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Dry Eye Treatment in Kokomo

Offering Lasting Relief For Dry, Itchy & Gritty Eyes

(765) 455-0404

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 Preferred Eye Care - Kokomo 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 Kokomo 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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348 Reviews
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- Aug. 17, 2024
Dr Kerby is an excellent doctor and the staff is friendly.
- Jun. 05, 2024
Dr. Kerby and the staff were all great! Front desk was kind and patient and the girl helping me pick... glasses was great as well! I was in and out in just about 1 hour. I think that’s pretty good for the exam, and picking out glasses! I will definitely recommend!
- May. 22, 2024
Very friendly and professional staff! Worked to find glasses and lenses within my budget and answere... d questions concisely and politely. Clean and cozy office as well!
- Mar. 19, 2024
They got me in for an appointment very off quickly, when other eye dr. offices were scheduling out 3... -4 weeks. Having fast onset vision problems they quickly referred me over to eye surgeons. Thank you so much!
- Mar. 14, 2024
Dr. Kerby is such a great doctor! He is so easy to talk to; he listens, and I trust his decisions on... the best treatment for my vision. His knowledge and experience is evident in his patient care. I'm very happy with this team for vision needs. Thank you, Dr. Kerby and staff!
- Mar. 14, 2024
Life changing service & staff!
- Feb. 12, 2024
I was recommended by a family member and was not disappointed! The staff here are all so friendly an... d personable. They have a great knack for treating you like a friend while maintaining the highest level of professionalism. Dr. Burkhart really took the time to explain things in a way that was easy to understand and made sure all concerns were addressed. Also, they had a huge selection of frames to choose from!
- Dec. 29, 2023
Preferred Eyecare is amazing! The doctors are always friendly, efficient and knowledgeable. The offi... ce staff are all so helpful and kind.
- Nov. 09, 2023
Our family loves this office! Unlike other doctors offices, they all greet you with a smile. Dr. Ker... by is amazing with us adults and our daughter who started seeing him at 3 months old!
- Nov. 01, 2023
Best eye Dr in town!!
- Sep. 06, 2023
From walking in to visit to exit everyone is great and friendly
- Aug. 25, 2023
Great Care and great people!
- Aug. 21, 2023
Great experience!
- Aug. 13, 2023
Dr Kerby and his staff are always courteous, caring and helpful. Dr Kerby thoroughly examines my ey... es and then explains what he finds. I'd highly recommend Preferred Eye Care!
- Aug. 08, 2023
Great doctor, my daughter has autism and he didn't get upset with her but instead tried to appeal to... her to get her attention for her exam.
- Jul. 27, 2023
I’m always treated kindly and the staff is very helpful and knowledgeable. I’m always happy with... my experience with this office.
- Jul. 14, 2023
Great experience each time we go. Both my kiddos got what they needed. Very knowledgeable staff
- Jul. 08, 2023
Great service from caring professionals
- Apr. 04, 2023
Best Eye care! Thank you so much!
- Mar. 08, 2023
Very accurate on glasses, takes the time to get the prescription right.

View All 348 Reviews

Dry Eyes Treatment in Kokomo

Our optometry practice in Kokomo

Photograph of Christopher  Kerby
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 1:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • Aetna
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Cigna
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed
  • Medicare
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • United Healthcare
  • VSP

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Don't suffer in silence

Contact us for lasting dry eye relief!

(765) 455-0404