Vision Therapy in Ocala

Spotting the Signs of Dry Eye

(352) 512-0560

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 Eye Care Center of Ocala 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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- Dec. 02, 2024
I highly recommend this facility. I was very impressed with how efficient this office was. It was a ... breeze to go from the check in, eye exam and onto picking out the frames. Dr. Castello was great with my daughter and helped her feel at ease. I will definitely be back for an eye exam for myself.
- Oct. 30, 2024
very professional and informative
- Oct. 09, 2024
I received the wrong prescription contacts from a vendor and scheduled an exam here to see what was ... going on when it was so blurry. The receptionist and tech helped me realize their mistake quickly and were extremely helpful! When it’s time for another eye exam, I’ll definitely be returning here.
- 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!

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Dry Eyes 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

man putting eye drops in eyes

Consult Our Dry Eye Experts

At Eye Care Center of Ocala, 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.

(352) 512-0560