Vision Therapy in Osage Beach

Spotting the Signs of Dry Eye

(573) 552-8569

Understanding the Symptoms

Dry eye is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and its symptoms can vary in severity. It's crucial to recognize the signs of dry eye early to seek appropriate treatment and improve your eye health and comfort.

man with sore eyes


Common Symptoms to Look Out For

woman with red eyes

Experiencing dry eye symptoms can greatly affect your daily life and overall health. These symptoms can disrupt your work, hobbies, and even your ability to carry out everyday tasks comfortably.

The constant discomfort and distraction caused by these symptoms can lower your productivity and overall quality of life. 

Here are common signs that may indicate dry eye syndrome:

  • Dryness:
    A persistent sensation of dryness, grittiness, or eye irritation.
  • Itching:
    Frequent itching or a burning sensation in and around the eyes.
  • Redness:
    Bloodshot or red eyes, often accompanied by discomfort.·
  • Excessive Tearing:
    Paradoxically, your eyes may produce more tears as a response to dryness, leading to watery eyes.
  • Blurry Vision:
    Vision may become temporarily blurred, particularly when reading or using digital screens.
  • Light Sensitivity:
    Increased sensitivity to light, known as photophobia.
  • Foreign Body Sensation:
    Feeling as though something is in your eye.
  • Eye Fatigue:
    Increased eye fatigue, especially during prolonged periods of reading, screen time, or other visually demanding tasks.

Ignoring dry eye symptoms can lead to worsening discomfort and potential complications. Chronic dry eye can damage the eye's surface and increase the risk of eye infections, scarring, and vision loss. Seeking professional guidance if you're experiencing any of these symptoms is crucial.


Dry Eye Diagnosis and Expert Care

When you choose Family Eyecare - Osage Beach for your dry eye care, you benefit from our expertise in comprehensive diagnosis. We understand that your unique health history and lifestyle can affect your dry eye differently, which is why we practice personalized care tailored to you. Our approach includes:

  • In-Depth Eye Exams

    During a comprehensive eye exam, we evaluate your eyelids, eye surface, and your complete health history and lifestyle to identify potential underlying causes of dry eyes.

  • Tear Assessment

    We conduct a detailed assessment of your tears, measuring their volume and quality. This assessment helps us identify any deficiencies in tear quantity or quality, crucial factors in dry eye diagnosis.

  • Tear Breakup Time

    Using advanced techniques like tear breakup time measurement, we identify specific areas of your eyes where tears may evaporate more rapidly. This information aids in tailoring your treatment plan.

  • Specialized Dry Eye Test: Schirmer Test

    This test involves placing blotting test paper strips on the lower eyelids to measure tear production over a specific time. It helps determine the volume of tears your eyes produce.

Patient Reviews
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603 Reviews
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- Jan. 08, 2025
Great experience. The entire staff was friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. I have already reccome... nded them.
- 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.

View All 603 Reviews

Dry Eyes 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

man putting eye drops in eyes

Consult Our Dry Eye Experts

At Family Eyecare - Osage Beach, our experienced eye care specialists are ready to help you find relief from dry eye symptoms. We understand these symptoms' impact on your daily life and are committed to improving your eye health and comfort.

Contact us to schedule an appointment and discuss your dry eye symptoms. Let's work together to find the most suitable treatment and enhance your quality of life.

(573) 552-8569