woman with dry eye in front of a computer

Dry Eye Treatment in Crystal Lake

Offering Lasting Relief For Dry, Itchy & Gritty Eyes

(815) 455-9393

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 Primary EyeCare Centers - Crystal Lake 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 Crystal Lake 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
207 Reviews
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- Oct. 30, 2024
Staff was amazing made the experience for my daughters a breeze especially when one is afraid of all... drs offices. Thank you so much!
- Oct. 26, 2024
There nice and they treat you really well and they also speak Spanish and English
- Oct. 12, 2024
Amazing, friendly and knowledgeable. Made me feel so comfortable during a crazy time.
- Oct. 04, 2024
Great experience always
- Aug. 26, 2024
Primary Eyecare in Crystal Lake were wonderful. Two ladies helped me find the best pair of glasses.... They were patient and honest. My experience was excellent!
- Aug. 25, 2024
Only place to trust your eye care too!
- Aug. 11, 2024
Friendly and knowledgeable and took his time.
- Jul. 05, 2024
Excellent, friendly staff and knowledgeable doctor. Quick turnaround for our order as well. Pleasa... ntly surprised!
- Jun. 28, 2024
Our family of 7 has trusted Primary Eye Care with our vision for many years. The level of care is ex... cellent, and the staff is accommodating. This location has earned my highest recommendation without reservation.
- Jun. 10, 2024
The best of the best
- Apr. 30, 2024
I was extremely happy with the service and glasses I received. I had to return a pair because it jus... t didn't fit/look right.... They did not give me a hard time... Just let me pick out another pair. I am telling my friend's and family about this office. Thank you all!
- Apr. 05, 2024
My family (3 of us) was able to get exams completed in fairly short amount of time. The staff was su... per friendly and our Dr. did a good job of explaining the exams and what they were for. We had a our baby and had our 3 year old got her eyes examined and they did a great job with her and had lots of patience. Would recommend to friends and family.
- Feb. 23, 2024
Great service, clean, professional, reliable
- Feb. 01, 2024
Been going here for over 10+ years. Very happy patient. Would highly recommend
- Jan. 26, 2024
My wife and I had our eyes checked yesterday for the first time in 5 years. The exam was the most th... orough I have ever had. From the pre-exam all the way to getting glasses was a great experience. The people here are excellent here! We could not have been happier!
- Jan. 13, 2024
Love SEEING 😉 Dr. Cleland and the wonderful staff! They’re efficient, thorough, and friendly. I a... lso appreciate their price options for any budget.
- Jan. 01, 2024
I love this place. They treat you like family and the staff is always friendly and helpful. The staf... f is willing to help each other and you can tell they love their job which speaks volumes about the office. I never feel rushed when I am there. Dr Erica makes sure I have all my questions answered and is such a caring person. I wish I could give them more than 5 stars. It is rare to find anywhere these days that have a caring compassionate and professional staff.
- Dec. 15, 2023
I didn’t go blind so I appreciate you all service whole staff thank you
- Aug. 26, 2023
Everyone working there are very nice and professional.Keep up the Amazing work you all do!!!! I woul... d Recommend this eye care to Anyone out there!!! A 5 Star rating!!!!
- Aug. 19, 2023
Loving caring and best care for your eyes. Eye love them.

View All 207 Reviews

Dry Eyes Treatment in Crystal Lake

Our optometry practice in Crystal Lake

Photograph of Erika  Cleland
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Saturday 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • Spectera
  • Medicaid
  • EyeMed

senior couple with dry eye

Don't suffer in silence

Contact us for lasting dry eye relief!

(815) 455-9393