woman with dry eye in front of a computer

Dry Eye Treatment in Central Northwest

Offering Lasting Relief For Dry, Itchy & Gritty Eyes

(713) 686-3221

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 Memorial Eye Center - Oak Forest 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 Central Northwest 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
4.7
188 Reviews
5
4
3
2
1
- Nov. 04, 2024
In and out quickly. They were able to accommodate me and my family in one visit.
- Sep. 14, 2024
Great beside manners and office is always clean.
- Aug. 29, 2024
10 out of 10 recommend Memorial Eye Center. Dr. Chau is amazing! I can see now! Liliana helped me ch... oose the perfect pair of frames and lenses. I will definitely be returning for next year's exam!
- Aug. 29, 2024
I’m usually very apprehensive about going to a new doctor, but the crew here made everything extre... mely simple and easy for me. From the associates at the front desk to the doctor that got me in and out it was seamless. Dr. Chau was very professional and expedient. Also Liliana and Jackelyn were very attentive to my needs, and gave me great advice on all the different frames that were available with no pressure. I will definitely be returning!
- Aug. 24, 2024
The staff are awesome great customer service and very professional-team
- Jul. 31, 2024
Very understanding after we missed our first appointment .
- Jul. 22, 2024
Great staff and overall good experience. This clinic is also conveniently located for me. I would re... commend. 5/5 Stars
- Jun. 24, 2024
Great staff, very friendly. They are quick and efficient. Very informative.
- Jun. 05, 2024
Very professional and friendly staff. They took care of me and answered all my questions. I’d defi... nitely recommend my family and friends.
- May. 14, 2024
I was a patient of the previous doctor before she relocated.
- Apr. 20, 2024
Easy. Simple no frills.
- Feb. 23, 2024
This place is PHENOMENAL. Everyone that works here is so nice and fantastic at their jobs. I think ... if I ever move, I will make trips back to houston specifically for this company 😊
- Feb. 21, 2024
Great customer service, staff was very friendly and knowledgeable.
- Feb. 16, 2024
Great experience! Seen quickly, everyone was super friendly and helpful
- Jan. 25, 2024
The doctor is amazing along with the staff.
- Dec. 29, 2023
I loved Dr. Chau!! She was helpful listening to all my needs and was very knowledgeable and kind. Sh... e recommended a few things to help with my dry eyes when I answered yes to having dry eyes and remembered to ask and check on previous eye issues from the last visit. Jackie was so sweet as well! She helped me check out and never pushed me to purchase any glasses or contacts. This is my third year seeing Dr. Chau and Jackie, and I’ll be back next year!
- Dec. 22, 2023
I am older and needed glasses for the first time. The first pair were progressives and did not work... for me at all. When I told the staff they found out what the problem was for me and ordered me new lenses that work perfectly. I was very happy with how well they took care of me and everyone that works there is super nice!
- Dec. 05, 2023
The staff and docs at Memorial Eye Center Oak Forest are lovely! The office is clean, organized, and... supports technology like Optomap for retinal imaging. I saw Dr. Chau and was very pleased with her manner and ability to explain eye health. I’ll be coming back for my routine exams and glasses.
- Sep. 13, 2023
Great doctor and staff!
- Aug. 29, 2023
Great service, professional and non-biased medical feedback.

View All 188 Reviews

Dry Eyes Treatment in Central Northwest

Our optometry practice in Central Northwest

Photograph of Kim-Van  Chau
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Saturday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • Aetna
  • VSP
  • Spectera
  • Metlife Vision
  • United Healthcare
  • EyeMed
  • Medicare
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

senior couple with dry eye

Don't suffer in silence

Contact us for lasting dry eye relief!

(713) 686-3221