woman with dry eye in front of a computer

Dry Eye Treatment in St. Augustine

Offering Lasting Relief For Dry, Itchy & Gritty Eyes

(904) 471-8750

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 Anastasia Eye Associates 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 St. Augustine 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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265 Reviews
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- Sep. 25, 2024
Dr Pearl is outstanding!!!
- Sep. 18, 2024
The staff was very prompt and very helpful.
- Aug. 06, 2024
Clean offices and very friendly staff!
- Jul. 15, 2024
Five stars all the way. This team is professional, caring, And helpful in every way. If you are look... ing for an optometrist or an optician, I recommend Dr. Green and Matt Lee most highly.
- Jun. 27, 2024
First time visit. Dr. Green and staff great! Very thorough and professional. Would recommend them.
- Jun. 19, 2024
While vacationing in beautiful St. Augustine my glasses got stepped on. They were badly bent and I ... was not sure they could even be straightened. Mr. Matt Lee took the challenge, even though the glasses were not made by Anastasia Eye Associates/The Vision Center. He repaired them and sent me on my way, and would not accept payment for his time or service. I am so very happy to recommend them to anyone and everyone! Thanks, Mr. Lee!
- Jun. 11, 2024
Very efficient and friendly.
- Jun. 09, 2024
Recently moved to St A from Maryland and had to find all new doctors. Anastasia Eye was a blessing.... Also purchased a pair of sunglasses from them - their professionalism and guidance was much appreciated .
- Jun. 05, 2024
Great experience. Matt was such a great help!
- May. 18, 2024
I appreciate that Matt is always willing to adjust my glasses and replace the pads at no charge. In ... fact all the staff are very friendly and provide great advice. They also carry a great selection of frames.
- May. 02, 2024
Anastasia Eye Associates are friendly, professional and very accommodating. Made my visit a pleasu... re.
- Apr. 30, 2024
Very good experience. My sight is the best it has been in years. Very professional and friendly.
- Apr. 30, 2024
Dr Greene and staff are excellent. Matt in the optical department is awesome. Goes above and beyon... d. Highly recommend
- Apr. 17, 2024
Dr. Greene has been my eye doctor for four years. Very thorough exams every time. Everyone that work... s there is helpful and professional. A great place to buy your prescription glasses. Thanks
- Apr. 04, 2024
I just had an eye exam with Dr. Greene and his office. From the front desk to his associates, you co... uldn’t ask for a more professional staff.Friendly and nice. It was a really great experience! Highly recommend their services!
- Mar. 20, 2024
Visited Anastasia Eye Associates on A1A this morning to replace the pads on the nose piece on my gla... sses. Optical Manager Matt took great care of me. Replaced the pads at No Charge (wow) and also noticed one the screws on my lens was loose and fixed that too. That was pretty awesome. We r visiting from Wisconsin and he sure helped us out. Highly recommend them!!! Thanks Matt!!! Sue Rheingans
- Mar. 01, 2024
I broke my eyeglasses and I only have the one pair. I found out that my optometrist does not do rep... airs and wouldn't even fit me a new frame. I called Anastsia Eye Associates and the receptionist told me to come in so they could do an assessment. Matt Lee the Optician took over 30 minutes finding a frame to match my lenses as he could not repair my broken frames. He then put my current lenses in the new frames and made sure they fit me properly. I was so impressed! They are now my Optometrist and I have an appointment later this month for a full exam. Thank you so much!
- Feb. 27, 2024
Broke my glasses while traveling, went to this establishment, and he was able to repair them in 10 ... minutes. No charge. A very fine looking business.
- Jan. 30, 2024
Ms. Katie, Thank You for being so kind during my appointment scheduling, you explained everything th... oroughly and returned my calls.
- Jan. 22, 2024
10 years of experience with Dr. Green, Matt and team. They provide seasoned expertise and excellent ... patient/customer care and service.

View All 265 Reviews

Dry Eyes Treatment in St. Augustine

Our optometry practice in St. Augustine

Photograph of Scott  Pearl
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 - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross

senior couple with dry eye

Don't suffer in silence

Contact us for lasting dry eye relief!

(904) 471-8750