woman with dry eye in front of a computer

Dry Eye Treatment in Wentzville

Offering Lasting Relief For Dry, Itchy & Gritty Eyes

(636) 639-5004

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 Wentzville Eye Center 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 Wentzville 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
4.6
329 Reviews
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- Nov. 10, 2024
Always friendly, accomodating and easy to work with ❤️
- Oct. 18, 2024
Staff is very kind and welcoming. We made an eye appointment for my son and they were very patient w... ith him. After arriving, we were immediately checked in and waited no time to be seen. Doctor Kilgore was great and explained everything to us. Great experience overall.
- Sep. 02, 2024
Amazing staff. Always has a wide selection of frames fast and friendly service.
- Aug. 09, 2024
Friendly, knowledgeable staff
- Aug. 02, 2024
Great service with ease.
- Jul. 05, 2024
Easy wonderful experience
- Jun. 13, 2024
Dr Kilgore is very knowledgeable and pleasant
- Jun. 06, 2024
I have been going here for years and I have never had a negative experience, it’s always been posi... tive Everyone is so nice and answer all my questions The staff is so sweet!!!
- May. 22, 2024
Dr Kilgore was so kind and helpful and addressed all my needs, and listened to all my concerns. The ... rest of the stuff was so friendly and patient! Great experience!
- Apr. 26, 2024
You guys are amazing. So patient and knowledgeable. I really appreciate it 🙂
- Apr. 25, 2024
Really good experience with this provider! The doctor was great and the staff was really helpful.
- Apr. 25, 2024
Nothing but great things to say about Wentzville eye center.
- Apr. 10, 2024
Great people with big hearts. Thank You
- Mar. 11, 2024
Excellent doctors. Friendly staff. Affordable price. And on time with appointments. I highly rec... ommend Wentzville Eye Center.
- Mar. 01, 2024
Great place the ladies are very helpful & the atmosphere is pleasant. The Dr. is compassionate & wil... l get ya seeing straight in no time.
- Feb. 20, 2024
Great staff and products to meet your visual needs. Check them out!
- Feb. 11, 2024
Friendly staff
- Dec. 05, 2023
Very friendly and attentive to my eye care needs. I felt very comfortable and really trusted their o... pinion. Very genuine office. Would most definitely recommend them to my family and friends.
- Nov. 17, 2023
Professional and friendly
- Oct. 29, 2023
Everybody is super great and friendly!

View All 329 Reviews

Dry Eyes Treatment in Wentzville

Our optometry practice in Wentzville

Photograph of Abby  Kilgore
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:30 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 7:00 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
  • Dec. 25 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • Aetna
  • Anthem
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Spectera
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross
  • Medicaid
  • MetLife

senior couple with dry eye

Don't suffer in silence

Contact us for lasting dry eye relief!

(636) 639-5004