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Dry Eye Treatment in Hopkinton

Offering Lasting Relief For Dry, Itchy & Gritty Eyes

(508) 497-9500

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 Hopkinton Eye Associates for effective and lasting dry eye relief.

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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 Hopkinton 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
4.9
234 Reviews
5
4
3
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1
- Oct. 05, 2024
Helpful and knowledgeable
- Sep. 26, 2024
Friendly, full service office. Very thorough exam. Takes time to explain what they are testing and w... ill answer any questions to make sure you understand
- Sep. 11, 2024
Doctors are friendly, knowledgeable and thorough. Opticians are well versed in the products and extr... emely helpful. Front staff is friendly and accommodating. Love this place.
- Sep. 07, 2024
Dr. Ma was awesome, I highly recommend her .
- Sep. 06, 2024
Trifecta - accommodating, professional and friendly!. Dr. Straube always takes her time and explain... s any questions or concerns in both a knowledgeable and clear way. The entire staff is incredibly cheerful and friendly.
- Aug. 27, 2024
Great experience
- Jul. 26, 2024
Friendly and professional Drs and staff. Dr. Straube provided expert and compassionate care for me... when I injured my eye. She went out of her way to get me into the office and helped me get to 100% very quickly. The whole team at Hopkinton Eye Associates is awesome. Highly recommend.
- Jul. 23, 2024
Great first experience at Hopkinton Eye Associates. Everyone was super friendly, especially Dr Strau... be. I’m happy with my move and definitely recommend them!
- Jul. 23, 2024
Doctors are very personable and knowledgeable. The staff is friendly and the facility has state of ... the art imaging and testing equipment.
- Jul. 18, 2024
Service provided by Staff and Doctor was really good and satisfactory, would use them again for regu... lar checkups.
- Jul. 14, 2024
Great experience at Hopkinton Eye Associates-knowledgeable, professional staff and great office loca... tion.
- May. 26, 2024
Great caring and professional eye care specialists
- May. 20, 2024
Excellent experience. Highly reccommend Michelle Straube. I did not feel rushed, she was very throug... h and created a calm environment for my already anxious 8 year old.
- Mar. 21, 2024
Hopkinton Eye Associates always makes my appointment so easy and the staff is so helpful. Dr Straube... explains everything so clearly.
- Mar. 17, 2024
Friendly knowledgable staff
- Mar. 12, 2024
Quick service and friendly staff.
- Mar. 05, 2024
Excellent staff and caring, thorough eye drs.
- Feb. 13, 2024
Dr. Emily Pilotte was absolutely amazing! Addressed all my concerns, took so much time, went above a... nd beyond! I will be back with family and friends!
- Jan. 31, 2024
Everyone is friendly, professional and skilled.
- Jan. 30, 2024
Very thorough, helpful, answered my questions & concerns, and have a beautiful selection of frames!

View All 234 Reviews

Dry Eyes Treatment in Hopkinton

Our optometry practice in Hopkinton

Photograph of Emily  Pilotte
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
    1:30 pm - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
    1:30 pm - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
    1:30 pm - 7:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
    1:30 pm - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
    1:30 pm - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

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Don't suffer in silence

Contact us for lasting dry eye relief!

(508) 497-9500