woman with dry eye in front of a computer

Dry Eye Treatment in Willowbrook

Offering Lasting Relief For Dry, Itchy & Gritty Eyes

(281) 894-0011

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 Penn Eye Care 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 Willowbrook 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
220 Reviews
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- Aug. 26, 2024
Employees are very personable at this location. Because of their interest in me and care for what I... needed, I changed from a major glasses organization in Houston to them. So happy I did!
- Jul. 31, 2024
I love Dr Penn and his team. They always take good care of me and family.
- Jul. 03, 2024
The staff make you feel at home while providing superior customer service.
- Jun. 21, 2024
My new go to ! It was my first time going and the staff and doctor were 10/10 ! I truly felt taken c... are of from the moment I walked in to the moment I left.
- Jun. 06, 2024
Dr. Penn is a great doctor and his staff is top notch. I have been extremely satisfied with the eye ... care and eye ware at Penn Eye Care, for a couple of decades.
- May. 13, 2024
Great staff & customer service went over & beyond! Also great nice detailed doctor! My glasses also ... came back within the same week 🙂
- May. 03, 2024
Love the staff and the doctors. They provide excellent service
- Apr. 18, 2024
DR. Penn and each of his optometrist collegues- I have had the pleasure of meeting that has performe... d any of my eye exams- In both their experience and knowledge and treatment and caring nature yhry provide to their patients- can be described as nothing less than STELLAR - Optometrists- Equally as stellar to Dr. Penns expertise and treatment he provides to all his patients. The office staff at Dr. Penn’s optometry office - I sm a a long time patient of- for overt 12yrs, is beyond exemplary to say the least- Of the many years I have been a patient. They are happy, so professional, provide a welcome and accomading atmosphere, happy to help and always go above and beyond to assist patients with any and all questions or needs their customers have. They are exceptional, expietenced and beyond knowledgeabke, in both eye care- optometry,-,well educated as well is in caring and providing all customers material, or other physical eye care needs. Love Love Love - A*******.
- Mar. 25, 2024
Dr. Pen and his staff are outstanding! They are knowledgeable,professional and extremely kind and ca... ring.
- Mar. 18, 2024
The staff always provide quality service. I have been a customer over 20 years and purchased many pa... irs of glasses and am always pleased.
- Mar. 18, 2024
I love Penn Eye. The staff is truly amazing. They make me feel comfortable during my exams, all of m... y concerns are addressed and even the process of selecting a pair of frames is personalized. Thank y’all for truly caring about your patients!
- Mar. 04, 2024
The entire staff is wonderful! Dr. Penn is an amazing doctor who is very attentive to his patients.
- Dec. 22, 2023
Very good exam exam. Friendly environment
- Nov. 26, 2023
I am the second generation of my family that’s been going here for my whole life. I’ve referred ... friends here too. I just feel like I’m going to visit some family or friends when I come for my visit. Super professional and sweet people.
- Sep. 09, 2023
Friendly staff and great eyecare! Been a long time customer and highly recommend
- Sep. 07, 2023
Excellent customer service very professional.
- Sep. 02, 2023
Great service! And able to take care of my needs quick and efficient
- Aug. 19, 2023
The doctor was very extremely thorough and explained everything in detail.
- Jul. 27, 2023
Super nice people the whole staff!!! Very knowledgeable also we’ve found our home!
- Jun. 15, 2023
Excellent customer service! Glasses were ready in a week!

View All 220 Reviews

Dry Eyes Treatment in Willowbrook

Our optometry practice in Willowbrook

Photograph of Jeffrey  Penn
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 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

senior couple with dry eye

Don't suffer in silence

Contact us for lasting dry eye relief!

(281) 894-0011