woman with dry eye in front of a computer

Dry Eye Treatment in Ocala

Offering Lasting Relief For Dry, Itchy & Gritty Eyes

(352) 512-0560

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 Eye Care Center of Ocala 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 Ocala 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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- Jul. 31, 2024
First time visit having neglected my annual exam for lots of years. The office was clean and organiz... ed. Very professional staff and Christine was very patient with my ultra sensitivity to putting things in my eyes. OK, maybe a phobia. Scheduled appointment on-line and arrived a bit early for the new patient paperwork which was all electronic tablet. Nice. The only glitch I noticed was their website which would not allow uploading a scan of my insurance card. Dr C was easy to understand and exuded confidence. I trust this office to take care of my baby blues.
- Jul. 29, 2024
Very quick, efficient, and relatively affordable
- Jul. 09, 2024
I’m a new patient. Professional, clean and no wait time. Super friendly staff. Highly recommend.
- May. 18, 2024
I have been a patient for many years. Dr.Shaw has helped me retain what vision I have left. He is t... horoughly in depth and knowledgeable in his treatment and diagnosis of my condition. He and his staff in the back where eye exams take place are very kind and understanding Kudos to Samantha and Regina job well done and the young man who helped me in front office (Darius?)
- May. 16, 2024
After shopping around they're the only one who took time to explain to me what my insurance was abou... t I got my glasses👍
- May. 15, 2024
Top notch service and employee retention knowledge! Willing too go a little extra to keep customers ... happy!
- May. 14, 2024
There are some lovely people working here. All very courteous and professional. The place looked cle... an and orderly. They also have public Wi-Fi for guests.
- May. 03, 2024
Made an appointment for eye exam. First time there. The staff was helpful friendly and help Pick out... my frames. Awesome experience. I will come back
- Mar. 09, 2024
Very professional and friendly staff that makes you feel like can trust them with the health of your... eyes. Choosing a doctor to take care of your vision requires an extra layer of trust since you'll be putting the health of one the most important parts of your body in their hands. They explain every exam and are detail oriented with the procedures.
- Mar. 07, 2024
I am so thankful I found this office. I had to have cataract surgery and Dr Castello was so reassuri... ng and put me at great ease for my up coming surgery. The front staff is so friendly as well as their technicians. I would give them 10 stars if I could. I look forward after my second eye is done to get a new prescription for glasses.
- Mar. 05, 2024
Overall, it was very pleasant. For someone who has struggled with my eyesight almost since birth, g... oing to the eye Dr is always a very nerve-wracking experience. The treatment began as soon as I virtually booked my appointment. Jess was amazing at contacting me prior to my appointment to gather additional information. As well as suggesting I apply for vision insurance ( they do not get paid to promote this). I applied, and I saved upward of 400 dollars during my visit. From the welcome desk to the tech, to the Dr and the sales representatives on the floor, I felt like everyone had a collective passion and urge to help in any way possible. There was a bit of confusion navigating the permissions of my newly acquired vision insurance, but Courtney went above and beyond. She ensured that I left not only a happy customer but also in great spirits regarding the entire visit. I will absolutely be continuing my care here and will recommend that if you're in Ocala, this is the place to go!
- Feb. 13, 2024
I went there for an Eye exam yesterday. It was the most thorough and enjoyable eye exam I have ever ... had. The staff is friendly and caring. I really feel like they care.
- Nov. 13, 2023
I can’t say enough amazing things about this office! I had my appointment today and my toddler had... to come with me - they were so patient and understanding with us. All the staff are AMAZING! Dr. Michelle Cevallos is FANTASTIC!
- Nov. 10, 2023
Nice place good service
- Sep. 21, 2023
Best and most thorough eye exam I've ever had! Been wearing glasses or contacts for close to 40 yea... rs and never before have I experienced the level of professionalism and over the top patient care as I have at Eye Care Center of Ocala. From the moment I called and spoke with Sitara to schedule an exam, Bailey the wonderful receptionist to the pre-exam with Herb and the exam itself with Dr Cevallos to having Penny assist me with picking out frames, everything and I do mean everything, was above and beyond what I've experienced in the past. The office is gorgeous, state of the art, the selection of frames extensive and everyone working there very nice and patient oriented. Cannot express just how satisfied and impressed I am with every aspect of Eye Care Center of Ocala. Will definitely be recommending them to anyone who needs eye care!
- Sep. 19, 2023
A wonderful center full of caring smart people! I'm glad we found them! I SEE their efforts and am ... thankful!
- Jul. 21, 2023
Truly a remarkable experience! After moving, we were uncertain we would be able to find an eye care ... center that could possibly meet our expectations set from our previous office. We have been fully delighted. Every staff member we have had the privilege of meeting has been intentional and kind. The doctor is extremely attentive and thorough. I must say, they have gone above and beyond in each interaction! I sincerely recommend them highly!
- Jul. 17, 2023
Nice clean facility that runs in an organized fashion. Bailey was my initial contact and who helped ... me with my appointment and insurance, my tech was Jay, my doctor was Dr. Costello, Herb recorded notes during my visit and Kerri J. helped me with frame selection. All were super nice, friendly and professional. No pressure as it pertains to having certain tests or purchasing glasses and frame selections are reasonably priced.
- Apr. 12, 2023
Called for an appt as a new patient, got one the next day. Bright and beautiful office, great locati... on, excellent and efficient staff, and the doctor explained my test results and was great. No hard sell for glasses or contacts, which I really appreciated. Overall, an excellent experience and my new eye doctor in Ocala.
- Mar. 28, 2023
WOW all I can say is wow! I just moved to the area literally days ago, had an eye emergency, and the... y were the only place that would take me today last minute. Every moment from talking on the phone to stepping in the building was professional, nice, fast/efficient, and clean! Dr. McCabe was very nice and knowledgeable and the assistant before her was thorough and professional. I’m so excited that I found this place because I will definitely be back! Excited that I’ve found my new eye doctor for the years to come now living here! Thank you!

View All 937 Reviews

Dry Eyes Treatment in Ocala

Our optometry practice in Ocala

Photograph of Lauren  Wasikowski
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • Blue Cross

senior couple with dry eye

Don't suffer in silence

Contact us for lasting dry eye relief!

(352) 512-0560