woman with dry eye in front of a computer

Dry Eye Treatment in Acton

Offering Lasting Relief For Dry, Itchy & Gritty Eyes

(978) 263-8521

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 Niro Eye Care and Associates - Acton 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 Acton 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
- Apr. 07, 2024
We had such a great experience with the doctors and optical staff we had to write reviews here and Y... elp. Great service and fast turnaround for our whole family.
- Jan. 05, 2024
How I wished Dr. Chia and I lived in the same state. I know under her care, I am in amazing hands an... d that if there was anything she would recommend to me, she would also do herself for sure. I went for a consult with Dr. Chia at her old clinic and she was very insightful and thorough with my check up. Gave me a lot of good advice as I was contemplating my next steps. She also saw my husband who did surgery way before but ended up with chronic dry eye. She gave us some really good advice and also recommended different eye drops that were healthier for the eyes as opposed to what we were using. If I could, I would follow Dr. Chia anywhere she goes as I trust her to provide the upmost care for me and my eyes. One of the reasons why I haven't pulled the trigger yet, despite my husband recommending I should over and over again, is because Dr. Chia is in another state and if I was going to do surgery, I would prefer to be in her care.
- Aug. 23, 2022
We love Niro eye care. They are real down-to-earth people. They get you in and out quickly with no h... ard sell for new glasses like other places.
- Oct. 11, 2021
The staff here is very friendly, very helpful, incredibly knowledgeable and just plain nice. I felt ... very listened to, no hard sells or pushes for anything, and no talking over. Clinic is clean, bright, easy to access and had a lot of great frame styles that fit all face shapes and personal styles. 100% recommend. Do yourself a favor and book an appointment.
- Jan. 07, 2021
Always get treated well. They are never pushy on things you don’t need. Always quick to schedule o... ver the phone and flexible with appointments. Patient and helpful with any questions I might have. Have been going for years and will continue.
- Feb. 06, 2018
Great personal service.
- Sep. 08, 2016
Dr Niro is great. The Optical department team is super. I only get my eyes checked and glasses here.... Been going for ...wow maybe 20 years?!

View All 13 Reviews

Dry Eyes Treatment in Acton

Our optometry practice in Acton

Photograph of Joseph M.  Niro
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
  • 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!

(978) 263-8521