woman with dry eye in front of a computer

Dry Eye Treatment in Willowbrook

Offering Lasting Relief For Dry, Itchy & Gritty Eyes

Schedule Eye Exam

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

Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

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 Treatment in Willowbrook

Our optometry practice in Willowbrook

Photograph of Sandra  Bui
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
Patient Reviews
4.9
163 Reviews
5
4
3
2
1
- Mar. 27, 2023
SUPER impressed. Dr. Penn and his entire staff are skilled, kind and welcoming. They took all my anx... ieties away about my eyes, and it was a really good visit. Dr. Penn took time to answer ALL of my many questions and Noe took time to help me find a pair of glasses that looked good on me. The whole staff welcomed us and even weighed in on the glasses. My husband saw the other Doctor there and we both felt they took very good care of us. Then when we can back to pick up our glasses the entire staff welcomed us and helped us! Our minds were blown. They offer a wide range of prices from discount to designer on glasses and give you your prescription if you ask for it. We highly recommend this place.
- Feb. 14, 2023
Have use Dr. Penn for almost 40 years. He and his staff have always provide great service. I highl... y recommend them.
- Feb. 12, 2023
Love the service always given by Dr. Penn and Holly and staff! Holly knows her clients, by name, an... d always knows what you need. I am a 20 + year customer.
- Jan. 16, 2023
Dr. Penn and his staff are excellent. Highly recommend talking to Holly if your in need of any conta... cts or glasses. She is the best when it comes to knowing the best styles and fits for your particular face. Thanks for always taking care of me.
- Nov. 29, 2022
Dr. Penn is honestly the best there is in his field. Trust me my eyes are a mess and he always gets ... my prescriptions correct. When he retires I am going to need him to see me at his house. It gives me anxiety just thinking about him retiring. 🙂
- Oct. 28, 2022
I have been coming to Dr. Penn for a few years now. Even when I moved away I still traveled back for... visits. His staff has been helpful and treat you like family
- Oct. 23, 2022
I was referred to Penn eye care by a coworker and would recommend them for their great service.
- Oct. 11, 2022
I look forward to my visits
- Aug. 11, 2022
I have being seen by Dr. Penn for more than 15 years for my eye care needs. Excellent service and ve... ry satisfied. Definitely will recommend visiting for eye care
- Aug. 05, 2022
Quiet, clean, not too long of a wait! The Dr. Was quick and very nice! Overall great experience!
- Aug. 05, 2022
Been going here for years and never had a bad experience here ever.
- Jul. 19, 2022
Great office team that is always ready to help and Dr. Penn is a great doctor that really makes you ... feel very confortable throughout the visit.
- Jul. 05, 2022
Very nice and professional staff and Dr. Penn has always taken care of us.
- Apr. 04, 2022
The doctor is quick and efficient. The staff is equally efficient, friendly, and knowledgeable.
- Mar. 04, 2022
I am treated like a queen when I walk into Dr. Penn's. I love these ladies and Dr. Penn is a longtim... e friend. Have tried others, but I always come back to Dr. Penn. Trusted, Tried, and True.
- Feb. 20, 2022
I have trusted Dr. Penn with my eye care for over 20 years. (Going back to his days at Eyemasters) ... He and his staff are a solution oriented team of eye care professionals. Whether it’s routine or emergency care they are there when you need them.
- Feb. 15, 2022
I’ve been coming to Penn Eye Care for years now since they accept my insurance. Everyone here has ... always been nice, attentive, and provide great customer service. Their new doctor, Dr. Kim, was great as well. As long as they continue to accept my insurance, I’ll keep returning here for glasses.
- Dec. 27, 2021
Love Dr. Penn and the staff!! Been coming to them for years.
- Dec. 04, 2021
Professional service and staff are very friendly thanks
- Nov. 23, 2021
Great service! My oldest child is 24 now and we've been coming to Dr. Penn for years. I saw Dr. Kim... yesterday and liked her as well!

View All 163 Reviews

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

senior couple with dry eye

Don't suffer in silence

Contact us for lasting dry eye relief!

Schedule Eye Exam