woman with dry eye in front of a computer

Dry Eye Treatment in Gallatin

Offering Lasting Relief For Dry, Itchy & Gritty Eyes

(615) 452-2020

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 Sumner Eyecare - Gallatin 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 Gallatin 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
4.8
475 Reviews
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- Sep. 28, 2024
Always a pleasure to visit.
- Sep. 22, 2024
I love my glasses
- Sep. 15, 2024
The staff was very friendly. The Dr explained the issues with my eyes very clearly This will defin... itely be my new optometry place
- Sep. 10, 2024
Sumner Eyecare in Gallatin is great. It is easy to make an appointment and they always get you in an... d out in a timely manner. However, it doesn't feel rushed either. I first came here when I was having eye pain and redness. Dr. Neal was very kind and took the time to listen to my concerns. He was able to prescribe something that helped my eyes get back to feeling well again. Now I go there for my contact prescriptions too and I'm really happy I found this practice. Definitely recommend both Dr. Neal and Sumner Eyecare in general.
- Sep. 06, 2024
Dr Neal is prompt kind& professional!
- Sep. 03, 2024
Very professional and accommodating. I came in with my 2 year old and everyone was very understandin... g. They explained everything they were doing and why. I will be happy to go back!
- Sep. 03, 2024
Friendly, professional staff, easy to find location, and quick turn around on both lenses and frames... with lenses.
- Aug. 20, 2024
Super friendly and efficient!
- Jul. 30, 2024
I did not feel pressured time wise to choose my frames and the whole clinic personnel were so friend... ly!
- Jul. 26, 2024
Quick confident and caring professionals. Great selection of frames, and accessories.
- Jul. 26, 2024
Pleasant ready to get you scheduled ASAP. Very professional
- Jul. 25, 2024
Definitely recommend 2024
- Jul. 15, 2024
We love Sumner Eyecare! Friendly, professional, efficient, and knowledgeable staff and personnel! Su... e Curran
- Jul. 12, 2024
Employees are super friendly and helpful
- Jun. 24, 2024
Dr. Neal was the most educational eye doctor I’ve ever been to. Complete transparency and educatio... n. I didn’t feel like I was receiving a sales pitch but rather education for me to make the best decision with his expertise for me. Nick was not only extremely kind and helpful but very patient with me trying in contacts and explaining helpful tips. That is the kind of employee you want in your business interacting with patients for their care. The ladies up front very very welcoming and kind. Dr. Neal and Nick are my preferences and as long as they’re there my family and I will continue to see them. Wonderful experience.
- Jun. 13, 2024
Easy on line appointments, friendly staff,and great service!
- Apr. 08, 2024
Very friendly and helpful! I will recommend to anyone!
- Mar. 19, 2024
Great eye care i think they are a good team of people fixing you’re EYES.Thank y’all.
- Mar. 13, 2024
Friendly staff, very knowledgeable doctors, and a huge selection of frames to choose your glasses.
- Feb. 27, 2024
A very Friendly and Courteous service

View All 475 Reviews

Dry Eyes Treatment in Gallatin

Our optometry practice in Gallatin

Photograph of Shirnil Channappa
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

senior couple with dry eye

Don't suffer in silence

Contact us for lasting dry eye relief!

(615) 452-2020