
There are so many great things to say about Dr. Dettmer and his Team! Dedicated, kind, caring, and t... horough. A team that continues to remember why they entered this field. Simply wonderful!
- May. 30, 2024
Dr Dettmer provides great eye care services and information.
- May. 27, 2024
Amazing eye care professionals at their best.
- May. 26, 2024
Dr. Dettmer was amazing with my son and has a soft-spoken way of working with children.
- May. 19, 2024
Great Service
- Apr. 27, 2024
Great services
- Apr. 26, 2024
Dr. Dettmer is an experienced, knowledgeable, and caring doctor. I trust him with my eye care. I wou... ld confidently recommend him to anyone.
- Mar. 23, 2024
They squeezed me in for an emergency appointment with a piece of metal in my eye. Great service! Wou... ld highly recommend!

View All 592 Reviews

Dry Eyes Treatment in Osage Beach

Our optometry practice in Osage Beach

Photograph of Thomas  Dettmer
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed
  • Blue Cross

senior couple with dry eye

Don't suffer in silence

Contact us for lasting dry eye relief!

(573) 552-8569